S13 Rear Coilover Question

[robbieb2009]

I've tried searching here and on Google numerous times to no avail. I tore down my s13 coupe and before I re-install the rear coilovers I have a question about them so I don't have to take them off and possibly switch them from side to side. The car has KTS coils and a 5 lug z32 brake upgrade all around. I have now noticed that one rear coilover from the top mount to the bottom fork mount (guessing cause its 300zx style) is significantly longer than the other, perhaps 2-3".

So my question is which one goes on what side? Longer one on driver side or passenger?

Thanks,

Robbie

[007jones00701]

If it is s13 steel hubs, it should be the same both sides. If they for some reason changed only one side to a z32 aluminum hub, then those require different shock setups.


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[robbieb2009]

Car has aluminum z32 uprights on both sides. That cause his issue?

[007jones00701]

It has something to do with it, i do not know enough about the z32 uprights to answer any further.


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[robbieb2009]

Alright. Thanks for the information!

[hanzbrady]

Can you take pictures of what you have? It sounds like you have 2 different coilovers, one for the factory knuckles and one for Z knuckles.

[robbieb2009]

I can take pictures this Friday as I work away from my car/where I can work on it. The car sat level when I bought it; rolling shell. I tore it down to clean it up/have something to do while I was building my motor. I didn't notice the coilovers were different length till after removal.

I guess if nothing else this weekend I'll just bolt them up and measure from the hub center to apex of wheel well for both sides. If measurement is off I'll switch them. I'll post pics and info of what I find out this weekend for you guys.

[hanzbrady]

I can take pictures this Friday as I work away from my car/where I can work on it. The car sat level when I bought it; rolling shell. I tore it down to clean it up/have something to do while I was building my motor. I didn't notice the coilovers were different length till after removal.

I guess if nothing else this weekend I'll just bolt them up and measure from the hub center to apex of wheel well for both sides. If measurement is off I'll switch them. I'll post pics and info of what I find out this weekend for you guys.

Well if they were bolted on the car I can only imagine that maybe they're adjust differently since you physically can't bolt on coilovers with 2 different mounts on the same knuckles.

S13 coilovers assuming stock hubs and unmodified suspension geometry will be identical length left to right.

Either the car wasn't as level as you thought and one coilover is adjust differently than the other.

Or for some strange reason your car has 1 Z32 aluminum rear knuckle and 1 cast steel S13 knuckle.

Personally I'd bet on the first situation.

[gaz_moose]

s13 rear dampers have a round bush at the bottom.
z32 rear dampers have a U shaped bracket at the bottom.

s14 rear dampers usually have a longer lower cup as the are longer dampers, they also have the round bush at the bottom.

sound like they just chucked any old rubbish on to keep it moving.

[robbieb2009]

I apologize for bothering you guys but I'll admit what I think is my mistake. I started to clean the coilovers months ago but learned a front one was seized. During that time I think i started to take apart a rear but quit after learning the one front was seized (spindle mount) even using oxy/acetylene on it. Basically have too much going on with the car and forgot all what I did.

Thanks for the replies though! I'll be posting a 2jz build thread soon when that is done and the car should be running this summer. Can't wait!

[robbieb2009]

Well if they were bolted on the car I can only imagine that maybe they're adjust differently since you physically can't bolt on coilovers with 2 different mounts on the same knuckles.

S13 coilovers assuming stock hubs and unmodified suspension geometry will be identical length left to right.

Either the car wasn't as level as you thought and one coilover is adjust differently than the other.

Or for some strange reason your car has 1 Z32 aluminum rear knuckle and 1 cast steel S13 knuckle.

Personally I'd bet on the first situation.

Your reply made me realize what I did. So thanks man!

[hanzbrady]

Your reply made me realize what I did. So thanks man!

No problem, glad I was able to help!

[S14DB]

If you would have not messed with one and they came off different lengths and the car was level. I would think the car got hit at some point and the geometry of the rear suspension is off. More than likely one of the upper mounts moved during the crash.

Good on you for realizing you had adjusted one of them. Always measure and write down the lengths before messing with them in the future.