My '77 S3 88" has had parabolic suspension fitted by a previous owner. It is normally only lightly loaded but even so the ride is very hard. On inspection the gap at the back between the hangers at the mount is 2 7/16" but 3" across the bushes on the springs. Hence if all done up tight the hangers crush the bushes. I'm assuming that either I'm a spacer missing or I've got the wrong springs on? Can anyone offer some advice? I do have small workshop so can make up a spacer if required. piccie attached. I loosened off the Hanger bolt to show the size of the gap on the left hand end.
300bhp/ton
Well-Known Member
poly bushes use a metal insert that should get 'crushed' when tightened down. This allows the bush to rotate about it. OEM rubber bushes work slightly differently, although they still crush the inset, but the rubber then stretches and twists.
How many leaves are in the spring pack. For some reason most, as in 99% of all parabolic retailers in the UK only sell HD spring packs, which frankly ride like ****e when unloaded. You want two or three leaves maximum for light loading.
How many leaves are in the spring pack. For some reason most, as in 99% of all parabolic retailers in the UK only sell HD spring packs, which frankly ride like ****e when unloaded. You want two or three leaves maximum for light loading.
Thanks for the prompt answer , the rear pack has 3 and the front pack 2 leaves. I already keep a load of heavy stuff in the back to take the edge off the ride but it still doesn't feel right
I'll try it with some washers and if its better I'll make up spacers, many thanks.
Wildefalcon
Well-Known Member
I think, I hope, this is right (photos).
Just noticed that there IS a lean on these, but they are torqued correctly, I'll have to inspect that once once the body has been fitted, and I've done a few lanes.
Just noticed that there IS a lean on these, but they are torqued correctly, I'll have to inspect that once once the body has been fitted, and I've done a few lanes.
to misquote "I need some bigger tools"Wildefalcon
Well-Known Member
Wildefalcon
Well-Known Member
Finish the lightweight, build the 2a lwb station wagon, then rebuild the S3 pickup.
Say, next Tuesday?
Say, next Tuesday?
