How to: Un-Tweak your suspension
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4 steps to a better handling car
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Based on an article by DEREK BUONO  

PAGE TWO (OF TWO)

STEP 4: Set the spring preload

Most touring cars are set with zero sag: the suspension arms are at full down-travel when the car is at rest. Preload is not that critical for this type of setup, since it does not affect ride height. But it is important to make sure that the left and right shocks have the same number of preload spacers and that they’re of the same thickness on both sides. Threaded, or clamp-type, preload collars should be set so that the distance from the top of the shock collar to the bottom of the shock cap or top of the shock mount is equal.

Off-road cars are always set with some sag, and preload is more critical here because it determines ride height. It’s good to start with equal preload on the left and right shocks as described above; but you may find that slight differences in spring length, the amount of “set” the spring takes, or the chassis weight bias requires that you increase or decrease the preload on one shock to level the chassis.
digital caliper Check that the springs are the same length
A digital caliper makes checking preload easy.

Check that the springs are the same length on the left and right sides. If they are not, adjust the preload spacers to compensate for the difference.
You can use anything, including the change in your pocket, to easily add weight where needed
If you don’t have any lead weight, don't worry. You can use anything, including the change in your pocket, to easily add weight where needed.

Weighty issues

Most kits are designed to be reasonably balanced with the electronics installed, but a car’s components are of various weights, so it will always carry more weight on one side than the other. This can tweak the suspension no matter how carefully you’ve matched the droop, shock length and preload settings. You’ll sometimes have to add lead weight to one area of the chassis to compensate or make preload adjustments to transfer weight from the heavy side. Again, let practicality be your guide; if the car is working well, don’t worry if there are a few more grams on one side of the chassis than the other.

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