QA1 DR5855P Coilover Question

The bushings you linked to I cannot see a problem with as long as they keep the metal sleeves from sliding out of the polyurethane bushings. You could always install washers on either side of the urethane to keep it from sliding side to side. There shouldn't be any binding. I believe I run a 10" spring in the front of my car. FYI the perches can be unseated at full extension with a 10" spring depending on the spring rate you choose and if you can preload it. Our cars are so light in the front that is tough to get a preload especially on a higher than stock spring rate.

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

Thanks for the timely info. Going up to 17' wheels has my car sitting higher than I like, and I need helper springs (and guides) if I want to go any lower.

Robert,

Be careful it's a fine balance and depends on your wheel offsets. My QA1's with 12" springs are not quite at their lowest setting and yet my tires have cracked the fiberglass flares.

Julian

I have QV1 shocks installed.
The type with spherical joints both ends.

My QV1 Springs are marked:

Front: 12-250, (12” spring 250 lb)
Rear: 12-400. (12” spring 400 lb)


From that 12" spring I have the fronts pre-loaded 20mm, (approx 7/8”).
The right rear pre-loaded 35mm, (approx 1 3/8”) & the Left rear pre-loaded 40mm, (approx 1 ½”).

The left rear has more pre-load because of full fuel weight which I notice a lot.
Below is a picture how the car currently sits.
Ground clearance is 125mm, (approx 5”) at lowest point.

It rides nice & comfortable, rear tyres only touch the guards on really severe bumps.
I can go over most of the speed humps I have encountered & not bottom out.
I really would not want it stiffer, it rides nice, no noticeable body roll & handles real well.
Sway bars are standard.
I have added bump stop rubbers to the shock shafts which are around 60mm long.

Car may be a little lighter than stock.
No bumpers.
Lightweight spun 15” 3 piece Speedway type rims

Regards,
Tony.