Plus 2 Front Shock Absorbers

[rjaxe]

Can anyone tell me the correct angle between the shock absorber body extended centre line and the anti-roll bar stud centre line. It looks around 15 degrees on some shocks I have but I am not sure if this is correct.
Richard

[TeeJay]

Richard,
I have scanned the GA Arrangement of Front Suspension. Hope this is readable.

In the calculations it is assumed that at "Normal Ride" height a 90 degree angle is opposite the hypotenuse (11.94"- Normal Ride) with the opposite side = to 11.26". Using the Pythagorean Theorem, I calculate an angle = 18 degrees.

[rjaxe]

Thanks Trevor, this is a useful diagram and is very clear.

[CBUEB1771]

Beware this diagram! Lotus copied it straight from the Elan Workshop Manual. The length dimensions for the spring/damper unit at various ride conditions are correct for the Elan, not the +2. I discovered this some years ago when I made up a set of fixed links to hold the front suspension at normal ride height while the +2 was up on jackstands.

[rjaxe]

Removed and measured the angle on the existing shock absorbers, this was about 30 degrees. I think Russ's point about using the diagram dimensions is thus well made. The spare shocks I had seen turned out to be from a baby elan which are shorter and have an angle of around 15 degrees. This was obvious when the two types were placed side by side.
So new adjustable Protech's have been duly purchased ready to be fitted during the winter overhaul of the suspension.
Thanks as usual for everyones help and next time I will try to post the question in the right forum.
Richard