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Lowering an Alpine

S

Street 'Beam 61

Donation Time
Hi guys!
I am looking for ways to lower a MK II alpine, for looks only, this is not a racing car. It would only be a few inches lower. I have read and searched a few threads on here concerning the lowering of the suspension on an Alpine. The general consensus seems to be using MK III front springs and larger rear blocks.

I have a few remaining questions however:

-I have read (and considered) about the removal of the rubber bushing (on top of the coil spring) in the front suspension also lowers the car. Is this safe/relieable? It seems that this rubber bushing acts as a dampner in itself, and removal seems like it could have damaging effects.

-Rear lowering blocks is a simple way to lower any spring-under vehicle. But where can I find larger blocks to lower an alpine? Is there a certain vehicle out there that shared an identical block design that I can salvage larger blocks out of? Or would I have to have custom blocks machined for me?

Thanks so much in advance! Any other info on lowering is appreciated as well:D
 
lowering

You can have your front coil springs cut down--not that easy to do, needs a professional as there are several steps involved. This will take care of the front end. You can have a machine shop make some rear blocks out of aluminum--should be easy and cost effective.
Bill
 
I've seen rear lowering blocks on Ebay but they seem expensive for what you get.

I purchased a piece of 1/2" aluminum plate at a local metal supply and I'm sure other dimensions are available. 1/2" or 1" could be stacked too. It's easy to cut or drill then all you would need is the U bolts which should also be stock at a spring shop.

Mike
 
Street 'Beam 61 said:
... The general consensus seems to be using MK III front springs and larger rear blocks.
Click to expand...

The Series3 coil springs are abt an inch shorter so that may be a plus.

The Series3 coil springs also have a different diameter than earlier or later, so not sure how that fits or if an adapter is needed ??

I am thinking along similar lines for a Series IV. After replacing the leaves, the rear is fine but the chassis not in good angle (chassis rake) .
 
I run S3 springs on my late SV with the stock SV rear setup. It gives my car a nice stance compared to stock.

VB's S3 springs are 1" shorter than stock SV's, but retain the same diameter. One of the rare times VB's parts are of good quality and fitment.

What I never noticed until SUNI V was the pre-production SV had S3 springs installed when built. Whether this was Rootes intention or merely a result of on hand parts availability, will never be known.
 
Rich,

After seeing your Sunbeam at SUNI I can agree it has a great stance!

I'll take a look at the VB coil springs; possibly they can be installed at home......

I re bushed and installed the Tiger leaves, and they sit low. I guess they are supposed to be low, but perhaps they are worn.

Allan
 
I wuld not persoanly remove the spring insulators, it will make the ride quite harsh, changine the springs or cutting the exiting ones would be better. Also, you may want to look at what shock absorbers you are running, as cutting the spring will increase its effective rate.

The lowering blocks on ebay that one of the tiger guys sells is a good point to start for the rear.. but are you rear springs good? do they have some sag?
 
If you cut your coil spring there is one factor to consider.The bottom or top depending where you cut must be bent and ground so it sits flat.Sunbeam coils are not like Mustang II where the coil is just as cut. Mustang II coils sit in a pocket configured to fit the coil.
 
SIVAllan said:
I'll take a look at the VB coil springs; possibly they can be installed at home......
Click to expand...

Allan, you'll be able to install them no prob.

In addition to VB's S3 coils, I'm also running VB's SV leafs. Once again (and a surprise) quality and fit was fine. The front bush eyelet is not off center like stock, but I haven't noticed that being an issue.
 
Rich,

This has opened a 'pandora's box' of sorts for me :) .

My leaf springs were totally shot, even beyond use with longer shackles, so I installed some used Tiger leaves.

This produced an interesting chassis rake, or angle from front to back.

The SIV factory setup apparently had taller front coils, shorter rear leaves than other series .. ??

Once the Tiger leaves went on, and the extended shackles and factory springs were removed, the chassis rake changed.

Before, it was abt level.

Now, the front is high relative to the back.

I asked VB to verify their S3 springs have the diameter needed for an SIV just to be sure, and if they respond yes, will order/install a pair to lower the front end.

Here are some comparative figures I've dug up to compare the Series suspensions and chassis rake.

Other variables may come into play.

