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Ground Control Install

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Old Mar 20, 2010 | 05:37 PM
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Default Ground Control Install

I'll start off by saying that the previous owner made some poor choices and then suspension can't be "put back the way I found it". I'm trying to make sure I'm not missing something on the install of Koni and Ground Controls on a 1990. See the pic below and tell me if it looks like something is missing. Seems like there is a washer or a spacer or something not there, but maybe that's just NBs.

Thanks,
Noah.
Attached Thumbnails Ground Control Install-dscn0047.jpg  
Old Mar 20, 2010 | 07:05 PM
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there should be a washer the tophat sits on.


make sure that insular on top of the springs allows the bump and shock to travel all teh way up...
Old Mar 20, 2010 | 08:55 PM
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is it a fancy washer or will a standard 12mm be alright?
Old Mar 20, 2010 | 10:05 PM
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I just use a fender washer (large outer diameter) from the hardware store at whatever size barely fits over the threaded portion of the shock shaft. The fender washer spreads the load out over the underside top hat bushing. Track tested, no problems. FWIW Tein recommended the same thing when I called them about it.

I am not seeing any top hat bushings anywhere?
Old Mar 20, 2010 | 11:59 PM
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should be a washer on top I think.

I dont have another photo of mine right now (NB though)
Old Mar 21, 2010 | 12:22 AM
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Noah- Maybe I am confused but the top mount that you have in your picture is for a NA not an NB. The picture that pitlab posted is for the NB. Yes there will be a washer on the top of the bushing then the nut. There should also be a "washer" or what ever they call it below the mount that is on the shock it is quite thick. It sort of looks like your shock has one on there already.

Have a great day,
Jared
Old Mar 21, 2010 | 09:51 AM
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large washer, NA tophat, lock washer, nut.

Old Mar 23, 2010 | 10:10 AM
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Apologies if this is an ignorant question...

Said washer, is that the semi opaque white disc that's about 1cm thick in your picture, at the top of the shock body?

If so what's it for? just looks like an effective way of reducing shock travel to me, seeing as the 5 has barely any it doesn't seem like a great idea?
Old Mar 23, 2010 | 10:21 AM
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It's a shock spacer, Shaikh @ FCM, found it import due to the design of the koni shock. At full compression there's about 15mm of rod still protruding from the shock body, this will prevent the rod from bottoming out inside the body before the the shock hits the bump.



The above picture, showing a 90-97 rear Koni Sport at full compression, is the reason why I include bump spacers for Konis. Due to the construction of the Koni, there is a 16mm gap in the front and 20mm gap in the rear between the shock body and the 'shelf' where the bump stop sits. The FCM bump stops both compress to about 10.5mm with full load. So a spacer of some sort is needed. Ideally the material is firm enough to resist a large compressive load but also soft enough to not scratch the shaft. That material is UHMW-PE or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, the material that cutting boards are made of (among many industrial uses where low-friction and high-compressive strength are needed).
Okay, so there's the explanation for 'why spacers'? There is nothing wrong with using Koni shocks with my kit - I have designed all my FCM kits to give the maximum SAFE amount of travel, and that's what you get.

Note that the factory NA bump stops are so long, even when fully compressed, that there is never a chance to bottom the Koni out - HOWEVER if you shorten the bump stops by cutting donuts off, you run the risk of blowing a shock out - there's no need to 'guess' about how much bump stop you need. My kits have all that engineered into it them.
Old Mar 23, 2010 | 10:55 AM
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Gotcha, cheers Brain.

I have NB Koni's on my NA, I also have a set of eBay threadded collars, I just need springs, and possibly a kitchen chopping board now
Old Mar 23, 2010 | 10:57 AM
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I have a pair of 8" 400 lbs springs...
Old Mar 23, 2010 | 11:44 AM
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Was thinking 350 / 250, and postage would likely be a killer, but cheers for the offer!
Old Mar 23, 2010 | 12:33 PM
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400/250 is win. that's what I'm running now. GC rates are 375/250. you has boost, you want a little more FRC. DO ITTTTTTTTT, shipping to you will only be $20 flat rate box, plus $40 for the springs.
Old Mar 23, 2010 | 06:21 PM
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What's FRC?

tempted...
Old Mar 23, 2010 | 09:22 PM
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front roll couple. the amount of weight transferred to the front wheels when cornering.

It really depends on your shock, else the 8" springs might not fit, unless you're into 4x4ing.
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