Thoughts on using a ratchet strap to fully compress the suspension to test clearance of an add on?

[SwampNut]

I see claims that it is destructive because suspension isn't meant for constant compression, to "whatever."  And then to find just the right spots for hooks.

 

I truly look forward to Zero's strap expertise here.

[tomek]

1 hour ago, SwampNut said:

I see claims that it is destructive because suspension isn't meant for constant compression

 

I truly look forward to Zero's strap expertise here.

Bull shit. Clueless people. 

 

 I mean one thing would be leave it strapped down fully compressed for months, but to just check clearance? Mercy, please.

 

 Back in F1 era of Ford Cosworth DFV one of Lotus employees had a job of turning their built engines by hand number times per day so any given valve spring would not be sitting fully compressed for weeks if not months at time. 

 60's and 70's valve spring tech. 😆 

[TOXXIC]

I’m not sure why it would hurt anything for a short duration. That said, I wonder if like a front motorcycle fork, if it could be over compressed?  What vehicle? 
 

I’m sure you know a lot of vehicles have slots in the frames for transport on ship or rail. I frequently trailer my Jeep, and previously trailered my Samurai and they both have holes/slots in the frame ideal for chain binder or large semi trailer style ratchet straps.

 

I would think putting  the vehicle on a 4-post lift and strapping it down to the rail ramps would be the most easy. That or pulling it onto a car trailer.

[Zero Knievel]

I know leaf springs have bumpers to stop the rear axle from connecting with the frame.  I think there is something similar on front spring systems.  Why not measure the gap and do some math?  It would get you in the ballpark of how low to the ground the vehicle would be with a fully compressed suspension.

 

Odds that anything would fully compress the suspension for any length of time is unlikely.  Why do you need to know this?

[blackhawkxx]

Motorcycle?  Do you have a really fat neighbor?

[The Krypt Keeper]

testing purposes = do it, no fear

storage or sitting for more than a day = don't do it

 

[SwampNut]

4 hours ago, blackhawkxx said:

Motorcycle?  Do you have a really fat neighbor?

 

It reminds me, I need to nudge her towards switching from semaglutide to tirzepatide, she's being ripped off by a shitty med-spa now.  But like cows, some people only move from constant pressure and reminders.  Oops was that out loud?

 

3 hours ago, The Krypt Keeper said:

testing purposes = do it, no fear

storage or sitting for more than a day = don't do it

 

 

Yeah, ten minutes to either clear it, or see how to work around it.  Dashcam on the Zero.  It has...zero mounting spots that look good.  I've spent too many hours making parts and still sketchy.  I know there's math on the suspension movement, but sometimes just seeing it is better.  

 

 

[SwampNut]

OTOH, it's so nice to say, I need a bunch of weird-ass camera mounts and 30-60 minutes later...bam.  Camera mounts.

[The Krypt Keeper]

I am 3 to 4 days and possible delay of that service

[superhawk996]

When we rock crawl or run up on someone's tire we often compress springs past the vehicle's bump stop and they don't seem to care, even when we leave them there for photo ops.

 

The only springs I've known to take a set was the leaf springs on my Explorers, they'd stay sagged after being loaded heavy.  I'd leave them jacked up by the hitch for a while and they'd go back to normal.

[TOXXIC]

On 4/22/2025 at 6:42 AM, SwampNut said:

 Dashcam on the Zero.

 

Funny how the human brain works. From the OP I "assumed" Rivian.

[SwampNut]

13 hours ago, TOXXIC said:

 

Funny how the human brain works. From the OP I "assumed" Rivian.

 

That's hilarious on many levels.  A few months ago I posted about a retard in an emotional support truck, and I think it was you who asked about video, because you assumed I was in the Rivian, but I was riding.

 

The Rivian has pushbutton suspension drop.  It's SLAMMED on the lowest setting, like a Puerto Rican would drive.

 

You clearly like EVs more than motorcycles.  Sad.

 

So I did this yesterday.  First, there was no way I was getting the last inch compressed.  It was a motherfucker to pull down.  But I can see a mark where I have hit the full stroke, must have been during the braking part of the advanced rider class a few months ago.  And I had to cut the strap, as there was no way to unlock it afterward.  Bottom line is there is no way to make the dashcam great, it will have a marginal limited view at best, after printing two more mounts with more mods.

 

[blackhawkxx]

15 hours ago, SwampNut said:

 It's SLAMMED on the lowest setting, like a Puerto Rican would drive.

I saw this the other day.  Though I wouldn't want it, thought it was cool on a different kind of level.

 

[SwampNut]

Different...level...

 

[TOXXIC]

On 4/25/2025 at 3:20 AM, blackhawkxx said:

Though I wouldn't want it, thought it was cool on a different kind of level.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On 4/25/2025 at 3:58 AM, SwampNut said:

Different...level...

 

 

 

 

 

When you hit rock bottom and are scraping to get by.