Bongo too low

Technical questions and answers about the Mazda Bongo

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MatEmily

Bongo too low

Post by MatEmily » Wed Jun 03, 2009 10:54 am

Hi all

Just picked up our very first Bongo! Slightly concerned about how low it is, previous Japanese owner has fitted lowering springs. This gives us only a few inches between exhaust and ground, also getting a knock from wheel area when going over some bumps. Any ideas what this may be?

How easy is it to refit normal springs, any ideas of cost? We could do with not having to worry every time we go over a bump.


Thanks ta

p.s How do I post a pic on here
scanner
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Re: Bongo too low

Post by scanner » Wed Jun 03, 2009 11:22 am

Lots of demand for lowering springs, so it shouldn't cost you anything to arrange a swap with somebody who wants them.

Make the charge for the lowering springs, the cost of swapping them over.

I'm sure it's something Wheelquick could do for you.
MatEmily

Re: Bongo too low

Post by MatEmily » Wed Jun 03, 2009 11:39 am

Thanks for the super quick response.

Why are they so popular, for the look or better handling? We've also got an underbody water tank which is even closer to the ground. Due for a change I think
francophile1947
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Re: Bongo too low

Post by francophile1947 » Wed Jun 03, 2009 12:11 pm

MatEmily wrote: p.s How do I post a pic on here
Read this http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... =42&t=9285 from the Guidance Section
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Majorbloodnock

Re: Bongo too low

Post by Majorbloodnock » Wed Jun 03, 2009 1:32 pm

Funny, as I'm considering getting mine slammed! Shame I'm not near you, or I would do the swap.
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Re: Bongo too low

Post by scanner » Wed Jun 03, 2009 2:32 pm

Majorbloodnock wrote:Funny, as I'm considering getting mine slammed! Shame I'm not near you, or I would do the swap.
If you both go to the bash you could do a swap there and we could all watch holding the swear box - that should buy everybody there a drink or 3.
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mister munkey
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Re: Bongo too low

Post by mister munkey » Wed Jun 03, 2009 5:49 pm

I could be tempted to do swaps & could get to Wheelquick too . . . . :-k
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chipvan
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Re: Bongo too low

Post by chipvan » Wed Jun 03, 2009 9:06 pm

well,when i saw the bongo we are buying (see link) i thought it was on low springs,but it was only low profiles and body kit that made it look real low,

It turns out its 1 inch lower than standard (with standard springs)

gerry from discout trucks said its no problem to swap em over...
northerntaff

Re: Bongo too low

Post by northerntaff » Wed Jun 03, 2009 10:36 pm

Lowering?...what about increaing the height...particularly at the back. I've asked this before and was ignored so everyone might do it again...but would it be possible to increase to be a little higher at the rear than the front?
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Re: Bongo too low

Post by scanner » Wed Jun 03, 2009 11:10 pm

northerntaff wrote:Lowering?...what about increaing the height...particularly at the back. I've asked this before and was ignored so everyone might do it again...but would it be possible to increase to be a little higher at the rear than the front?

The best way is air suspension like wot dandywarhol has (I think) fitted - don't use so called spring assisters, I did on an estate car and had my one and only broken spring.
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stilldesperate
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Re: Bongo too low

Post by stilldesperate » Wed Jun 03, 2009 11:16 pm

mister munkey wrote:I could be tempted to do swaps & could get to Wheelquick too . . . . :-k
If you're not interested, Mr M, I wouldn't mind em, I'm on 16" rims, which has raised the ride height, lowered springs would bring it back to normal (ish!) :D

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Re: Bongo too low

Post by scanner » Wed Jun 03, 2009 11:36 pm

stilldesperate wrote: I'm on 16" rims, which has raised the ride height, lowered springs would bring it back to normal (ish!) :D

SD
Shouldn't have made any difference if you have the right size & profile tyres - it didn't to mine.

215/60 - 16 is same diameter (near as makes no difference) as 215/65 - 15.
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Re: Bongo too low

Post by stilldesperate » Wed Jun 03, 2009 11:49 pm

Evenin' Scanner,

I'm on 215/65 16", they're (from memory, so ymmv!) 40mm bigger dia.

I figured 1" lowered springs would bring the ride height down to within 5mm of what it should be.

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Re: Bongo too low

Post by scanner » Wed Jun 03, 2009 11:59 pm

According to http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html the difference is exactly one inch.

215/65-15" = 26" diameter
215/65-16" = 27" diameter
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The Great Pretender
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Re: Bongo too low

Post by The Great Pretender » Thu Jun 04, 2009 12:10 am

northerntaff wrote:Lowering?...what about increaing the height...particularly at the back. I've asked this before and was ignored so everyone might do it again...but would it be possible to increase to be a little higher at the rear than the front?
Probably if there is enough damper movement. I would do it by making up an alloy spacer with a groove or step to locate the spring to the size needed to lift the Bongo. Cut a slot in it so as when the Bongo is supported on a jack and the spring clamped it will slot in between the spring and damper. :wink:
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