Bilsteins vs. Tokico HTS struts and what springs then?

[LittleBlueGT]

Alright, maybe I'm just not getting it. If I left the stock struts on and put JDM tophats, and kept same springs, the set-up would be higher. Understood. But isn't the spring perch lower on a JDM-specific strut, thus equalizing the raise if I had stuck to a USDM strut on a JDM tophat? Not trying to fight. just trying to get it right in my own head.

 

How much did your ION HD's lower the rear?

 

 

Not a lot, maybe on average about 40lbs on a day-to-day basis. But every now and then it can creep up to 2-300lbs if I'm moving stuff.

 

Spring perch on JDM struts are same height as USDM ones. JDM springs are lower springs even though car does not sit lower.

 

I sold my JDM springs from my Bilsteins to another member, it lowered his front by about 1/2 inch.

 

The iON HDs lowered the rear about 1/8 of an inch, but I have a sedan. That is why I cut my HD rears. (I know that sounds bad but it was real easy and works great)

[Scottybue]

Got it. Do you think there would be a problem with JDM ion's in front with Ion HD's in the rear with JDM tophats and JDM dampers? Possibly too much of a forward lean?

[LittleBlueGT]

Got it. Do you think there would be a problem with JDM ion's in front with Ion HD's in the rear with JDM tophats and JDM dampers? Possibly too much of a forward lean?

 

Possibly.

 

That is exactly what I have, but I cut 55% of one coil off of my HD rears.

 

You can always get the normal wagon rear springs and put an extra spacer in.

 

 

 

Are you doing the install on your own?

[HansGT]

I cut 55% of one coil off of my HD rears.

 

?

 

does this change the spring rate?

[LittleBlueGT]

does this change the spring rate?

 

Yes it does, it makes it a little bit stiffer, not by much cause I only cut off about 6% of the whole spring.

 

If you cut a spring you cannot use heat, cause that changes the characterictics fo the steel.

 

I took mine to a machine shop, took them about 30 seconds to cut it and cost me $10. I erred on the safe side and ended up cutting it twice. First time I cut off 1/4 of a coil, re-installed on car, then took off again and cut off a little more then 1/4 coil for a total of a little more then half a coil.

 

You cannot cut the top of the spring as it tapers to a flat end. The bottom part is what I cut, the part that sits on the perch attached to the shock.