Raceland Coilovers+Stock Wheels=Spacers?

[Wingnut_rb]

I have looked all over this forum for the answer to this question with no luck. I jumped on the raceland coilover band wagon as I didn't hear any definitive complaints from owners. I will be running stock 17's, and I'm just getting rid of some wheel gap, not going to slam it. My question is, is anyone here running stock 17's with racelands? And if so, did you have any issues with the tire/wheel rubbing on the coils on the front of the car? Or anyone running a 17x7 ET38 wheel of any kind with racelands? I want to install these tomorrow but need to wait to order spacers if it will be an issue. BTW I've heard EVERY arguement on these coilovers (for and against) so I'm not really looking for opinions on them just looking for wheel/spacer facts. Thank you

[Wingnut_rb]

Actually, if you are running these coilovers, maybe you could post what wheel dimensions you are running along with any spacers you might be running, and let me know how much room you have between the front wheel and coil. I can just do the math and figure it out...plus it might answer someone elses question down the road.

[Fl_bug]

Yes. You will need at least a 5mm spacer in order to clear the helper spring.

Mine, i didn't know that at the time and I ended up just removing mt helper springs up front and it works just as well.

Also, depending on how low you are, you may also need to remove your swaybar or get one with a larger horseshoe because your axle WILL rub on it. It starts with tearing the CV boot and usually leads to needing new Axles.

[Wingnut_rb]

Well you answered my second question as well which is if I take out the helper, will it still rub? I'm not slamming the car, just closing the gap so I don't think I will have the SB issues. From what I have heard, the helpers don't really DO anything, they are there for more of a spacer. Did you notice a difference in ride quality w/out the helpers? BTW to whoever else reads this, they make adjustable sway bar links so you don't have to change the whole sway bar to fix the rubbing issue.

[huck731]

let us know what you think of the suspension, I have been thinking of installing raclands on my car with stock 15's

[Wingnut_rb]

Originally Posted by huck731

let us know what you think of the suspension, I have been thinking of installing raclands on my car with stock 15's

From what I can tell just inspecting them uninstalled, they are built well. The helper springs look almost useless though. I will give a review after install. I need to have them in by 3pm tomorrow as that is when my alignment appt is!

[Wingnut_rb]

Got them in! It took me till 2am but they are in. My friend has a heated shop with a lift so that helped.
I left the helper springs out, so no spacers needed on the stock wheels. I will recommend this for whoever buys these; plan on getting some sort of rubber spring insulator for the rears. All the peoples reviews I have read leave the rear spring perches out so they can go lower so they don't have the problem. You can hear the spring rattle against the perch every time you hit a bump because it's just metal on metal. I'm going to investigate further into the sound to make sure that is the issue...Otherwise the ride is stiffer (which I expected) but definitely not bouncy. No squatting in the rear when you take off, no body roll on corners. I haven't got to drive too far yet as my alignment appt is later today and I don't wanna drive too far before I get that done. The rears are adjusted all the way down which gets me to about 25" in the rear WITH the perches in. If I took them out, it would give me about another inch of drop. The fronts have about 3.5" of drop still left if I wanted to WITHOUT the helpers. All in all, aside from the spring insualtor issue in the rear, for the money I'm happy with the ride quality. I'll post pics in the next couple of days. I wanna clean it up, get some good weather, and get some proper pics!

[Wingnut_rb]

Ok so I took the rear shocks out, inspected the top nut for tightness, felt tight, but for good measure hit them with the impact gun. Put them back in and that was my rattle, not the perch and spring. Problem solved!I have got my alignment and driven about 100 miles or so on highway and city and these are definitely the best $350 I have spent. Looks, feels, and handles like a whole different car! Yes there are better coilovers, but as far as bang for the buck, these are excellent! I wouldn't hesitate getting a set (although I did before I bought them). And as far as warranty, everyone I have spoken to that has for some reason had an issue with a part, all it took was a call and they had the new part in a few days with pretty much no questions asked.

[Wingnut_rb]

2000 miles (already!) on my racelands and having my first small issue. When the car is cold (first mile or so) the front struts make a rubbing feeling/noise. The noise sounds like dry rubber being rubbed on something. I am thinking it is the strut piston. I might just have to call in a warranty. Anyone else have noisy racelands?

[Raab_Himself]

wheres those pics???? when did they start making noise?

[Wingnut_rb]

Originally Posted by Raab_Himself

wheres those pics???? when did they start making noise?

Pics are here 03 Turbo S (my radio flyer wagen)

Started making noise about 2 weeks ago, but getting louder. I didn't replace the strut mounts at the same time, but I would think the strut mounts would make noise all the time. But I can get them from ECS for $40. They need replaced anyways so I will do that first and if that doesn't solve it, raceland will be getting a call.