Bratwurst Suspension

Project: Bratwurst - Suspension

As stated elsewhere, the suspension is in need of some urgent attention. The weight loss program resulted in a 2.5" suspension lift! Added to that is the fact that the rear suspension is now topped out with very little weight over the rear wheels resulting in a rather stiff set up. The plan is to lower the suspension all round and try to soften the rear.
I ran out of time to carry out this work before the event so it was done afterwards in preparation for the following years event. Sadly circumstances prevented me from attending that one and the car was sold but not before the suspension work was completed.

As the rear needs attention the most, this will take precedence and will be tackled first. The front will then be altered to suit.

Rear Suspension

The plan for the rear suspension was to find some alternative springs of the correct diameter, preferably from a small car. I had a rummage around a few local scrap yards and a moot around on ebay and then struck gold at work of all places. Whilst having a clear out of an old store room a set of four car springs were unearthed. It turned out that they were removed from a colleagues Mazda MX5 when he upgraded to a set of adjustable coil-overs. They looked about the right diameter and the length appeared promising so an exchange of paper beer tokens took place and I gave them a go.
As can be seen in the pictures below, they are quite a close match, being ever so slightly larger in diameter and about 3" shorter than the originals.

Holes for retaining straps drilled through top plate.

Similar holes drilled through lower saddle plate.

Metal straps.

Looks like it's launching!

Front Suspension

The front, which still has the weight of the engine acting on it and so is still compliant, will be lowered in the age old method of spring chopping. Not the most elegant solution but if done carefully it should hopefully both lower and stiffen the front.

The strut top mounts were un-bolted from the strut towers on the inner wings and the springs were clamped with a pair of spring compressors. The strut could then be lowered and pulled outwards allowing access for the springs to be cut in-situ. For gods sake don't try this at home. I am a proven idiot! (you should have figured that out by now). I should have removed the springs for cutting.

The springs were cut each side a bit at a time and the suspension re-assembled until the correct height (i.e. level with the rear) was achieved. A total of one and two thirds of a coil were removed.

Cuts were obviously made above the clamps but even so, not my finest moment.

The Result

As can be seen, the car is at a much healthier looking height.

It's looking pretty level too! The front end has also stiffened up as a result of the springs now having less active coils to soak up movement. The back is still a bit too stiff but at least the balance has been evened out a bit now.

The contents of this website are purely a reflection of my own experiences and knowledge gained whilst working on my various projects. Anything you do based on what you have read here is done so entirely at your own risk.
Personally I wouldn't trust someone like me with a lawn mower! You have been warned! Flapper-bat!