Mark,
Yes, my CAT springs were 10-1/2". I recall being told when I bought them
that prior people had complained about the springs giving too tall a ride
height, BUT now they were complaining that these new springs (the ones I got)
gave too low a ride height. Regardless they seemed to high to me. I wanted a
very mild rake to the front (1/2" - 3/4") but it was the opposite with a (1/2"
- 3/4") rake to the rear. And, as I said, I loaded the car to simulate the
missing weight of missing items. In the end I wound up cutting about a full
coil (most of it the flat part) to get the rake that I wanted. I am a bit
concern now hearing Larry's comment about the settling of nearly an inch but
only time will tell.
My insulator problem stems I think from the fact that I put the cut end at
the top. This heavily loaded just a portion of the insulator and distorted it.
On list advise I put the cut at the bottom. I also welded on a 1/4 circle
piece of the cut end so the spring would at least have support at two points
180 degrees from the other. I know that heating springs is not recommended,
but my Mig welder is not high amp and I did all I could to minimize the heat.
At one point I thought I had gone too far in my cut (when the cut end
distorted the insulator) and made some shims. They were from a sheet of
reinforced rubber (with the cloth like internal material) it was 1/8" or
3/16". I cut them with large hole saws I got at Harbor Freight. I think that
the approx. 2"- 6" saw package was about $4.00 on sale. The rubber I had, but
assume can be bought at most "better" hardware stores ((likely not chain
stores). Tack the rubber down, cut the inner hole FIRST then using the same
guide hole cut the outside. These were atually very effective, easily made and
inexspensive. I would think the reinforced rubber would very well outlast the
insulator. I was even thinking about making them and seling them, but now...
the cat is out of the bag.
Tom Witt B9470101
PS Be aware of the smell when cutting. TW
----- Original Message -----
From: CoolVT@aol.com
To: wittsend@jps.net
Sent: Thursday, March 18, 2004 7:22 PM
Subject: Re: Front suspension advice needed
Tom,
Thanks for the spring measurement. Did you happen to measure your old
springs and your CAT springs before you installed them? My old were 12" high
and the CAT ones were
10 1/2". Apparently CAT had different springs over the years because I've
heard other people say that the CAT springs actually raised the fronts of
their cars.
I am discussing the difference with Theo. He may be right that if I add 1
1/2" that it will raise the car by 3". But, it must also follow that the 1
1/2" shorter springs must have lowered the front by 3". So, maybe I am trying
to raise it 3" :-) The discussion goes on. Again, thanks for the
measurements. As soon as I get the thickness nailed down I can get the pieces
made. I am lucky to have a reasonable shop close by that will make them up
for me.
BTW, when I installed springs about 12 yrs ago I didn't have the trouble
that you described with the rubber insulator. Probably just dumb luck, but I
will watch for that. Thanks for the "heads up."
Happy motoring.
Mark L.
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