Rubber suspension spring settling rate?

[Benny]

I've read many accounts of the rubber suspension springs settling once they are put into use, and I was wondering what rate of settling most people have seen.

When I did the suspension on my car, I replaced my 50 year old originals with a set of NOS Dunlop/Moulton springs that were likely produced in the early-80's, and had been dry-stored ever since. With my front Hi-Lo's set at their lowest setting, I was surprised how high the car was still sitting, so I really had no choice of where to leave it. The gap between the top of the tire and front wheel arch lip was about 3".

On the rear, the Hi-Lo's could bring the car right down to where the suspension was bottomed-out, so I set the height to where it corresponded with the front. In the 30-40 miles I've put on the car, the rear has settled perhaps 5/8", while the front has probably only settled 1/4". I know the rear suspension had about a 5-to-1 ratio vs the 3-to-1 ratio in the front, but with all the weight on the nose, I expected the front to settle faster.

How many miles do most people see before the settling tends to stabilize?

[ianh1968]

I would reckon on maybe a couple of hundred miles,
at least, before getting too concerned over the height.

What ball ends are you using?

I seem to remember that some "later" type ones may have a built
in spacer which would increase the ride height...

I am thinking that if this is the case, it may be possible to stick
them in a lathe and shorten them, if required.

Years ago my Dad converted a '66 Mini from wet to dry and found
that the swivel to ball to pivot dimensions were slightly different.
On the hydro version, the arms gave a slightly firmer ratio. Thus
the oft-quoted 3:1 ratio would be slightly different.

Somewhere, there is a drawing he made, but I'm not sure where it
is at the moment. If anyone is interested, I'll hunt around for it!

Ian

[dgear1984]

On my hilo's if they are set at there absolute minimum the adjuster rod sticks out the top too much and touches the inner metal part of the rubber cone so you never really achieve absolute minimum.

I did not need to run mine that close to minimum and the adjuster did not foul so was not really a problem but if needed to I was going to machine the top of the adjuster a little. I used red dots on mine with genuine hills.

Maybe worth checking if your still a little high.

[ANDYC]

Having fitted a new set of Rover NOS on a 1990 RSP complete with Hi Lo,s, it took nearly 2 to 3 weeks for the whole set up to drop down to a reasonable ride height. The adjustables were wound to the lowest setting but I still had over 3 inches between the top of the tyre and the wheel arch. The rears were not so bad it was just the fronts that took time. I ran the car around for weeks until it started to look normal. You will also notice a large amount of positive camber until the suspension has completely settled.

ac

[Benny]

Having fitted a new set of Rover NOS on a 1990 RSP complete with Hi Lo,s, it took nearly 2 to 3 weeks for the whole set up to drop down to a reasonable ride height. The adjustables were wound to the lowest setting but I still had over 3 inches between the top of the tyre and the wheel arch. The rears were not so bad it was just the fronts that took time. I ran the car around for weeks until it started to look normal. You will also notice a large amount of positive camber until the suspension has completely settled.

ac

This is what I was hoping to hear, thank you. Considering I haven't been putting many miles on it, it sounds like it could take a while.

[In the shed]

I had a set of cones which were looking a bit sad from my 64 (early harder cones). I found a NOS set of early cones and put them on. I too had the same problem....wound down hilos, still VERY high. It stayed that way for a couple of years. I got so irritated by it, I put the old cones back on.

[minimans]

Its strange isn't it how these things occur because I don't remember seeing 'New" mini's back in the day coming out the showrooms looking like monster trucks! even some of the NOS or later cones have the same thing occur.............Just wondering........

[Benny]

Its strange isn't it how these things occur because I don't remember seeing 'New" mini's back in the day coming out the showrooms looking like monster trucks! even some of the NOS or later cones have the same thing occur.............Just wondering........

I've had the exact same thought....numerous times.

I've seen the old B&W films of them coming off the assembly line, and they seem to be sitting about where mine is at the moment. I'm guessing my Hi-Lo's at their minimum setting must be AT LEAST 1/2" shorter than a standard trumpet.