Tuning Lowering Springs

[JosephOne]

Right, So I've decided that in the very near future my Punto is getting lowered. I've decided on 40mm so wondered if anyone can point me in the direction of a set of decent springs and also any other information I need to know as well please! I'm lost if I'm honest and would love any helpful information thanks guys

 

[homeward]

First guy that comes to mind is wrightyy.... :worship:

Have a look at his Members Motors thread.... :idea:

 

[wrightyy]

Thats mee! Like homeward says, have a look through my thread. It's lowered 50mm at the front and 35 at the back :thumbup: Nothing major but just right in my opinion.

Post back here with any question you may have

Wrightyy

 

[JosephOne]

Thats mee! Like homeward says, have a look through my thread. It's lowered 50mm at the front and 35 at the back :thumbup: Nothing major but just right in my opinion.

Post back here with any question you may have

Wrightyy

Basically just want to know have you got coil overs or springs, where you got them and what make they are, and will I need to get the car tracked after having it lowered?

 

[wrightyy]

Basically just want to know have you got coil overs or springs, where you got them and what make they are, and will I need to get the car tracked after having it lowered?

I'm on springs, Apex ones I think. I bought them second hand but you should be able to find loads for sale online.
Yes I'd get the tracking done after. It's relatively inexpensive (around £25) and worthwhile doing

 

[fingers99]

If the shocks have seen more than 40k miles, replace them at the same time. New top mounts would be worthwhile, too.

 

[s and b]

If the shocks have seen more than 40k miles, replace them at the same time. New top mounts would be worthwhile, too.

i wouldnt do the top mounts but would if the bearing was seized ,because taking them apart and greasing the little blighters is a real pain once you have found em all after they scattered

 

[Ziggy122]

i wouldnt do the top mounts but would if the bearing was seized ,because taking them apart and greasing the little blighters is a real pain once you have found em all after they scattered

*can just imagine s+b running around after lots of ball bearings*

Ziggy

 

[JosephOne]

So I've come across this set of springs http://www.spring-loaded.co.uk/proddetail.asp?prod=ProSport~Spring~Kit~-~Fiat~Punto~1.2~%2F~1.2-16V~09%2F1999~on what do you's think?Also fingers has said to replace the shocks, is it necessary or is it just a recommendation?

Thanks for all your help guys I appreciate it

 

[Ziggy122]

id personally stick 2x new track rod ends on....

Why? There a common failure part, and just like shocks they will have wear area's
Moving to a different area wears harder and fails shortly after.

So new track rod ends + tracking = Safer and while your in there - its not actually that hard to replace them!

Shocks are your own risk - go cheap and fit springs now to find 2months down line they've failed
Rears aren't so hard to change, you could do it with a socket set yourself, but the front struts need spring compressors


Ziggy

 

[JosephOne]

id personally stick 2x new track rod ends on....

Why? There a common failure part, and just like shocks they will have wear area's
Moving to a different area wears harder and fails shortly after.

So new track rod ends + tracking = Safer and while your in there - its not actually that hard to replace them!

Shocks are your own risk - go cheap and fit springs now to find 2months down line they've failed
Rears aren't so hard to change, you could do it with a socket set yourself, but the front struts need spring compressors


Ziggy

So what you saying? Don't replace shocks and just replace the track rod ends?

What are you opinions on the springs I posted a link to?

 

[homeward]

id personally stick 2x new track rod ends on....

Agreed; and, not wanting to add to the OP's increasing short-term misery, but (for long-term peace of mind) I'd make sure the inner and outer ARB bushes are in a reasonable state, too -- although they can be a complete barsteward to replace -- as well as the wishbones.

If you do end up replacing any of the above, do both sides at the same time -- even if one looks fine. There's nothing quite as unpredictable (and therefore unsafe) as unbalanced front-wheel geometry (...well, apart from bald rear tyres). :idea:

 

[homeward]

So what you saying? Don't replace shocks and just replace the track rod ends?

No, he's saying do both...!

Shocks (and springs) should be seen as consumables, just as spark plugs and leads should be. I know I'm extremely thorough (to the point of obsession, sometimes...) -- but it always amazes me how long people let these things stay on their cars: well past the point of safety and reliability....

PS: I have no opinion on lowering, I'm afraid. I have a neck that was rebuilt, several years ago: and therefore prefer suspension as gentle to my spine as it can be....

 

[Westbeef]

I know the sporting springs lower the car- I just don't know how much by, also gives a firmer ride .