I've just replaced the standard rear bump stops on my 100HP, with the shorter Fiat Coupe ones as I understand that this will give a slightly longer suspension travel. I've not changed the original coil springs as they look fine with little corrosion. Incidentally, the rear shocks are Koni STR.Ts.

My question is, are there any serious implications from using a shorter bump stop? Won't the springs be compressed more than they were designed for? Fiat presumably had a reason for fitting the longer bump stops.

Jonathan

The 100HP OEM shocks are identical to the ones used on ordinary Pandas. The springs have the same wire size and appear to be simply shorter versions of ordinary hence the hard ride. The skipping is due to the ordinary dampers being barely able to control the stiffer springs.

I fitted Fiat 500 rear springs considerably softer than standard Panda. With the rubber seats top and bottom they ride a touch lower but look good. The ride and handling is MUCH better and there's no skipping on rough roads. Downside is touch more body roll but unless your drove them back to back you'd not notice

The long bump stops are cheap way to fit an anti roll bar.
The 4x4 has a rear ARB if you want to fit one.

The Koni STR.Ts have cured the skipping...I was just concerned about the implications of using shorter than OEM bump stops.

Decent quality dampers are almost always a good option. Hard springs are usually not any good unless you only ever use smooth roads.