Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Suspension/Steering => Topic started by: booksix on September 07, 2007, 12:16:04 AM

Title: 1/8" tire to coil-over spring clearance...?
Post by: booksix on September 07, 2007, 12:16:04 AM
Is 1/8" between the tire and a coil-over spring enough clearance?  I've had this coil-over kit for a few years and it didn't fit with my 17x9's.  Now that I have SN95 spindles, my measurements seem to tell me I'll have 1/8" (maybe a tiny more) clearance and, since I'm tearing it all apart to put fox stang a-arms on anyway, I want to put the coil-overs on!  What do you all think?
Title: 1/8" tire to coil-over spring clearance...?
Post by: 88turbo on September 07, 2007, 12:47:13 AM
I think we need some pics :hick:
Title: 1/8" tire to coil-over spring clearance...?
Post by: gumby on September 07, 2007, 06:41:18 AM
1/8" is pretty close, but i have seen it work. now that doesnt mean the tire never rubs the spring either :hick:

it may be possible to get a spring with a shorter free length to move the spring totally above the tire, giving you more room to work with. what rate and length are your current springs?
Title: 1/8" tire to coil-over spring clearance...?
Post by: booksix on September 07, 2007, 02:21:27 PM
ok, well.. this is bad, but i don't remember the rate...  it was about 4 years ago and the tool sold me a fox mustang "street" kit, granatelli (which didn't fit with my wheels even though he said it would and the rear STILL doesn't work with my shocks even though he said it would!).

the front springs are 12" uncompressed...
Title: 1/8" tire to coil-over spring clearance...?
Post by: JeremyB on September 07, 2007, 03:10:20 PM
Quote from: booksix;174924
ok, well.. this is bad, but i don't remember the rate...  it was about 4 years ago and the tool sold me a fox mustang "street" kit, granatelli (which didn't fit with my wheels even though he said it would and the rear STILL doesn't work with my shocks even though he said it would!).

Have I ever mentioned that Granatelli is a massive douche bag? (http://"http://www.corner-carvers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25368")

Consider it mentioned.
Title: 1/8" tire to coil-over spring clearance...?
Post by: booksix on September 07, 2007, 03:17:26 PM
Honestly, I didn't read the link, but I wasn't really asking for opinions.  It's the only kit I could afford at the time because of a sale and it's what I have...  end of story.  So, while I'm sure you're just trying to let everyone know you had a bad experience (and usually I totally appreciate that), I don't need anyone trashing the parts I'm trying to put on my car.  I'm just here asking for help...
Title: 1/8" tire to coil-over spring clearance...?
Post by: JeremyB on September 07, 2007, 03:32:29 PM
Quote from: booksix;174938
Honestly, I didn't read the link, but I wasn't really asking for opinions.  It's the only kit I could afford at the time because of a sale and it's what I have...  end of story.  So, while I'm sure you're just trying to let everyone know you had a bad experience, I don't need anyone trashing the parts I'm try to put on my car.  I'm just here asking for help...
I wasn't asking your opinion. Granatelli sucks. Period.

Having said that, your thread isn't the place to discuss it. Sorry.



I would install the kit and check. 1/8" might be enough clearance depending on what is near what. Is the trouble spot the wheel and collar, wheel and spring, tire and collar, tire and spring?
Title: 1/8" tire to coil-over spring clearance...?
Post by: CougarSE on September 07, 2007, 03:48:06 PM
1/8" spacer?
Title: 1/8" tire to coil-over spring clearance...?
Post by: thundr306 on September 07, 2007, 04:20:47 PM
I really wouldn't run a front spacer. There is a very little amount of play with the mounting bolts for the strut to spindle mount. You may be able to loosen them and push the top of the strut some while you tighten it. Here is a pic of how close mine is:

(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a242/thundr306/87%20turbo%20coupe/DSC02606.jpg)
Title: 1/8" tire to coil-over spring clearance...?
Post by: Kitz Kat on September 07, 2007, 07:30:01 PM
Jim is that in the wheel or against the tire.hard to tell on the pic.
by the way lookin good.
Title: 1/8" tire to coil-over spring clearance...?
Post by: *MAYHEM* on September 07, 2007, 07:44:10 PM
Is that the clearance with the suspension unloaded or when it's at static load? If unloaded you may be ok. but that's still too close for my comfort. Under hard cornering the sidewall may flex enough to rub.
Title: 1/8" tire to coil-over spring clearance...?
Post by: thundr306 on September 07, 2007, 09:13:58 PM
I was just trying to show booksix that mine is very close too. That pic is with no motor in the car. It is close, but the pic makes it look really close. I am actually looking for some 17x8's to help the issue.
Jim
Title: 1/8" tire to coil-over spring clearance...?
Post by: SLEEPER T-BIRD 87 on September 08, 2007, 12:12:25 AM
It will be fine the wheel/tire to strut clearance doesn't move unless you run a tall tire thats low on air..
Title: 1/8" tire to coil-over spring clearance...?
Post by: booksix on September 23, 2007, 10:26:29 PM
Sorry guys... here's the update.  Got everything in and I have more like 1/4" of clearance. 

Also, I just have to say, 1/8" spacer?  LOL...  I just spent hours swapping a-arms to bring the wheels IN!!  Anyway, I'll try to post pics and details on the setup in case anyone needs info to do the same.