Out back, we were ready to remove the rear Steeda spring and shock.
The rear Steeda shock is a standard and non-adjustable damper body, while the RTR Tactical Coilover has a threaded damper body which allows for adjustment of the damper body position, which affects the total travel of the rear suspension, when the rear suspension bottoms-out into the bump stop, and how much rebound/droop travel the rear suspension will have.
Steeda uses a motorsport-grade linear Hyperco rear spring in their suspension kit. While not adjustable, this spring delivered a great stance, grip, and support to the S197 Mustang.
With the Steeda spring removed, we can compare it to the RTR Tactical Coilover spring, which technically isn’t a coil-“over” but a “divorced” spring/damper that mounts to the factory location. The RTR spring is progressive rather than linear, which provides a softer initial spring rate that ‘progressively’ gets stiffer as it is compressed, vs a linear spring which has a linear spring rate increase as it is compresses.
The installation of the adjustable RTR rear spring and threaded spring perch was quite easy. Based off of the pre-set ride heigh of the spring collar, the rear of the car can be lowered nearly another inch, while it can be raised much higher if needed.
Quick Reference:
Page 1 – RTR Tactical Performance Coilover Details
Page 2 – How to Adjust Ride Height
Page 3 – Front Shock Removal & Modifications
Page 4 – Front Shock Install
Page 5 – Rear Shock Removal, Rear Spring Removal, Rear Spring Install
Page 6 – Rear Shock Install & Bump Stop Modifications
5 comments
Technically, these dampers have height independent spring preload adjustment because you can preload the spring by winding in the upper perch, and then unwinding the lower perch to offset the change in length.
Comments like this is exactly what I was referring to in the article. While you are correct that ‘preloading’ the spring can be offset by lowering the lower perch to maintain the same ride height; you reduced droop travel of the suspension and increased bump travel. If your lower perch/damper body position was originally correct – for the bump stop to prevent the tire from contacting the fender liner or chassis under bump travel; then adding preload and lowering the damper body increases compression travel and now will allow your tire to contact the fender liner & chassis. Most people fail to recognize this and focus way too much on ‘preload’ (which does NOT increase the spring rate on a linear spring during its travel).
I don’t understand. Is this a Dual height adjustable coilover?
I thought it was. It looks like it is to me.
“Dual height adjustable coilovers allow independent adjustment of ride height and spring preload, usually by threading the shock body into the lower mount. This design provides a wider range of lowering without sacrificing suspension travel. They offer precise stance tuning, often for street or track, with options for 2-way damping (compression/rebound) adjustment.”
I like Vaughn Gitten Jr and all, but naming your coilovers “tactical”… lol, come on…
What ride height did you set the car? Do you have any rake?