Important PSA if you've deleted t-bars and installed coilovers.
10-04-2010, 10:20 AM
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Drifting
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Important PSA if you've deleted t-bars and installed coilovers.
And you are a mechanical half-wit like myself.
When I installed my coilovers (Bilstein Escort cup), I only had one big-azz washer to use on either side of the car for the lower shock mount (bolt to the aluminum control arm). Without much thinking, I put the big azz washer between the coilover and the lower control arm. Stoopid thing to do.
It took a while, but with the rear/lower shock mounts held by a bolt through a rubber bushing (duh) it was only a matter of time before the lower shock collar (the steel loop around the bushing) slipped off the bushing, leaving the bushing bolted in place, with the coilover completely off.
Of course it happens while a friend (the guy who sold me my Spec Racer Ford) is doing laps at Summit Point Shenandoah circuit. Fortunately, the right rear just collapsed and he was able to pull off without harm. So the car gets flat-bedded into the paddock and I'm thinking something catastrophic (and wondering how I'm getting home). We jack it up and in about 15 minutes get it back together but this time with a big washer on both sides.
So, if you're not sure, go check. Basically from the left side of the car to the right, it should be:
Control Arm|Washer|Coilover|Washer|Bolt ---- Bolt|Washer|Coilover|Washer|Control Arm
When I installed my coilovers (Bilstein Escort cup), I only had one big-azz washer to use on either side of the car for the lower shock mount (bolt to the aluminum control arm). Without much thinking, I put the big azz washer between the coilover and the lower control arm. Stoopid thing to do.
It took a while, but with the rear/lower shock mounts held by a bolt through a rubber bushing (duh) it was only a matter of time before the lower shock collar (the steel loop around the bushing) slipped off the bushing, leaving the bushing bolted in place, with the coilover completely off.
Of course it happens while a friend (the guy who sold me my Spec Racer Ford) is doing laps at Summit Point Shenandoah circuit. Fortunately, the right rear just collapsed and he was able to pull off without harm. So the car gets flat-bedded into the paddock and I'm thinking something catastrophic (and wondering how I'm getting home). We jack it up and in about 15 minutes get it back together but this time with a big washer on both sides.
So, if you're not sure, go check. Basically from the left side of the car to the right, it should be:
Control Arm|Washer|Coilover|Washer|Bolt ---- Bolt|Washer|Coilover|Washer|Control Arm
