jcaswell Posted May 15, 2019 Share Posted May 15, 2019 I have a 1995 Caterham S3 Imperial chassis, De Dion. My car is a bit of a hybrid with new chassis. Has wide track front suspension and Watts linkage on the rear.This how I received when I when I bought it. I would like to lower the ride height at the rear. I have HPC wheels with standard size tires for these rims. My shocks do have the threaded pieces on the tube and two lock rings. They seam to be at there lowest setting already. Please see pictures. .Any input gladly welcomed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rj Posted May 16, 2019 Share Posted May 16, 2019 Could it be becuase the DeDion tube has the central fixing holes and the shocks are the long version for the the tube with the fixings underneath? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative Richard Price Posted May 16, 2019 Area Representative Share Posted May 16, 2019 Take the dampers off. Compress the springs. Slide the sleeve up the damper, and remove the circlip that the sleeve sits on. Fit the circlip in that lower position, and uncompress the springs before fitting back onto the car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tazio Posted May 16, 2019 Share Posted May 16, 2019 But recognise those springs are race springs And if you intend it for the road, at 215lbs you will find the car very 'lively'...and a better solution would be the progressive springs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative bluenose Posted May 16, 2019 Area Representative Share Posted May 16, 2019 My recommend would be to find someone familiar with Caterham set up to flat floor the car and check the rake, toe and camber settings, the car will be much more enjoyable to drive if set up properly. Just lowering the rear with no references will not necessary help the handling.Nick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcaswell Posted May 16, 2019 Author Share Posted May 16, 2019 Ok, I needed to know what I have and how to work with the shocks. I am in Canada so no body close to me offers flat floor set up for Caterhams. When looking at the bottom of the shock under the adjustment rings for the springs there is a piece with flats on the sides and another piece below that, is that a spacer about 1/ 1/2 " that can be removed. Before I buy springs I will lengthen the spring mounting and reinstall and test. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tazio Posted May 16, 2019 Share Posted May 16, 2019 They are too stiff for the road though.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom_Arundel Posted May 17, 2019 Share Posted May 17, 2019 Yes wrong springs for road use.1 1/2`` step/spacer is the lower circlip groove that you need to move to get lower ride height. Circlip is up inside the black sleeveThe lower lock ring (silver anodised) appears to be for the 1.9`` springs that you need. You can swap them over for the 2.25`` that are currently in use but you will need new top spring retainer or get them turned down to 1.9``(assuming you can get the springs) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcaswell Posted June 14, 2019 Author Share Posted June 14, 2019 Ok thanks every one for help. I got new Caterham rear springs part #71198 progressive . They told me the top and bottom mounts were ok as the new springs were the same inside and outside dimensions as the old race springs. Everything fits great just adjusting the spring perches for proper front and rear ride height. Thanks to everyone for their input. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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