SUSPENSION MODIFICATIONS

You have all seen vehicles on the road that are so low that they almost touch the ground or are so high at the back that they look like a projectile.

Modifying suspensions is a popular way of enhancing the look of your car and improving its handling characteristics. By lowering the suspension, the centre of gravity of the vehicle is lowered and this enhances the handling. Vehicles are generally raised to increase the load carrying capabilities.

The most common modifications are:

• Using lowered springs.

• Using spacers between the leaf spring and the axle to lower the height or using a modified leaf spring to raise the height.

• Changing the shock absorbers to enhance handling or load carrying capacity. Gas filled or air shock absorbers are the most popular.

Remember that any modifications or alterations to the vehicle must be examined and passed by the Dept of Planning and Infrastructure and a modification permit must be issued.

Failure to obtain the required permit from the Dept of Planning and Infrastructure could result in a work order being issued against the vehicle and further expense incurred.

Hidden Problems

You start to notice the clunks and rattles over every bump. To make things worse, it goes around corners like a old Yugo on stilts. Mysterious things are happening to the underpinnings of your beautiful car.

Initially it might be easy to overlook a problem in the suspension of an older car. The suspension is hard to see and sometimes a problem is only apparent at high speed or under load. If you are contemplating the purchase or restoration of a restored classic, keep in mind that you may not notice a problem right away on a test drive.

We'll take a look at some of the components that you might need to replace. Along the way, we'll also try to improve on a few things that will add even more enjoyment to your ride. All of the handling symptoms mentioned above point to the need for a complete restoration of the suspension, and possibly some mods as well.