Noob suspension question

[silbeer]

I read many suspension FAQ and some other suspension threads. I guess I'm still gonna ask this question (let the flaming begin). I have this problem:

I have TEIN SS coilovers on my widebody S13. I installed them according to the instruction manual, but when I hit a pothole or go up driveways I'll get some (rear) fender rub. With the body kit I'm also bottoming out my car. I've adjust the ride height higher and higher to remove this problem. I'm still (occasionally) getting some fender rub. I've raised the ride height as much as I can, but because of the spring preload the ride quality is getting very harsh.

Without fender rolling, going to stock, or airbag suspension, what are my options? Would getting coilovers with seperate ride height/spring preload adjustment help? I think those were made for people wishing to "lower" their ride, which is the opposite of what I'm trying to accomplish.

I'm mainly looking for a way to remove the fender rub and keep a comfortable ride. I know making the move to coilovers that there will be some harshness, but I feel this is beyond normal.

[Firestorm]

you could get some coilovers that are adjusted on the lower mounts on the shock. on the tein SS you alter your ride height on the spring seat.

so if you get something like these:
http://www.tdctuning.com/catalog/images/Function-Xs.jpg

you can adjust the car to the right height and still maintain some spring travel, effectively giving you a softer ride.

i'm sorry for the bad english, it's the best i can do when it comes to specific terms ;) anyway, i hope you understood what i meant.

[ALEXTHESUS*PECT]

what are your wheel specs? rubbing the fender on a widebody s13 woul take some wide wheels. was the coilovers used, cuz they may be blown and you have no dampening anymore.

[djtrickz]

did you cut your original fenders enough before you installed the wide body? or maybe if you have traction rods, they are adjusted too far. the wheel wells might be what's rubbing if youre also bottoming out.

[silbeer]

Thanks to those that replied. All the information is useful.

I have an origin lab widebody in the rear. I am hitting the rear wheel well since they weren't cut, but the wheels are basically flush with the car (I forget the specs, but they were the grenade wheels I bought from A-spec). I actually don't get much rub while driving unless I hit a pothole or something. I notice the rub more going up driveways, etc. I wouldn't worry about it so much but I think I'm risking damaging the rear fiberglass quarter panel and/or puncturing my tire. I have about 2 fingers (hehe) worth of clearance between the tire and the wheel well when I'm on level ground. I'd like to raise it higher but again I'm worried that I'm already preloading the spring too much.

Also the Tein SS were brand new when I put them on.

I think the issue will be resolved with the first reply, by purchasing coilovers with separate ride height and preload adjustments. In the meantime I guess I'll tough it out for now, since I won't be able to afford new coilovers for awhile.

Thanks again.

[murda-c]

you have pics of your current ride height?

[3-240's-N-aMule]

Dude... Your problem will be solved if you cut your oem fenders. You dont need to switch you coils if you cut. You shouldnt have any worries from damaging the FG if you got 2 inches of space. Only thing you can do is slice your tires up from your uncut fenders.
So just cut and run a lil camber and you should be fine.