Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Gents,
This has come about due to a discussion on cv drive shafts in another thread so can anyone shed any light.
I have just replaced the complete rear suspension, bushes, shocks, springs, CV drive shafts, etc etc. The springs fitted are 40cm free length (advised ny spyder this is correct and lotus shop manual incorrect) and my old ones (30+ years old were 40cm). The engine and box are out but all other items apart from fuel tank are on the car. The problem is I have a 4" clearance under the rear wheel arch (26" from the floor) and I now have positive camber. I appreciate if I roll the car the tyres will move a little, but can anyone shed any light as to why the car should sit so high? Does it need miles on it to allow it to settle?

cheers
Mark

Have you driven it since making the swap? My car is high after I do work on it until I drive it a short distance. Maybe I have a problem I don'tknow about, but all seems OK.
Paul
65 S2

You have left the suspension bolts (wishbone inner and outer) un-torqued for now I assume?

Also without the engine and box (and suitable ballast for the driver) the suspension will be way too high at both ends

Mark,

suggest that you don't worry about it too much until you've driven the car and allowed the suspension to settle. I changed the rear springs on a Sunbeam Alpine a few years ago and it looked like a hot rod at first but settled down after a few days of regular use.

Simon

Following up on M100's response, all suspension bushing must be tightened and torqued up at the ride height. This will make a remarkable difference in the driving height of the car.

engine , transmission and tank with fuel will ad a lot of weight. I would wait until these are on before passing any judgement