Rear Coil-Overs - Putting together your own kit

[David Borden] OK guys, here's the scoop for the Bilstien coilovers for the rear.

Call Randy Larson at Larson Racing Products in CA
1 707 765 6961

Order the Bilstein S7M with 230/78 linier valving. (Mini Racing Shock.

These are special order from Bilstein and they will not have them in stock. You may want to mention this is for a FFR roadster and that the a customer Scott Peterson just ordered a set from them.

You need these parts also, (provided by Tom)

One for each shock: Coilover kit is Bilstein part# 193102
Two for each shock: Rodends are Bilstein part# 193252-002

Some have stated you need 12 inch 1 7/8" springs. I've tested Scott Petersons shocks on my spec racer and the 10 inch 1 7/8" springs seemed perfect when fitted to the 3 link at 4.5" ride height. I don't think it would change much for a standard rear setup though. Maybe someone can shed some light on this.

You will need to source your own bolts and spacers etc, and you will need to drill a diagonal hole in your shock tower, or find another way to mount the upper portion of the shock.

Rear Coil-Over Installation Guide: Click here.

Quad Shock Clearance Issues?

[WC] "Not sure about the factory quads, but I'm running some no-name parts store type quads that are flipped and w/ the boots removed. I have BFG T/A's in 295/50R15's on the PS Engineering 15x10" wheels. With this setup I've got about 1/8" clearance. Not sure if it'll be a problem in the long run. If it is, I'll move the quad mounts inboard."

[JC] "the stock quads (reversed) allow considerably great clearance than the KYBs. i know from personal experience! my 17x10" wheels fit fine, but my 15x10 do not with the KYBs. both fit with the stock shocks, but rubbed a little with the 15" wheels.

I am going to try removing the quads as i have a different LCA now."

[1630] "BTW, I cut the sleeves off the KYBs"

[EG] "I'm glad you guys brought this up. How long are your Quad shocks at normal ride height. Mine are only about 3/8" longer than totally collapsed. Remember I'm running the turbo coupe rear so I had to re-drill the shock mounts.

One other thing, I bought a set of Monroe's. One was about 1 1/8 inches longer than a ford unit when completely collapsed. I literally could not get it on the car. I took it back and went to the junk yard.

The reason I wanted to change in the first place was one of mine was destroyed in the donor cars wreck."

[1630] "the WHEEL rubs like crazy on the quad, not to mention the tire! the 17" wheel is big enough to get the rim of the wheel out over the thin part of the shock. also, the BFGs have really flexi sidewalls and a big bulge like you mention."

[RL] "IM RUNNING PS 10 INCH REARS WITH 295/50R15 WITH STOCK QUAD SHOCKS REVERSED ,I HAVE AROUND A QUARTER INCH CLEARANCE AND THEY DO NOT RUB ,OUT 7000 MILES ON THE CAR THIS YEAR WITH NO PROBLEMS"

[1775] "I also have the 10" rear PSE wheels and the same size tires. I sure would like to get another 1/2-1" of tire back there, but it seems even with the regular quads there is not enough room.

I am beginning to realize the advantage of the 17" wheels. The 17" tire must approach the quad shock body from a higher radius, allowing for more tire room. The center of the 15" sidewall is right in line with the quad shock body..therefore less room."

[LL] "I'm running 95 rear end with 17X12 with 285/40. everything is stock. no rubbing and i have about 1mm of clearance or so"

[1630] "I had the FFR LCAs on my car briefly, but not without the quad shocks. they were nice on the street, but not good for autocross."

[1775] "I have the upper and lower FFR control arms. You still need quads or you will hop. I am not aware of anyone running w/o
quads that can stick good power(350+?) to the ground and not hop.

used the KYB quad shocks and Koni's available thru Jegs or Summit. They are much cheaper than the FMS quads but you must
cut off the metal shield around the rod to gain adequate tire clearance. The FMS quads are a bit narrower with longer rods but they are also allot more $. Either way is tight clearance."

Rear Coil-Overs:

Question: [HO] "I'm having a real difficult time trying to drill the necessary holes in my finished FFR to mount the upper part of the coilover shock in the trunk mounts. I've purchased a right angle adapter for my drill and still can't get the necessary clearance for the holes. Has anyone come up with any good way to drill the holes, or an alternate method of mounting them? For example, is there any reason why I shouldn't fabricate a bracket similar to that used on the front lower a-arm to mount the top of the rear shock?"

Answers:

[YO] "Pro-shocks makes a part that will allow you to use the stock mounting point.
It's S506 Stud Mount Assy.
It screws on in place of the rod end and makes it just like the stock shock.

My old catalog lists them for $5.00 each."

[1775] "I received the rubber grommet style with my early coil-over option from ffr. Don't go that way. The rubber distorts and tries to pull through hole resulting in excessive play. After all, it is a suspension mount that has to support the weight of the car. I converted it over to a heim joint style similar to the front shock."

Go back to the FFR FAQ