Ground Control question

[Zhan]

I just received a set of Ground Control "coilovers" from Ebay, but it didn't come with any instructions on how to install. Can anyone who have or have had these gimme some directions?

Also, what's a recommended drop that's not too low? I was thinking something like 1.25" front and 1" rear because there's a huge wheel gap in front, but on the other hand some pictures show even gap with the same drop front and rear. And can I measure the drop with a ruler by the amount of the purple threaded area showing under the gold adjusting tool or does the gold thing factor in also?

Hm, and would it be possible just to put on the springs without the sleeves?

Thanks

[nate0123]

the springs wouldn't fit into the perches without the sleeves

as far as drop goes, as long as you adjust evenly (I think you can do this by counting number of turns from either all the way up or all the way down) from side to side, just experiment with it until you like the way it looks and feels

[spacemonkey]

um its exactly how you install a spring. Take the struts out and get a spring compressor...take the old spring out with spring compressor. put the ground control in with spring comrpessor. Theres a wrtie up for tien springs install.

this will help...spring compressors can be rented out at your local autopart store.

http://protege5.ugly.net/

keep in mind the MSP already has a drop stock. so dropign it 1 inch may look stock. I believe the drop stock is like half and inch to 1 inch.

Your gonna need to replace those Tokico HPs...they are a bit too soft for 350 lbs spring rates. considering the stock ones were only like 150 lbs. Your gonna atleast upgrade them to illuminas...something that can handle the stiff spring in the long run. It will be okay for now but you'll eventually blow your struts.

Which is why I forked the money over for a set of coilovers. I was going to go that route but for the price of GC coilovers + tokico Illuminas it was going to be around $800. I found a set of D2s for that price. So its all in one and comes with camber plate and 32 way dampening...along with pillow mounts.

I will be installing my coilovers this weekend...I live in Orlando

[nate0123]

I doubt the HPs would blow out anytime soon

[Zhan]

um its exactly how you install a spring. Take the struts out and get a spring compressor...take the old spring out with spring compressor. put the ground control in with spring comrpessor. Theres a wrtie up for tien springs install.
I see. I know how to install a spring, but I'm wondering how the sleeves are supposed to installed.

[Wes]

You don't need a spring compressor for GC's dude. Hell, I doubt you could even fit a spring compressor between the coils.

If you know springs, the setup is easy.... make it look like this.
http://e30m3performance.com/installs/GC_susp/GCstrut1.jpg

Obviously that is not a Protege strut, but the application is the same.

[low_psi]

My HPs are fine after 25K+ with GCs.

To install the GC's:

-Compress and remove stock spring. Set OEM spring, spring hat and rubber aside.
-Turn the strut upside down and remove the cap.
-Slip the GC perch onto the strut body and put the cap back on.
-Cut bumpstop in half.
-Install spring and aluminum tophat.
-Place OEM strut mount on and secure with nut.

Now the strut/spring assembly is ready to be re-installed.

Pirana has a REALLY old writeup with pics.
Front: http://www.hometown.aol.com/rzr669/front.html
Rear: http://www.hometown.aol.com/rzr669/rear.html

To visualise the cap you have to remove to enabel the reach to slide on
http://www.msprotege.com/members/low_psi/GCHelp.jpg

[Zhan]

Awesome, thanks!

When I cut the bumpstop in half, am I still able to put the OEM springs back on or no?

[low_psi]

yep.

[Zhan]

Haven't found time to install these yet, but one more question:

Are the longer sleeves for the front or for the rear?

Thanks!

[justanotheradikt]

got mine in today... plan on putting them on this weekend.

[DeadGeneration]

Whats a good place to buy these at, like as in cheapest prices?

[low_psi]

http://***********************/protegesuspension.htm

[yashooa]

Haven't found time to install these yet, but one more question:

Are the longer sleeves for the front or for the rear?

Thanks! The shorter springs were for the front on mine and the longer springs were for the back. I was confused at first but I had the instructions because mine were new.