Series I - raising the rear suspension

[CraigAmor]

Hi guys, new to this site and could do with your help.
I have acquired an Autotune Aristocat (XK140 replica) that has Series1 XJ6 (1972) running gear. The rear tyres rub on the sides of the rear arches; and just looking at the car, it would appear to sit about 1” too low at the back. What is the best way or overcoming this – longer springs perhaps?
Many thanks
Craig

[mike020150]

Have you tried having a word with Aristocat? I'm sure they will be able to advise which spring/damper combination works best with their cars. Mike.

[Tintin]

I agree with Mike - the Aristocat is not exactly a standard S1 XJ6. Having said that your options would seems to be:- taller springs; packers in the spring seats (if the set up on your car will take them); height adjustable shock absorbers. Personally I would go for the adjustables (subject to what Aristocat recommend).

I assume you have checked that the road wheels and tyres are the correct size for the car?

Robbie

[CraigAmor]

Makes sense Mike!

[PaulGover]

Might be worth asking in the Aristocats section of the Replicas forum - if there's anyone with one there!

[RichardSEL]

The Morris Marina (spit!)'75 and '76MY 7cwt bread van (I had two when in business) used to badly judder due to wrong diff - body - prop shaft alignment. British Leyland's (spit!¬!) official manufacturer's fix? Fit wedges in the spring - axle |_| bolts.
Both were perfect then, and also drove very well -- well, very well for what they were with a 998cc engine

When I sold my company in 1980, strangely for being kept outside, neither had body or floor pan rust

[piman]

Hello Craig,

if you want to raise it one inch then the earlier advice is sensible. But you will still have clearance issues on normal roads so I suggest looking at the wheel tyre combinations or, although I imagine it would be difficult, to spread the wheel arches.

Alec

[CraigAmor]

Unfortunately it is a little more complex Alec. It is a Carrera Panamericana evocation, which means its carrying a load of gear strapped to the boot plus knobbly off road tyres - so it is the extra weight and non standard tyres that is causing the clearance issues?

[piman]

Hello Craig,

in that case raising the car will not improve your clearance issues unless it only conflicts at full compression. Can you get wheels with a greater inset otherwise it will need body modifications. Another option, although it may compromise the handling is raise the suspension and lower bump stops to reduce upward travel of the wheel, not an ideal way?
Have you or do you intend to fit higher rated springs and dampers?

Alec

[CraigAmor]

I have not done anything yet Alec just seeking information at this stage; my initial thoughts was to fit longer springs, because due to the additional weight the car sits markedly lower at the back than front?

[piman]

Hello Craig,

changing the springs is a good idea but do consider a higher rated spring rather than longer?

Alec

[CraigAmor]

Seems obvious now you said it - but it hadn't occurred to me!