I'm not sure if the SIV factory chassis rake had the front higher than other Series or Tigers, if so, my SIV will no longer have the factory correct angle, but I think it will handle better at highway speeds...


front coil length:free laden--rear leaves depth


SI 11.175 7.375 1.172
SII 11.65 7.85 1.547
S3 11.175 7.375 1.172
SIV 12.62 7.55 .984
SV 12.62 ?? ??
Tiger 12.04 7.90 +/- 1" 1.172
 
SIVAllan said:
Rich,

This has opened a 'pandora's box' of sorts for me :) .

My leaf springs were totally shot, even beyond use with longer shackles, so I installed some used Tiger leaves.

This produced an interesting chassis rake, or angle from front to back.

The SIV factory setup apparently had taller front coils, shorter rear leaves than other series .. ??

Once the Tiger leaves went on, and the extended shackles and factory springs were removed, the chassis rake changed.

Before, it was abt level.

Now, the front is high relative to the back.

I asked VB to verify their S3 springs have the diameter needed for an SIV just to be sure, and if they respond yes, will order/install a pair to lower the front end.

Here are some comparative figures I've dug up to compare the Series suspensions and chassis rake.

Other variables may come into play.

I'm not sure if the SIV factory chassis rake had the front higher than other Series or Tigers, if so, my SIV will no longer have the factory correct angle, but I think it will handle better at highway speeds...


front coil length:free laden--rear leaves depth


SI 11.175 7.375 1.172
SII 11.65 7.85 1.547
S3 11.175 7.375 1.172
SIV 12.62 7.55 .984
SV 12.62 ?? ??
Tiger 12.04 7.90 +/- 1" 1.172
Click to expand...



Allan,

The use of the longer spring was an attempt to improve ride quality by using a less stiff spring with more preload to maintain ride height.
 
RootesRich said:
In addition to VB's S3 coils, I'm also running VB's SV leafs. Once again (and a surprise) quality and fit was fine. The front bush eyelet is not off center like stock, but I haven't noticed that being an issue.
Click to expand...

Hey Rich,

I have the VB springs on my Alpine too. Although on ours it seems to sit much higer in back, I am thinking about using some lowering blocks (1/2" or 1" maybe). Just curious, did you have to use some type of spacer for the rear bushing? On the springs I got the rear mount was the narrow early series type. Mine also have the centered front mount too. For reference I bought my springs in Feb '07.
 
Hi Todd,
I didn't have to make any modifications, the VB leafs were as wide as the stockers. I bought the set sometime between '04 and '05 so maybe VB pulled a classic VB move and changed the leaf width? Sounds like your ride height is different as well.
 
Don,

Thanks for the information.

I hope to do a road test this week, after a front end alignment.

Puttering around town, the higher front end poses no problem, and the ride is indeed comfortable.

If the car was concours condition, then I'd keep the factory chassis rake.

Surely our concours judges know the different chassis rake for the different Series and Tigers...??

But it is being sorted to a more rugged standard - road trip worthiness, so shorter coils are being reviewed...

Allan
 
Rich,

I ordered a pair of VB S3 springs, but believe they are slightly smaller in diameter then factory.

I think the VB dimensions for S3, IV and V are the same but may not precisely match factory.

I also suspect the VB S3 springs are a little shorter than factory S3 springs, which in my goal is desirable.

Do you have a height measurement you could post?

Bill Atala posted his race car at abt 23 inches from ground to the upper lip of the fender...

I will hazard a guess that the VB springs produce a similar result...

Allan
 
SIVAllan said:
I also suspect the VB S3 springs are a little shorter than factory S3 springs, which in my goal is desirable.

Do you have a height measurement you could post?

Bill Atala posted his race car at abt 23 inches from ground to the upper lip of the fender...

I will hazard a guess that the VB springs produce a similar result...

Allan
Click to expand...

Allan, I will try and get you a measurement this weekend. If you don't see a post from me by say Sun, shoot me a PM to remind me. I've got a few non-Alpine things on my plate right now ;)
 
I realize this may be a little late. I have a set of VB S3 springs purchased back when I bought the rears. I obviously haven't installed them yet... someday.

Anyway, measured them up.

free length is around 11 1/4" and diameter is around 4 3/8"

They have a green and an orange paint dot and a sticker that says Made in UK. Part #1201495

 
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