High Rear End

[KevJ+2]

I now have the body bolted on to my rebuilt rolling chassis and all seems okay apart from the rear end.
I know this has been questioned many times but after searching the history files the answer seems to fall into two categories. Tightening the suspension with added weight but trying to achieve horizontal wishbones. At my stage, the body is stripped bare so adding weight is going to take some guess work. I am concerned about the high rear end as it's putting a lot of stress on the rotoflex couplings. At the moment I have compressors on the springs to lessen the effect but it still looks high (think Santa Pod).
Is it best to load the body to achieve horizontal wishbones then tighten everything or calculate the weight. Everything is new including standard replacement springs, GAZ adjustable inserts, wishbones, bushes etc.
All thoughts appreciated,
Kev.

[rgh0]

I would leave the rotoflex disconnected until you get the rebuild complete and the car to its normal weight. Tightening the bushes in the suspension should also be left until this time. The spring rate effect of the bushes is very small, the reason for not tightening is to set them at normal ride height when you finish the car so the time they spend at full deflection is limited as its the full deflection that can shorten their life.

cheers
Rohan

[KevJ+2]

Thanks Rohan,
As it's a total PITA to undo and then do up the couplings, would it be easier for me to leave the spring compressors (compensating the load) until the rebuild completion?
Kev.

[elansprint71]

Kev- daft question but have you rolled the car backwards and forwards a bit? If you've just dropped it down off the jacks the suspension will not be "relaxed".

Can you post a photo?

[tonyr27]

I've just put the S3 back on the floor this afternoon after refurbishing the dampers

It's sitting high, but not concerned as it will settle after the first run out.

TonyR

[rgh0]

Thanks Rohan,
As it's a total PITA to undo and then do up the couplings, would it be easier for me to leave the spring compressors (compensating the load) until the rebuild completion?
Kev.

Yes just leave the spring compression on if you don't want to disconnect the donuts

cheers
Rohan