Adjustable Struts

Sbug 71 Seriously Crusin Dubber

123 posts · joined Jul 2011 · 11 Sep 2011, 11:16 am

#861380

Just wondering if anyone has fitted an adjustable strut kit to a superbug. Is it as simple as moving to the big circlip/spring loaded ring thing to the desired position, putting the shocky in and fitting the whole assembly to the car. Is there more to it than that? It has been recommended that I fit new rebound rubbers as well so I'm working on getting those now.
Any tips for the new kid would be appreciated.

barls Administrator Causer of Chaos and Mayhem

9,473 posts · joined Jun 2004 · 11 Sep 2011, 12:58 pm

#861388

no idea about the cheaper kits, mine i loosen the lock nut then wind to the setting i want the redo the lock nut. mine are the ones from vforce.

“We all pay for life with death, so everything in between should be free.” Bill Hicks
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Sbug 71 Seriously Crusin Dubber

123 posts · joined Jul 2011 · 11 Sep 2011, 5:35 pm

#861436

I didn't know there were different types. I probably should have done more research. Oh well, I'll see how they go.

Bizarre Moderator The artist formerly known as blue74l

12,789 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 11 Sep 2011, 6:42 pm

#861453

Yeah - these are the V Force style

Are you running Empi or Topline??

Futue te ipsum!!!

narumi I'll do it tomorrow

138 posts · joined Aug 2011 · 11 Sep 2011, 7:59 pm

#861478

pardon my thread jacking but how much Bizarre??
(for the 3 bolts)

Bizarre Moderator The artist formerly known as blue74l

12,789 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 11 Sep 2011, 8:13 pm

#861484

All depends on springs, inserts etc etc
But around a grand

Another option is Topline

There is Maxx and Maxx-xtreme
http://toplineparts.com/products/products.htm

Pretty good value considering the $$

The basic maxx is about $500 US + shipping

Futue te ipsum!!!

Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang

9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 · 13 Sep 2011, 5:13 pm

#861869

What rim/tyre combo are you wanting to run?
That is a major deciding factor on struts.

If you're just sticking with stockos or the token 15" rims (empi 8s, riverias, sprintstars 5.5" mangels etc) then the Empi adjustables aren't bad and well priced.
About the only half reasonable product empi makes.

But if you wanna run any type of modern wheel you'll need to got a slimline strut.

I've got Topline Maxx on mine.
Don't get me wrong Jon at topline is a top bloke, and makes a top quality product but my vote is also V-force struts.

As it's ended up I've now got a hybrid topline/V-force setup anyway.

The Maxx springs are just too soft.
If you never leave the city limits or get off the highway or corner like a grandma they are fine but I was getting coil bind with some spirited cornering or bumpy roads

The springs are pretty pissy compared to the V-Force ones

Sbug 71 Seriously Crusin Dubber

123 posts · joined Jul 2011 · 13 Sep 2011, 5:55 pm

#861875

I don't know what brand the struts are, I just saw them on Classic Veedub and bought them. I'm running Empi 8's which I've already got issues with in regards to ball joint studs grinding on the inside of the rim on the front during tight turns (see my other thread). They were heaps cheap compared to the ones you guys are talking about and say that you just use your standard springs. I hope that I get the desired effect from them which is a low stance but still drivable with no turning issues.

Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang

9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 · 14 Sep 2011, 10:55 am

#861991

The balljoint rubbing is a common problem on the 3 bolt front ends with wider wheels in 15" or smaller, you just need to chop abit off the thread coming out the base.

Yes, those would be the Empi adjustables.

If your planning on staying with those wheels they'll be fine.
Depending how low you are running it might be worth thinking about a bumpsteer kit, anything under 2.5-3" drop should really be running one.

Sbug 71 Seriously Crusin Dubber

123 posts · joined Jul 2011 · 15 Sep 2011, 6:25 pm

#862244

Yeah, that's the ones. Planning on going to about 3". Just see how it goes. I'll definitely look into the bumpsteer kit though.

Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang

9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 · 16 Sep 2011, 9:39 am

#862349

There's a few different styles of bump steer kits out there.
Most common ones require the spindle removed and the tie rod hole reamed out to fit a bushing.

I got mine from Boris at Vintage, it uses the early small shaft tierod ends and a machined up reverse sleeve so it's a straight bolt on job.

Sbug 71 Seriously Crusin Dubber

123 posts · joined Jul 2011 · 16 Sep 2011, 4:00 pm

#862389

So how do you adjust them? The circlip/steel spring loaded ring thingy on the ones I got don't look like it's supposed to move. I thought I could just take it off and move it up a couple of notches.

Bizarre Moderator The artist formerly known as blue74l

12,789 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 16 Sep 2011, 7:13 pm

#862412

yep - a pair of circlip pliers and move it up or down

Futue te ipsum!!!