Coilover compression question - positioning

[Kyngfish]

Hey all,

Quick question. I'm about to pop in new coilovers in the front. I bought the entire setup from a reputable vendor that I found on these forums. I received the coilovers, and all looks great, except that when I watch the video tutorials, it says that the bottom end of the spring should be sort of perpendicular to the wheel, meaning that the clipped off end should be facing the same direction as the headlights. Since the bottom bolt threads from front to back - that means that the end of the spring should be facing the same direction as the lower bolt hole.

The coilovers I received, this isn't the case. The clipped off bottom end of the spring faces perpendicular to the bolt hole.

Just wondering if this is a problem. As I understand it, the reason for this, is so that the coil doesn't hit portions of the spindle during full extension, but I imagine since different coils are different lengths and have different coil numbers, this positioning is really relative to the type of spring.

The springs are OME 880s, and the shocks are tundra 5100s.

Thanks!

 

[shootmymime]

Hey all,

Quick question. I'm about to pop in new coilovers in the front. I bought the entire setup from a reputable vendor that I found on these forums. I received the coilovers, and all looks great, except that when I watch the video tutorials, it says that the bottom end of the spring should be sort of perpendicular to the wheel, meaning that the clipped off end should be facing the same direction as the headlights. Since the bottom bolt threads from front to back - that means that the end of the spring should be facing the same direction as the lower bolt hole.

The coilovers I received, this isn't the case. The clipped off bottom end of the spring faces perpendicular to the bolt hole.

Just wondering if this is a problem. As I understand it, the reason for this, is so that the coil doesn't hit portions of the spindle during full extension, but I imagine since different coils are different lengths and have different coil numbers, this positioning is really relative to the type of spring.

The springs are OME 880s, and the shocks are tundra 5100s.

Thanks!

Ive never heard of that, the spring is the same diameter through out.

so the reason they say that the lower portion of the spring needs to be pointing a certain direction is so as the suspension unloads, the upper ball joint / spindle can fit in between the coils on the spring.

this is not true for all cases, some coils have different lengths, spring rates, and preload on them.

so for this to work for one person may not work for you.

also if when you go to install it. you may find that the lower eyelet does not line up with the bolt hole on the lower control arm. the lower portion of the shock can rotate and you can align them up to get the lower bolt in the control arm and through the shock lower eyelet.

 

[Shibby!]

Usually the spring seat has a shape to account for the bottom coil. The spring should fit into the recessed part if the spring is not flat on the bottom.

Pictures would be helpful.

 

[shootmymime]

Usually the spring seat has a shape to account for the bottom coil. The spring should fit into the recessed part if the spring is not flat on the bottom.

Pictures would be helpful.

your correct with standard struts, with actual coilovers its flat, it all depends on what he has. he said coilovers but are they really the flat adjustable coilovers we upgrade to.

 

[Kyngfish]

Usually the spring seat has a shape to account for the bottom coil. The spring should fit into the recessed part if the spring is not flat on the bottom.

Pictures would be helpful.

I'll put pictures up, but they do have a shaped seat for the little pigtail. But I'm just referring to MBTIM's video and the Speedy's Garage video, both of them place the pigtail end facing the headlights, the way mine are positioned, the clipped end of the pigtail will run perpendicular to the wheels instead of parallel.

I did contact wheeler's offroad, and they said they position them intentionally that way, and the clipped end of the pigtail should be at the back. Something to do with the hole in the seat or on the shock, and it getting filled with debris?

 

[phattyduck]

Stock for stock, you should follow the FSM. Now that you have aftermarket stuff, just run it as assembled.

Make sure you have clearance to the spring at full droop and you are good to go.

-Charlie

 

[Kyngfish]

Stock for stock, you should follow the FSM. Now that you have aftermarket stuff, just run it as assembled.

Make sure you have clearance to the spring at full droop and you are good to go.

-Charlie

I'm assuming full droop is with the end links and outer tie rod end connected?

 

[phattyduck]

I'm assuming full droop is with the end links and outer tie rod end connected?

Swaybar endlinks removed (as they kinda need to be for the coilover swap anyway) - tie rods should be able to stay in place as they shouldn't limit movement if the steering wheel is unlocked.

-Charlie

 

[reelamin]

They can go any place you want them....just turn the seat and the end will be where ever you want. Are these already put together? If they are...run em...and if there is a problem call Wheelers to help you out. They obviously set them up a certain way for their stuff.

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

As far as I know the spring seat position only matters with the TRD tundra springs, which are wound differently and have a slightly larger diameter. I don't think the position of the spring matters with the 880 so what Wheelers told you is valid.