I am about to install my JIC coilovers, but my driveway entrance prevents me from lowering the ride height much. If I back straight out of my driveway, my front scrapes at stock ride height, so I already have to back out at an angle...

My question is, how far can I extend the coilover from the base, and still be "safe"?

 

Mine are only about 15mm lower than stock. There was more length available.

Just match up to the stock dampers.. I had to lengthen them quite a bit to match

George

 

Mine is lowered 2.5" in front and it's bearable.

 

Is it that low? I'm only a couple mm higher than you - I didn't realize I was that low!

Are you running the same valving as me, or did you have yours revalved? Also, what setting do you keep your shocks at?

 

The settings vary from track to track. In the street I keep them full soft.

As far as different valving, spring rates, etc. I keep switching mine all the time. I'm trying to see if I can get close to the guys running with much more expensive suspension.

I don't know where the final setup will end up at.

 

I can't lower it, or I won't be able to get in or out of my driveway.

 

I understand what you're asking - basically, how high can you set the adjustment. But, I think to find a proper answer you'd have to get the info from the manufacturer. None of us knows how strong the body and sleeve are, and how much contact between the two is required to prevent breakage. For what it's worth, mine is adjusted to 0.5inch lower than stock, and I haven't had any issues. I get less scaping this way also, since the suspension travels less.

 

That's what I'm looking for. How did you have them adjusted before installing them? Did you compare them to the OEM assemblies? Did you have the springs preloaded?

 

I don't remember exactly what we did with the fronts, but the rears were like and inch or two lower than stock when we first put them on. The springs are preloaded a slight bit, but not much.

 

I have a question for those that have had the JIC's for a while.

On Sat I got out to finally push the car in the mountains a little.

I set the rear at 12 clicks out the front at 10.

The car feels pretty balanced and tight, in med fast corners say 60-70 mph.

My question is, when I went faster (about twice) on deserted straight and somewhat bumpy road. I got a lot of oscillation and the car was very nervous Will increased damping settle the car down or do I have too much?

Now I am thinking maybe I should have paid for separate compression and rebound dampers.

Thanks for any input.

George