Westfield question

[Furyblade_Lee]

My neighbour has just bought a live axle Westy. It keeps bottoming out it's rear suspension, and it looks low at the back generally. I tried to raiscthe spring platform but it was seized. However, it is already at it's maximum extension at 14" open length, it has no more to give height wise. He phoned Westfield and they said 14" was correct, but how can it be? Looks to me it should be a 16" open length?

[spaximus]

It could be the springs are too soft allowing it to bottom out. Also do the shocks have rubber bump stops?

[Megaflow]

It does sound like the springs are too soft. For a live axle 120lb/in are a goot starting point.

[Furyblade_Lee]

Yep, probobly, but we have no idea of the spring rate. Judging by the rest of the car on first inspection, nothing would surprise me....

[procomp]

Hi

14" was the correct fitment from westfield. Some however run with 15" open to gain sufficient bump and droop travel. 120Lb springs will be OK for single driver use only if it is going to be used with passengers it would need a min of 150Lb.

Other problem that may be occurring is that the chassis above the diff may be bottoming out on to the diff before the dampers are on the bump stops especially if running a low ride height. try 4" under front chassis rail and 4 1/2under the chassis just in front of the rear wheels. That should put the car in to a general setting that the majority would be running.

Cheers Matt

[Megaflow]

I've got 120lb/in on mine, not sure what the shock length is, but 14" rings a bell and mine has never bottomed out once.

Edit: And I run about 5" ride height at the back.