2016 Ftype R Coupe - stock suspension w/ aftermarket wheels. The fit on the wheels is flush, no spacers.

Just came back from some extremely spirited driving in PA/NY and the rear suspension is giving me problems. I noticed awhile back that the rear shocks seem to struggle with rebound on sudden dips at speed. They are not bottoming out but the rear wheels are rubbing the wheel well and as I just discovered after my trip..the fender. Part of my fender will need some body work to roll it back into place on both sides..also noticed its chipping away at the outer edge of my tires (PS4S).

I was originally thinking VAP Progressive Springs, but i returned them after realizing I don't really want to drop the height..i'd like to keep it stock or close to it. So then I looked up KW adjustable progressive springs..this way I can keep the ride height but ideally get some more help in the rear. But i'm looking at roughly $5k installed for these..but if it's what's required i'm willing to pull the trigger.

As I recall reading somewhere on here, the ftype is fairly limited in rear wheel adjustment. But if anyone has changed their setup and can offer some advice please let me know.

Thanks in advance!

 

Wow 5k sounds like actual KW V3 coilovers, not the KW H.A.S. adjustable springs (uses the stock dampers). I read your post but wasn't clear, did you or a mechanic determine what exactly was failing? It sounds to me like a bad damper and not the springs - if you want to keep the stock height then it would be a matter of replacing the stock damper at that point. If you did spring (pun intended) for the KW V3's and get them set up by a shop who knows what they're doing, you'll likely realize a significant improvement in handling due to superior dampers (not sure what happens with the adjusters on the top though).

 

If there's rubbing it's not the spring, shock, or ride height that is the problem. It's the wheels. The shock and spring do not control the clearance. They will determine where in the full range of travel you're riding at any given time, but the notion that "I'm rubbing, so need stiffer springs" is just wrong. There's always a bigger bump.

To really check, remove the shock/spring assembly and move the wheel through its full travel and check clearance. Allow for some deflection in the bushings to be safe.

 

Adjusted for Canadian monopoly money 🙂

 

It's a 20" wheel at stock sidewall specs, they are slightly wider tires.

So I'm guessing the issue, if you're correct is how far the wheels are sticking out. Unfortunate.

 

Yeah, this has nothing to do with your suspension. What are the specs of your wheels (widths and offsets)? What do you mean by “stock sidewall specs” as sidewall is not wheel related but associated with the tire. And what size tires are you running since they are not stock?

 

Yeah stock tire sidewall is what i meant.

Rear is 305/30/20.

I'll look into the wheel specs when i pull them off with the tech, sounds like i need to order wheels that don't come out as far. They came with the car (previous owner) and for daily driving, slightly spirited runs there is no issue. When pushing it pretty hard and hitting those more 'sudden' dips in the road is when issues arise. I was willing to accept some rubbing but if it's going to actually warp fenders then I'm going to address it.