Removing Pre-load on Coilovers - Opinions?

[DB Dude]

I've heard varying opinions. Talking about when u get coilovers out of the box and they have the pre-load set, and independent ride-height adjustment usually via a threaded shock body. Most manufacturers specify to not change the pre-load because it takes teh shock out of its normal operating range.

Anyone have any input?

[jpalamar]

Do what the instructions say. Problem solved?!?

[oneday]

Do what the instructions say. Problem solved?!?

Nah, I'm sure the engineers/designers have no idea what they are doing so following the directions makes no sense what-so-ever. I say just do what ever the cool kids do to look cool.

[Candyman]

Nah, I'm sure the engineers/designers have no idea what they are doing so following the directions makes no sense what-so-ever. I say just do what ever the cool kids do to look cool.

That's the spirit.

I've heard varying opinions. Talking about when u get coilovers out of the box and they have the pre-load set, and independent ride-height adjustment usually via a threaded shock body. Most manufacturers specify to not change the pre-load because it takes teh shock out of its normal operating range.

Anyone have any input?

Megan Racing has pretty decent preload instructions on their site: http://www.meganracing.com/tech/installations.asp?id=79&subject=CDK:%20%20How%20to%20set%20spring%20pre-load -- you can use this to make sure your preload is set properly from the factory to make sure you don't blow your shocks out.

I would suggest not messing w/ the preload out of the box and installing them w/ the factory set preload, then taking them to shop w/ a good alignment rack for setup, corner balancing (if you care or track the car) and ride-height. It's the best way to get the most out of your coilovers.

[Supraru]

DB Dude has no idea how to use google or read instructions.

https://www.google.com/

[enohand]

i can say this...

some coils call for preload (a few turns, )

others do not.

you have to go by what the coil manufacture specifies.

[AWD GS]

i wouldnt rely on the preload being set out of the box. its very simple to set preload. put them on your car and spin the spring collar directly under the spring so the spring becomes loose. once its loose, spin the collar back up so its snug and the spring doesnt move. its now set to 0mm preload. check what the manufacturer recommends. typically anywhere from 0mm to 3mm of preload

[DB Dude]

I follow manufacturer instructions for anything I do. I had the car aligned at a shop after installing, and the shop removed the preload without me asking to, or without telling me they were going to until after it was done. When I questioned why they did that, and told them the manufacturer specifically says to not touch the preload, they gave me a story about how a certain aftermarket racing parts company who specializes in suspension that they sell parts for apparently trained them and recommended that its best to remove the preload from coilovers. After driving on it, and noticing a difference that I was not crazy about, I asked them to reset the preload. They said they did, but it still does not feel like it originally did. Needless to say, I wasn't happy.