Suspension Springs, shocks, coilovers, sways, braces, etc.

Does coilover height affect ride

Old 10-02-12, 08:33 AM
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uncandid
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Default Does coilover height affect ride

Does coilover height affect ride quality? I've heard on the BCR's it doesn't but then I've heard the opposite, anyone tried different heights and noticed a difference? I'm running BCR's and i'm getting them adjusted today to try and help ride quality. I'm running stock 18's and lowered to no gap and the ride it just too rough (not bumpy) on any damper setting. MIght ask them to reset preload but not sure that will make a difference. thanks for any ideas.
Old 10-02-12, 09:45 AM
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Boron
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Of course it doesn't - that 3" reduction in suspension travel you've just created has no bearing whatsoever on ride quality.
Lexus were toying with us all along, as it's obviously surplus to requirement!

All facetiousness aside, sit and think for a moment about what you've done - here's a bit of a clue..........reduced travel, and increased spring stiffness.
Now what do YOU think is going to happen when you hit a bump?

At least you're running on 18s, so the tyre will provide some cushioning, but your description of "too rough" does not convey anything of use for us to help you with.
Old 10-02-12, 10:17 AM
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yes it does effect the ride quality but depending if the coilovers have adjustable dampening, you can set the ride up for a bit softer ride. granted it will not be 100% like the stock ride but it wouldnt be very harsh either.
Old 10-02-12, 10:25 AM
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LelloLexus
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If you use the wrong perches to adjust your ride height you will change your spring rates, impacting the ride quality.

Unless you are corner balancing the car or know what you're doing you can tweak your spring rates to your liking...but it can cause premature strut failure and you could really ruin your ride quality.
Old 10-02-12, 11:04 AM
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uncandid
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Than ks for the info guys. I'll update after i get to the shop and get them to reset the preload to make sure the sping rates are what they are suppose to be.
Old 10-02-12, 11:17 AM
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yea true, make sure you adjust them correctly and not increase the spring rates
Old 10-02-12, 01:32 PM
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just got back and after test driving different ride height, everything from almost slammed to almost stock, the ride quailty didn't really make a huge change. it was slightly, slightly better when the car was lifted, but not enough to justify lifting it. Preload was at 5mm. only problem now is the car still has a slight pull to the right on any road, even after an alignment and new tires. Maybe worn suspension components, anyone had to replace any bushings on the control arms?
Old 10-02-12, 01:36 PM
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Simmsled
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Did you adjust the suspension back to the EXACT height it was when you got an alignment?
Old 10-02-12, 01:41 PM
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With a dual-height adjustable setup like the BC's you won't lose internal shock travel like you will on a single adjustable setup, so that's good.

BUT, when you lower a car you are messing with suspension travel and geometry on the arms/links side of things, and that will affect how the car handles and rides. Raise it up a bit and see how that feels.
Old 10-02-12, 02:46 PM
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uncandid
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after all the testing was done with height adjustment, i did another alignment just to make sure.
Old 10-03-12, 08:10 AM
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If you don't have the swift springs for your BC Racing coilovers, I would look into upgrading the springs to Swift.

Swift springs uses a different material from the Standard BCR Springs, and from doing research online they do offer a smoother ride compared to the standard BC Racing Spring.
Old 10-03-12, 08:36 AM
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Simmsled
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Originally Posted by uncandid
after all the testing was done with height adjustment, i did another alignment just to make sure.
Does it track straight now? Were you able to get the #s within spec?
Old 10-03-12, 01:53 PM
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i've heard that about the swift springs but wasn't quite sure that the purpose of them was to create a smoother ride, can anyone comment?

Well the alignment was done on a hunter machine and its within spec, still pulls a little, drives me nuts
Old 10-03-12, 02:33 PM
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uncandid
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Also still have the noise on the right rear
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