Need to increase ride height in the rear, can this be done with spring pad/isolator?

Hi there

I feel my ultralite linear springs sit ever so slightly to low in the rear, the front is perfect but the rear for me is a little low, here is a picture:



If I could raise the rear by 1/2" (10-15mm) I would have it absolutely perfect.

I did think of changing from the ultralite linears in the rear to the sport linears that Steeda offer as spring rate is same as Steeda claim the sport sit a little higher but cannot say how much. But at the same time my ultralites are supposedly lighter by upto 30% so I'd not want to lose the weight savings.

Which made me think about spring pads and isolators. Apart from going to the hassle of making something custom, does anyone know if any of the below would fit the S550 Mustang:
http://www.energysuspensionparts.com/universal-coil-spring-isolators.asp


Am in right in thinking if I put one of their isolators (remove the lip) on top of my already spring isolator that would give me the desired height increase in the rear.



If its hard to understand what I mean from that image then check this second image:


So in short I put the spring pad in that image where spring/isolator go with some energy lube suspension to hold it up there in place and then re-install the spring and isolator.

Am I right in thinking if I buy say a 1/2" spring pad, then my suspension height will increase by 1/2" ?

The springs are probably less than a pound heavier than the non-ultralite ones. I just got in my ultralite-linears and they can't weigh more than 2-4 pounds. I think I would go that route over adding an isolator between the rear spring and the rubber pad already back there.

FWIW...I agree. The rears look just a c#&t hair lower.

I have no solution for you though.

I just installed the ultralite springs as well and I feel the same way. Is there anything that can be done from steeda to correct this because the drop that is advertised seems to be different from the actual drop.

Chad11491 said:

The springs are probably less than a pound heavier than the non-ultralite ones. I just got in my ultralite-linears and they can't weigh more than 2-4 pounds. I think I would go that route over adding an isolator between the rear spring and the rubber pad already back there.

Click to expand...

The isolator / spacer would not go between the rubber pad and Spring already there.

I'd put the isolator on first and then install the spring and rubber pad as normal.

I had the same issue with my Ultralites, and it was part of the reason I switched to Sportlines. As was mentioned earlier, I wouldn't be concerned about the difference in weight between the Ultralites and the Sport linears, if you want to go that route (though I thought Steeda advertised a 1" tear drop for both). I believe someone on the forums has added spring spacers or whatever they're called in the rear to compensate. I'll look for the thread and link it when I get a chance.

Add a set of Energy Suspension coil spring isolators in the height you want to gain between the stock springs and the stock isolators

DR_ said:

Add a set of Energy Suspension coil spring isolators in the height you want to gain between the stock springs and the stock isolators

Click to expand...

That is my intention, I linked to them in my OP but which ones do I need to buy that will fit my car, anyone know?

Dragster said:

I had the same issue with my Ultralites, and it was part of the reason I switched to Sportlines. As was mentioned earlier, I wouldn't be concerned about the difference in weight between the Ultralites and the Sport linears, if you want to go that route (though I thought Steeda advertised a 1" tear drop for both). I believe someone on the forums has added spring spacers or whatever they're called in the rear to compensate. I'll look for the thread and link it when I get a chance.

Click to expand...

That would hugely appreciated as I love how the car rides and drives on the ultralites, I'd just like it 1/2 inch higher in the rear and spring spacers seem like an idea solution and will cost far less than changing out springs.

You have to search my threads I am too lazy Lol. It is whiteline 12mm forgot the part number and you do have to modify it by making a big hole in the middle.




My sportlines sat the same way as your car. I installed these and the rear came up too high and front end lowered even more. My car looked like a drag car. My suggestion is to go with a 6mm spacer.

I think they are pretty close. The wheel arches are different height.

Niz55 said:

You have to search my threads I am too lazy Lol. It is whiteline 12mm forgot the part number and you do have to modify it by making a big hole in the middle.




My sportlines sat the same way as your car. I installed these and the rear came up too high and front end lowered even more. My car looked like a drag car. My suggestion is to go with a 6mm spacer.

Click to expand...

You sir are a super star!

If I put 6mm in the rear, does the rear increase in height by 6mm or does it not quite work like that?

I shall start searching your 500 post, wish me luck!

Nix, I'm glad you posted because once I started looking for your post, I realized that I might not be able to find it for OP!

Visited my local garage/shop today who build race cars to ask about the safety and effect of handling of installing a spring spacer:

This is what they had to say:
- 10-15mm will have no impact on safety as the S550 has a good deep top centre, so zero chance of spring coming dislodged, you could even go as much as 20mm if required.
- Handling, a race driver would sense it but would say it is a whiskers hair different, so not to worry.
- They did say there will be a leverage ratio due to the fact the spring is not on the rear shock absorber as such an 8mm pad will probably result in a 12mm height increase and a 10mm pad around 15mm. I shall go with 8mm pads!


Overall they approved and are happy to install them for me, I shall go with 12mm (8mm spacer) and report back with some before and after photos.

Please share part numbers!^^

I wish to raise rear of my 2015 PP convertible. By the time I added a spare tire and luggage/cooler etc. rear is just too low for cross country cruising that I normally participate.

I would like to do something similiar.

Thanks

Gibbo205 said:

Visited my local garage/shop today who build race cars to ask about the safety and effect of handling of installing a spring spacer:

This is what they had to say:
- 10-15mm will have no impact on safety as the S550 has a good deep top centre, so zero chance of spring coming dislodged, you could even go as much as 20mm if required.
- Handling, a race driver would sense it but would say it is a whiskers hair different, so not to worry.
- They did say there will be a leverage ratio due to the fact the spring is not on the rear shock absorber as such an 8mm pad will probably result in a 12mm height increase and a 10mm pad around 15mm. I shall go with 8mm pads!


Overall they approved and are happy to install them for me, I shall go with 12mm (8mm spacer) and report back with some before and after photos.

Click to expand...

Definitely keep us updated on your progress as i am in the same situation as you. Wondering if i should get the car aligned as is or if i should wait till after i do the coil spacers if i go that route hmmmm