Converting Standerd Dampers To Coilovers

[joe1joe 3]

i read a while ago on here someone converting standerd dampers to coilovers, i have got some 306 gti-6 dampers that i would like to convert, wel unless you all think its crap!!

 

as then the springs are cheap (20 each) and i can then raise or lower it to exacly to how i want.

 

comp brake do the kit

 

 

http://www.compbrake.co.uk/SUSPENSION/SUSPENSION4.html

 

im not sure if i would be able to use standerd mounts tho?? with the bbm rubbers.

 

and i can assure you i have done a search!!! been on here hours today, it suprising how long you can spen on here

[foreigner 0]

Is it me or it is not for standard dampers,

 

I can's see how you fit it on the damper.

 

 

how does this one work?

 

 

In converting dampers to coilovers my understanding is that you just replace dampers with coliovers.

[joe1joe 3]

well as far as i am aware you remove the spring seat on your normal strut, and slide the threaded part of the kit over the tube, and add a tack weld or two???

[Cloverleaf 1]

well as far as i am aware you remove the spring seat on your normal strut, and slide the threaded part of the kit over the tube, and add a tack weld or two???

 

Yep, but I'd add more than a tack weld!

[Veero 1]

Sounds like a right bodge.

 

Just get some proper coilovers.

[welshpug 1,627]

Its for dampers that you can remove the inserts from, I wouldn't like to weld a sealed damper!

[Nickmatthewsrallying 0]

I agree with 'Veero'

 

For all the time and effort that you would need to put in to compete this and get it right would not be worth it for the final result. Especially when you consider the cheap up-rated 2nd hand suspension set-ups that are currently on ebay.

[Cloverleaf 1]

I don't! It's not a bodge at all. For hardly any money you can convert a standard strut to take a standard coilover spring which makes ride height and spring rate adjustments much cheaper and easier. It's like everything though, it's only as good as the person who does it.

[davidc 0]

I don't! It's not a bodge at all. For hardly any money you can convert a standard strut to take a standard coilover spring which makes ride height and spring rate adjustments much cheaper and easier. It's like everything though, it's only as good as the person who does it.

 

 

I'm with you 100% on this one....as long as you uprate the inserts as well then I dont see any issues....as long as the workmanship (welding) is up to scratch.

 

This is very, very popular amongst Mk1/2 Escorts & has been for years.....a coilover conversion kit is what 60 for the pair compared to 300-400 for a pair of new coilover bodies......no brainer really...if you have the workmanship to convert it.

[M@tt 77]

does any of the peugeot range of dampers come with replacable inserts? i'm not sure i've seen any

 

also the escort conversion kits are for 2" struts, anyone know if the pegeot struts are the right diameter?

[Tom Fenton 1,526]

This is a perfectly acceptable mod, as someone has said before, on struts with removeable inserts, one that springs to mind are Golf GTI Mk2.

 

However its a non starter on our Peugeots as the dampers are sealed meaning welding the body will fcuk up the internal seals etc.

[Anthony 1,000]

does any of the peugeot range of dampers come with replacable inserts? i'm not sure i've seen any

Bilstein's (well, except the B4's) have removable inserts.

[davidc 0]

Bilstein's (well, except the B4's) have removable inserts.

 

Peugeot Sport in France actually sell a coilover conversion kit for the front struts on the 106's......I wonder if it could be used on the 205's (do the likes of AVO, Spax, Koni, do an uprated 205 insert for use in std strut) ?

[joe1joe 3]

i only thought they needed a tack to stop the threaded part turning when you ajust the big nut when ajusting height?? and the weight is taken by the strut??? not the weld? the reason i want to do this is that i want to be able to get a spring rate i want (select the length aswell) as ther isnt much choice of standerd springs.

[EdCherry 34 1 Cars]

Peugeot Sport in France actually sell a coilover conversion kit for the front struts on the 106's......I wonder if it could be used on the 205's (do the likes of AVO, Spax, Koni, do an uprated 205 insert for use in std strut) ?

 

106 uses inserts as standard on the front struts. It wouldn't work on a 205.

[Rippthrough 98]

If you can get the fit tight enough, you could bond them on with the right prep work, that's a huge area to spread the load over...

[jerseypug 1]

i did a set a couple of years ago. i ended up using 250 lb springs and the ride was still soft. i think the shocks were bad to start with. they are still on the car and i even did a couple of dirt rallies with them on. i did post it on here but dont know how to do a link. it was titled Diy Coilovers, just put one together.

[Rippthrough 98]

Dampers are probably too soft for the springs.

[peakrevs 0]

does any of the peugeot range of dampers come with replacable inserts? i'm not sure i've seen any

 

also the escort conversion kits are for 2" struts, anyone know if the pegeot struts are the right diameter?

 

This is a conversion I'd very much like to do so if anyone knows of struts with removeable inserts please do let me know.

 

John

[davidc 0]

This is a conversion I'd very much like to do so if anyone knows of struts with removeable inserts please do let me know.

 

John

 

Does anyone know the o.d. of the 205 strut body ?

[peakrevs 0]

Does anyone know the o.d. of the 205 strut body ?

 

I can check tomorrow if nobody comes up with the answer before then.

[joe1joe 3]

thanks jersy pug..... i had a look at you topic and this was what made me want to do it i jst couldnt ever find your topic again till you posted today.

 

i was right just a few tack welds to stop the threaded part moving so it can be done on a standerd strut,

 

welshpug you have seen this before!!! and posted on it only a few tacks is all it needs

 

and it veero it isnt a bodge atall you have gti-6 dampers which is what i want to convert, you say you have "lowering springs" what make are they? what spring poundages.

 

are they? prob more of a bodge than converted dampers with a decent spring poundages.

 

does any one no if the diameter of the gti-6 damper is the same as a gti 205 damper ?? if so can i have the diameter, as i do not have mine yet.

 

jersy pug did the 180 llb springs 8 inch in lengh give you a 40mm drop in the end?? with plenty of ajustment left?

[peakrevs 0]

I can check tomorrow if nobody comes up with the answer before then.

 

 

50mm OD

[davidc 0]

50mm OD

 

So....that means the 2-1/4" conversion kits should be ok...from memory, they are made to suit a 2" or 50mm body...you would just need to suss out a decent insert somehow ???

[peakrevs 0]

So....that means the 2-1/4" conversion kits should be ok...from memory, they are made to suit a 2" or 50mm body...you would just need to suss out a decent insert somehow ???

 

Yes, that's right and then we're in business.