Barry G Posted June 9, 2022 Report Share Posted June 9, 2022 Hi, just got a TR7/8 conversion. there seems to be a lot of vertical play on the front wheels when the car is jacked up. I removed both of the macpherson struts and found that when the shock absorber is at full extension the coil spring is loose. i.e there was no need to compress the springs. Can anyone tell me if this is normal or are my shock absorbers to long. any help appreciated Thanks Barry Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Grinnal Posted June 21, 2022 Report Share Posted June 21, 2022 Hi Barry, Are they standard TR7 struts i.e 4 stud wheels ? Mike Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Barry G Posted June 25, 2022 Author Report Share Posted June 25, 2022 Yes, it’s a V8 and has red coil springs. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BusheyTrader Posted June 26, 2022 Report Share Posted June 26, 2022 Red coil springs suggest these may be the shortened uprated items like those sold by Rimmer and Robsport. No guarantee that someone hasn’t cut them down though. I fitted these all round on my DHC to replace the ageing TriumphTune items. I don’t remember fitting the front ones without using a spring compressor. However it’s different at the rear. if the car was to go airborne, the shorter springs don’t stay under compression and could become detached. Like others I’ve fitted heavy duty tie wraps to hold the spring in place, just in case……. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Howard722 Posted June 26, 2022 Report Share Posted June 26, 2022 What is the free length of your springs and what is the `wire` diameter of the coils. I have a standard set and an HD/lowered set in my spares stash. Comparison might shed some info? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Wayne Scott Posted June 28, 2022 Report Share Posted June 28, 2022 I have lowered springs on mine, about 'as low as you can go' but whilst you can spin the springs by hand with the car jacked up and the wheels in the air, you still need a spring compressor to remove them. So, sounds like something is adrift. Difficult to help without seeing it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
boxofbits Posted June 28, 2022 Report Share Posted June 28, 2022 (edited) I would say measure the ride height on flat level ground and compare it with the standard ride height to the wheel arches as per the manual. The problem you might encounter with shorter springs is that in ‘bump’ the standard strut can bottom out in hard cornering or over bumps, and I had the exact same problem when I lowered a Mk1 Cortina which has Macpherson struts using the same method and with a dislocated spring when jacked up. You can put a cable tie on the strut insert to see how much the piston travels. Kevin Edited June 28, 2022 by boxofbits Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Barry G Posted July 30, 2022 Author Report Share Posted July 30, 2022 I’ve had an aluminium spacer machined 10 mm thick, this takes up the slack when the car is jacked. seems to be fine, I was just wondering if any one else found this issue. Barry Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BusheyTrader Posted August 1, 2022 Report Share Posted August 1, 2022 Not me. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Grimblewiz Posted August 19, 2023 Report Share Posted August 19, 2023 Hi all. just bought a TR7 with a V8 SD1 lump in it. It was originally refurbed in the late 90’s. I thought the o/s front spring was broken but on stripping it out found someone has fitted some sort of restriction device to keep the coil permanently compressed. I’ve cut this off and now I seem to have the same problem as Barry G. The fitted spring is a smidge over 10” when free. Any help greatly appreciated Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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