This kit has been designed specifically for road use with the view to limited tarmac competition events. If used for off-road purposes, strengthening modifications will need to be made, as failure may be a possibility.
All wheels and tire combinations fitted to the vehicle should be inspected as it is essential that there is enough clearance between the wheel . tire and suspension units. Very minor adjustments using wheel spacers may be required otherwise.
This kit is designed to run at a specific ride height. The adjustment spring platforms allow corner weights to be set accurately. Further lowering may requires body work modifications.
Fitting (Front)
People familiar with the Mini suspension arrangements should only carry out fitting.
The general fitting procedure is as follows:
1. Remove the shock absorber and suspension cone rubber
2. Wet suspension models: remove all the fluid and pressure from the system. It is best to remove the entire hydro bags from the system; although not necessary
3. Remove upper shock mount on dry suspension models.
4. Remove the top suspension arm ball joint and nut.
5. Loosely fit new upper damper bracket on original fixing using ¼ UNK bolts supplied (there are two additional fixing holes provided in this bracket for increased strength if required)
6. Loosely fit the top of the cradle over the top arm ball joint with the 7/16 UNF nyloc nut.
7. Loosely fit the two side plates using the 3/8 and 5/16 UNF bolts supplied, making sure the double side plates is towards the front of the car and is handed accordingly (welded spacer facing towards the back of the car)
8. With the 3/8 UNF damper bolt loosely in position through the side plates tighten the 7/16 UNF nyloc nut and the 5/16 UNF bolt that runs through the suspension arm to the correct torque (see below)
9. Remove the 3/8 UNF damper bolt and loosely fit the coil-over damper unit in position; re-fit the 3/8 UNF damper bolt with sufficient washers to space the unit on the bottom mount. Mount the unit vertically with the ½ UNF upper damper bolt using the spacer tubes provided to ensure no sideways movement of the unit. Adjustment may need to be made to the upper tubes and lower washers spacers as necessary to ensure a vertically mounted unit.
10. Tighten bolts to torque settings provided.
- ¼ UNF damper bracket bolts- manufacturers recommendations
- 3/8 UNF side plate through bolts 35lbf/ft.
- 5/16 UNF bottom damper mount through bolt 30lbf/ft.
- 7/16 UNF ball joint nut manufactures recommendations.
- ½ UNF upper damper mount through bolt- 40lbf/ft.
11.When fully assembled check clearances of wheels and tires.
Rear
1. In order to gain access to the nearside rear upper damper mount the fuel tank will need to be removed from the vehicle.
2. Remove the standard damper units, suspension cones and rubbers on dry cars. On Hydro cars helper spring and bags should be removed.
3. When viewing the wheel arch bay from the outside, two thin steel angle reinforcement plates can be seen just below the upper damper mounting point. These must be gently tapped back into the wheel arch using a soft or copper facet mallet. (protection should be applied to any exposed metalwork).
4. When adequate clearance has been achieved fir the new unit to the lower arm pin. (Note: These units are handed and offset, they should be fitted to the correct side of the vehicle with the adjustment screws facing the rear of the vehicle).
5. Swing the assembly upwards and refit the coil-over unit in the same way as a standard unit.
6. Check wheel and tire clearances.
7. Re-fit the fuel tank.
8. Small adjustments may now be made to establish correct corner weights by adjusting the pre-load on the coil springs.
Spax shock absorbers are fully adjustable and setting instructions are marked clearly on the units. Fitting clearances cannot be guaranteed but only minor modifications should be required. It should also be understood that long-term exposure to corrosive conditions, i.e. Salt/acids will reduce the life of the unit. Driving in sandy or dusty conditions for a prolonged period may have an adverse effect. Regular washing and maintenance will be essential under these conditions.
