Lowering rear suspension (a little)

The Mighty Quinn · 10th July 2015, 10:57

I am absolutely certain that my 75 sits too high at the rear (when parked on even ground, with no effect from the handbrake). Front looks spot on height wise, but there's an unnatural bow in the distance between the top of the rear tyres and the wheel arches, suggesting that the suspension is too high (looks generally too high as well). I know that at least 1 rear spring was changed a few years ago, and probably with an aftermarket item, but I'm just wondering what is the best solution is (please excuse my mechanical ignorance)..

The springs are what sets the height, aren't they?
It is a bad idea to chop a little off the springs, even if repainting etc., isn't it?
I need to come down about 20mm to 1 inch at the rear to have the car sit "even" - what can/should I do?
(I'm not sure if the car, and perhaps many of the later cars, sat like this from the factory, so am unsure if buying 2 new OEM springs would help).

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Karl.

T-Cut · 10th July 2015, 11:25

When stood on horizontal ground, the sill line should also be horizontal. The logical cause of your high rear end is inappropriate rear springs were fitted.

TC

The Mighty Quinn · 10th July 2015, 12:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by T-Cut

When stood on horizontal ground, the sill line should also be horizontal. The logical cause of your high rear end is inappropriate rear springs were fitted.

TC

That's what I was thinking alright, TC. I think the wrong springs were fitted to the rear suspension at some stage..

On horizontal ground, the height from the ground to the bottom edge of the sill...

At the front (next to jacking pad location) is: Just over 16cm.
At the rear (next to jacking pad location) is: Just over 19cm.

Is there any way of lowering the existing suspension, without having to buy 2 new springs?
Is it a really bad idea to cut springs?

Cheers,
Karl.

T-Cut · 10th July 2015, 15:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Mighty Quinn

Is there any way of lowering the existing suspension, without having to buy 2 new springs?

No not really.

Quote:

Is it a really bad idea to cut springs?

Yes, I suspect so. Probably very bad.

TC

DMGRS · 10th July 2015, 16:28

Another vote for avoiding cut springs!
A short term solution would be to borrow a paving slab - I have a garden full if you need one.

I'd fit the proper springs - you'll not regret it when you look back at your car when walking away (we all do it!) and see it sat level.

10th July 2015, 10:57	#1
The Mighty Quinn Posted a thing or two 2004 mk1 Rover 75 1.8T Club SE saloon (auto) Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Enniskillen Posts: 1,307 Thanks: 670 Thanked 254 Times in 222 Posts	Lowering rear suspension (a little) I am absolutely certain that my 75 sits too high at the rear (when parked on even ground, with no effect from the handbrake). Front looks spot on height wise, but there's an unnatural bow in the distance between the top of the rear tyres and the wheel arches, suggesting that the suspension is too high (looks generally too high as well). I know that at least 1 rear spring was changed a few years ago, and probably with an aftermarket item, but I'm just wondering what is the best solution is (please excuse my mechanical ignorance).. The springs are what sets the height, aren't they? It is a bad idea to chop a little off the springs, even if repainting etc., isn't it? I need to come down about 20mm to 1 inch at the rear to have the car sit "even" - what can/should I do? (I'm not sure if the car, and perhaps many of the later cars, sat like this from the factory, so am unsure if buying 2 new OEM springs would help). Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks, Karl.

10th July 2015, 16:28	#5
DMGRS Discount MG Rover Spares Rover 75 CDTi, 2x MG ZS180 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Hythe, Southampton Posts: 11,320 Thanks: 456 Thanked 3,377 Times in 2,027 Posts	Another vote for avoiding cut springs! A short term solution would be to borrow a paving slab - I have a garden full if you need one. I'd fit the proper springs - you'll not regret it when you look back at your car when walking away (we all do it!) and see it sat level. __________________ Your trusted MG Rover specialist! Tel: 02380 001133 / Email: [email protected] We now have a 'chat' function on our site for even quicker replies. Give it a try! Remember - discount code FORUM5 for 5% off

10th July 2015, 11:25	#2
T-Cut This is my second home Rover75 and Mreg Corsa. Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sumweer onat mote o'dust (Sagin) Posts: 21,753 Thanks: 341 Thanked 3,660 Times in 2,924 Posts	When stood on horizontal ground, the sill line should also be horizontal. The logical cause of your high rear end is inappropriate rear springs were fitted. TC