lowering a 1986 340 1.4

Post by **foggyjames** » 25 Apr 2005 10:32 pm

A 300 would need a 1"+ ARB to make any worthwhile difference, and I'm always rather concerned for the wellbeing of the endlinks...they're about the diameter of a biro! Fair point though, and it'd be cheap enough!

cheers

James

Post by **daffodil** » 25 Apr 2005 10:55 pm

hi i have a volvo specification service manual
looking at the springs there is a wide range fitted to the 300 series depending on the year engine size and model spec.....
b14 84- free length 361mm...wire diameter 10.7mm
b200 85- free length 308mm..wire diameter 11.9mm

maybe a GLT spring will lower a b14 as it is quite a lot shorter..but it will be stiffer due to the wire thickness and may not make any difference as the b14 is a lot lighter
worth a try though

Post by **foggyjames** » 25 Apr 2005 11:43 pm

Now that is worth trying! Thanks for the info.

cheers

James

Post by **Ali** » 26 Apr 2005 01:10 pm

damn u James! Always snapping up the best bargains, was going to cost me £88 for 40mm drop from needforspeed.co.uk (£57 plus vat and delivery). If anyone wants to know i e-mailed dave slater and he quoted me £75 for rear lowering blocks but that was including p+p to the midlands
cheers
Ali

Post by **Chris_C** » 26 Apr 2005 01:35 pm

But they do do the springs? Nice...... If only next years uni house didn't have a drive that needed to bump the kerb... knew I kept Fake for a reason

Post by **redline** » 26 Apr 2005 02:51 pm

Ali , How thick were the lowering blocks and did Daves price include replacement bolts ?
Daffodil
do you know the front spring spec for the b172 engined cars ?
So theres 53 mm difference between b14 and B200 , even with the thicker ,stiffer springs I would have thought that would give at least a 30mm drop

Post by **Ali** » 26 Apr 2005 05:14 pm

Not a clue about the bolts im afraid but that was for a 40mm drop at the back. Any ideas if the dampers would need replacing with b200 springs on a 1.4? I think id rather have stiffer springs all round but no drop to keep insurance friendly

cheers
Ali

Post by **classicswede** » 26 Apr 2005 09:48 pm

James do you want the springs for a 360 or 340? The ones I have for sale will be best suited to a 340, the ones I have fitted to mine now would be much better, they are 190lbs single coil. When I fitted these is had to fit locking plates to hold the spring in, very simple to make. I think I can get the springs made for aprox £50.
If you are intrested give me a call 01407 832 290

thanks

Dai

Post by **classicswede** » 26 Apr 2005 10:10 pm

Oh on the subject of the ARB I've fitted poly bushes to mine, they have stiffened things up a bit & for £15 you cant complain. they look good aswell with a coice of yellow orange blue or black. I am also looking at making some hefty link rods as they look a bit under engineered.

Dai

Post by **bodejodel** » 26 Apr 2005 10:46 pm

Why Pay so much for rear lowering blocks?
All you need is 2 short pieces of a steel "square tube" (box section?) and some long high strength bolts. Yu can lower the back as far as you want by choosing a different piece of steel...

Post by **foggyjames** » 27 Apr 2005 09:13 am

Woah, maximal replies!

Ali...I'd use the 360 shocks with the 360 springs...easy!

Dai...Since Ali started this topic, I think it's only fair that I pass the opportunity on to him. I decided to do that before I read that they're a bit on the weak side for a 360, honest

As mentioned above I'm worried about the end links / link rods also, so let me know how you get on on that front. I noticed that the ARB polys are the only ones you can get from powerflex for 300s!

The block technique certainly works, but bear in mind that it in no way stiffens the suspension...beware of carrying heavy loads - even a row or three passengers in the back could cause scrubbing. Definitely fit new (stiffer...will GLT ones fit a 340? I guess so) shocks at the same time!

cheers

James

Post by **Ali** » 27 Apr 2005 09:21 am

Well i didn't actually start this thread but if theyre a bit weak for the 360 then i'll take them, Dai how much do the springs lower the car and any ideas how much stiffer? Any ideas how much p+p to the birmingham area would be?
cheers
Ali

Post by **bodejodel** » 27 Apr 2005 09:27 am

foggyjames wrote:The block technique certainly works, but bear in mind that it in no way stiffens the suspension...beware of carrying heavy loads - even a row or three passengers in the back could cause scrubbing. Definitely fit new (stiffer...will GLT ones fit a 340? I guess so) shocks at the same time!

I've found some additional coil springs to go next to the rear shocks. That should enable me to carry heavy loads even when I lower the rear.
They ware sold to Volvo drivers who liked to tow those hiddious litle holiday houses behind their cars.

Toghether with the stiffer rear shocks I've got in stock they should provide me with a nice sporty ride.

Post by **foggyjames** » 27 Apr 2005 09:28 am

True....well you've been looking for ages anyway. To be honest, I'd forgotten about you looking for a set, and I shot a post up to stop anyone else snagging them

Enjoy sir...you just got yourself a bargain - the man's phone number is there

cheers

James

Post by **foggyjames** » 27 Apr 2005 09:58 am

bodejodel wrote:I've found some additional coil springs to go next to the rear shocks.

OOH! Pictures required...

I've seen pictures of this arrangement before, although it looked more like a tiny 'coilover' kit than anything else!

cheers

James