How to Modify Your Suspension for Hydraulics
One way to modify your suspension to prepare for the addition of a hydraulics kit is to add hydraulics bumpstops. These pressurized springs give your suspension added reinforcement, protection and the necessary leeway to prevent the damage that would otherwise be caused by the strain of a hydraulics kit.
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Things You'll Need
- Welding torch
- Welding mask
- Automotive tool set
- Gussets
- Bumpstop can (should be included with your bumpstop kit)
- Mechanic (may be needed)
Instructions
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Purchase a pair of bumpstops from an automotive accessories shop, or go online to order a set that's compatible with your car (though most sets have a 2-inch size that will work universally). Prices range from about $20 for an inexpensive set to several hundred dollars for a top-of-the-line set. Tellico4x4.com lists several of the many available options (see Resources below).
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Remove your car's coil springs, air intake box and the coolant system's overflow bottle (if necessary). Take off your car's factory bumpstops, which are right above the coil springs.
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Strip away any paint that's present above the coil springs, which is where you're going to weld the hydraulics bumpstops.
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Use a hole saw to cut through the body of the coil springs, if you want to reposition your hydraulics bumpstops. You can place them at a higher or lower height, as you prefer, depending on how high or low you want your car to ride when the system is completely installed.
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Weld your hydraulics bumpstops in place.
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Add the bumpstop can by welding it onto your shock shaft. To determine where this accessory should be placed, compress your car's suspension until there is no more than 3/4 inch of visible shock shaft. You need to leave some shock shaft available to maximize the arc of the suspension as you ride.
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Weld your lower support plate so that it rests atop your coils. You can also add some gussets at this point, to distribute the weight of the hydraulics bumpstops more efficiently.
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Tips & Warnings
To learn more about advanced techniques suitable for your make and model of vehicle, talk to your mechanic or a staff member at a hydraulics showroom.
If you lack welding skills, get a certified automotive professional to modify your suspension for you. The installation of hydraulic bumpstops is technical and challenging and should not be attempted by the inexperienced.
