I finally put my lowering springs, new shocks and new discs/pads on today. The pick up isnt as low as I'd hoped for, dunno if the springs will 'bed down'. Still, it looks ace, stil very driveable, no rubbing of tyres. I had the expected problems discussed elsewhere in the forum--pince bolts not wanting to move. A combination of heat, lots of penetrating oil and a big hammer got the job done eventually. Tomorrows jobs are: changing the steering rack and column, reeming out my 40 quid BMW mini wheels to fit (hopefully!) Plus plenty of bodywork, but I need it to stop raining for a bit for that.

pics? i was also a bit disappointed with the ride height of mine when i lowered it, but tbh i'm glad it's not too low now, it's just makes it a nuisance if it's too low and the stainless exhaust manifold on mine sits quite low under the engine and the last thing i want is to quench it by running through a deep puddle or the welds may crack..

my springs have never bedded down since fitting

why you changing the rack and column? converting to power steering?? the hardest part of that job by far is seperating the column bottom u/j from the top of the steering rack, when you undo the bolt (which has fairly limited access) it can be a very tight fit on there and you will need to do some pulling or use a large flat bladed screwdriver to ease it off by levering on it... just as an side note to this, if any of your brake or fuel pipes that go to the rear need replacing it's best to do them now whilst you've got the subframe dropped..

if you look at the top of the felicia section there's a sticky thread showing most of the procedures if you get stuck..

ref wheels: you could try a brake cylinder hone in the centre bore to open it out a bit, or possibly just an abrasive shaft mounted sand paper flap wheel thing, you only need to take it out a tiny bit

Thanks for the tips, especially asking me why I'm changing the rack. I thought it was worn, (I was experiencing some tramlining) but in hindsight I think the current wheels (aftermarket 'fox racing' alloys from unknown origin car??) are to blame (incorrect offset?) I shall just swap the track rod ends and gaiters from my spare rack for now, I shall let the MOT man tell me if I need to put the other rack on! (which hopefully I wont). I'm changing the steering column because at the mo. it is a 2 key car (I swapped the doors) and I want to loose a key off my keyring and not have to constantly put the wrong key in the door/ignition (very annoying).

I shall pop some pics on once I've taken some, was dark when I finished last night! I'll put some before and afters on. One thing I wish I'd found was some pics of what to expect once the 'ebay' lowering springs were on.

some time in the very near future i'm going to do another thread regarding pickup lowering, so keep an eye out for it

Different to your previous one? Coilovers this time?

Living the rat look dream! BMW mini wheels/tyres, ebay lowering springs, new shocks, front brakes, home made rear net (made from the seatbelts from the old felicia estate!) Guess where the doors and bonnet came from?! Work in progess!

quick... to the filler-mobile

like that net on the back

Just thought i'd add....

Is there a number plate on the back? Lol.

This was a cube van, I drove it under a low bridge and this is what came out the other side! I had the no. plate in the back window, it even had a temporary light! Its now mounted on a new holder below the rear bumper. Fngers crossed I dont get a puncture, it'll be a right chore to get the spare out.

Ah I can just about see it. I wonder if it's hidden from the Gatso's there

tbh it's a right chore getting the spare out on all of the pickups even when there's nothing in the way.. i binned my spare and the toolkit ages ago, the sills are so shot on my mine that the sill jack is a waste of space!... i just chuck a wheel in the back when i go on a long journey