tusabes

So I was thinking about the ABC strut, how if you slide the dust cover up there is a traditional coil spring in there....

Got me thinking a rubber coil spring donut spacer would prevent the car from sinking, like this:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/LNG-61140/?rtype=10

(see the picture of the spacer installed WITHIN THE COILS of the white spring)

Here is a similar spacer for $6.99 at Amazon....

http://www.amazon.com/Superior-18-19...=pd_sbs_auto_1

4 of these would be under $30....

Before you say "this wont work" note these are SPECIAL spacers, that are split for easy installation and with grooves on both sides , to fit in between the coils and keep the car from laying on the ground. These are not the typical spacers that only go on the top or bottom of the spring, these actually fit in BETWEEN the spring coils of the ABC strut.

Now, this wont "repair" your ABC to proper operation, and the ride will be stiff, but it should give you enough ride height to make your car drivable again, a cheap fix without spending thousands of $$$.... but I need someone to test my theory and see if this would really work.

Anyone with a failed ABC setup willing to try?

NOTE: Longacre sells MANY spacers, some without grooves on both sides, and I may have not linked the correct part number, so dont just buy the one I linked at Summit. You will need the spacer with grooves on BOTH sides that fits between the coils. I would recommend removing the wheel, sliding the dust cover on the ABC strut up to reveal the spring, and then measure the space between coils to be sure you order the correct sized spacer. Mr. Gasket also sells one with grooves on both sides (Mr Gasket part # 1287)

momentum59

That's a great idea, though my ABC is still working, I'll keep this in mind!

i_am_amused

putting a bandaid on a failed suspension sounds like such a bad idea. I would never put my child in that car, and I sure don't want that car near me on the road.

good luck...

fatmike

Really?

:facepalm:

wease206

then you buy a honda

momentum59

lol I think he is just trying to help those who can't drive their car at all. Not for everyone clearly but still a smart idea none the less.

tusabes

bingo, most cars are undrivable (and un-towable without damage to the bumpers since its sitting so low) and this is a fix that can be applied in the driveway in under an hour.

Not everyone has the $2000-4000-8000 that it often costs to repair ABC, and it is condescending to others to say "just buy a honda" if you are already "stuck" in this situation with no options.

People use hardware store washers, not designed for suspension lowering, to lower their car....so using spring spacers (which ARE designed for the intended use) to raise it is no worse or different... the "how can you defile my precious German engineering" folks need not apply.

I did not post this for people to "poo poo" on the idea, its posted to help people stuck in a jam of an undrivable car and/or repair bill they cannot afford

duke1111

very interesting idea!