Reply to "QA1 DR5855P Coilover Question"

You have the 'P' suffix QA1'a with poly bushings so true spacers should not really be required. As Blaine suggests fender washers should work fine if there is some slack between the mounting tabs and poly bushing. The spacers are required on the 'B' suffix bushed QA1 shocks.

I have heard of people going with the 4855 shocks which are shorter and designed for a 10" spring. Personally I have the 5855's and 12" springs. The perches are not at their lowest adjustment and my car is set to ride low.

That said IMO using a 10" spring should not pose too much problem on the 5855's especially with a good stiff spring, here's my thinking;

The 5855's are 17" extended and 11 5/8" compressed i.e. 5 3/8" of compression for a 12" spring, so dropping down 2" you'll still have 3 3/8" compression. Compare that to the 4855's at 14" extended and 10 1/8" compressed for 3 7/8" of compression on a 10" spring, so you aren't that much different.

There is risk of unseating the springs though and I use helper springs on the Ultima, these are flat coils with just enough rate to keep the coilover spring seated when unloaded.

An example can be found here....
http://www.hrpworld.com/index....d=511&action=product

You'll need guides too....
http://www.hrpworld.com/index....=3859&action=product

Fortunately QA1 springs are relatively cheap so you can play around a little to find the setup that works best for you. Also if you go with 10" and decide you need something in between i.e. an inch you can purchase and insert a spacer.

Good luck,
Julian