Why can't I use coilovers with Hotchkis C+C plates?

[Cobra912]

Hey guys I installed a set of Hotchkis 3001 caster / camber plates in my 86 a while back. I wanted to install coil overs but after referencing the instructions for the c+c's they have a note that states:

Not recommended for coil over applications.

Why?


Someone told me that it was because they use a 3 bolt (L bracket) support. However I've heard of people using coil overs on their stock plates which are also 3 bolt. I know the MM plates are 4 bolt but that's not an option now.

Any ideas???

 

[Bullitt347]

It is the load that the caster/camber plate has to take. With the stock suspension the weight of the car is carried by the spring on the control arm and K-member. With a coil over the weight is all on the strut, which the C/C plate is supporting. If the C/C plate is made out of aluminum, then it cannot support the load/weight of the car and it will fail.

 

[Cobra912]

hhhmm I see. Thanks. so if I went back to a stock set-up it would work? I'm not sure why I even changed them I think it was more for show than anything.

 

[Bullitt347]

I do not think the stock strut mount will work with a coil-over conversion. The configuration at the top of the strut with a coil-over is to large to be used with the stock strut mount..............I think. When I went to a coil-over set-up on my car, it was automatic that I had to use a C/C plate set up. Since my entire front suspension is QA1 I had no issues with fitment.

 

[Cobra912]

How do you like the QA1 stuff? I regret not doing any research on the topic before I hand, I didn't notice that I couldn't use mine till now. Thanks for the replies.