Ok so tonight I was working on the front suspension, attempting to install my racingbeat springs, and kyb budget shocks lol.
Anyways everything came apart fine, but during re-assembly I ran into a major problem. I installed the shock, compressed the new spring and stacked everything up, when I had a bad feeling something was wrong, I didnt compress the spring much and there was like 2 inches!!! of space between the top of the spring and the upper perch..I figured maybe it would still work, and I just underestimated the shorter shock....

But sure enough, once the spring compressors were off there was still play. Although a very small amount, it was still there (I could turn the shock with my hand and it would unseat itself). I double checked everything and everything is there,
the best way i can describe it is that it just seems like either the shock is too long, or the spring is to short. It looks like if I was driving and hit a bump, the spring would totally just pop right off its seats....Help!!!!! I want to drive the beast....

 

don't worry about it, the new springs being shorter are giving that bit of play. I noticed the same thing when i installed my RB springs and tokico blues, i didn't even need a springs compressor to reinstall. You have to remember that there is no load on anything yet, the second you set eveything on the ground those springs aren't goin anywhere. Also the last coil of the springs on top and bottom are seated in a groove "per say" so they can't spin or move out.

 

Yes, I know it seems that way, but when the shock is fully extended should I be able to physically turn the shock 360 degrees if I wanted to? Seems a little off to me...

What happens when you hit a bump, and theres no load again? I doubt the sway bar and tension rods give it much more (if any) resistance, do they?

I just really dont wanna hit a bump and suddenly have the suspension totally wonked out on me...But if this is normal so be it....
Has everyone installing RB springs noticed this?

 

I'm afraid I can't help too much, I'll just post my experience (I just did the install last week.) Installed RB springs with Tokico blues.

The RB springs were signicantly shorter than the stock ones, when I reassembled the strut I didn't use the spring compressor until I had everything put back together, tightened the locknut until it wouldn't move anymore, then threw the compressors on. I compressed it just an inch or so and tightned the locknut a bit more and then torqued it down, and finally released the spring compressor. Even with it released, there was actually very little tension on the springs at that point. It wasn't as loose as you describe, though.

One thing you may do-Check the length of the strut cartidge compared to the old ones you pulled out. Perhaps in uncompressed form the KYBs are longer than stock, but when put under load it will go down to normal? Just a wild guess.

Personally I think that it will probably be fine as is.

 

I noticed the same thing installing my RB springs and reinstalling my newer OEM replacement shocks. All is good.

BTW me saying "all is good" does not make any legal liability on my part if something does happen...

 

It should work fine when installed and under load, those springs are stronger and shorter than the old ones, you wont ever get them so unloaded that they'll move unless your planning on driving for "Dukes of Hazard II"

 

Yah, I figured it would be tough to ever get them completely unloaded, But then again I Just wanted them to be safe. I think since the top perch looks prety secure, Im just gonna grab some small hose clamps and clamp down the bottom part of the spring to the strut tube (since there are 3 small holes on the bottom perch). This should keep the spring from turning and even if it ever managed to unload, it wouldnt turn. This is the best Idea I can come up with, so hopefully it will assist with the problem.

Ideally, with these springs and shocks, Id like to turn down the releif at the top of the shock and extend the threads...but thats rather crazy Id say.

 

Beautiful, Went down to good ol Canadian tire and picked up some hose clamps. I ran one through the little hole on the lower perch right above the brake line mount and around the spring on each side, and let me tell you it made a world of difference. I reccomend this to anyone if they notice this problem. My spring is definately going nowhere anymore. I would post pics but my camera is dooown.

Anyways, Dukes of hazzard driving here I come! LOL.