cutting bumpstops

[stokedapollo]

was just looking under me swp mq and noticed that the bump stops are not to far away from the diff
it sit at normal hight
now can you cut the bump stops/make them shorter
would this give more up travel
i am new to modifying 4wd so any help would be good
cheers guys and gals

[-Scott-]

If they're that close, I'd say your suspension has sagged, and it's not really at "normal height".

Fix the fault properly. Lift it first, then worry about your bump stops.

[stokedapollo]

i will get a pic it aint saggin lol
im sure of it but i could be wrong
as it sits very even all around
once thats fixed if it is wrong can you cut bumps stops??

[thehanko]

its a patrol, of course its sagged. they all do.

[stokedapollo]

lol good point
but no one has answered the question lol
lets asume i have great suspension
does cutting bumpstops give better up travel do ppl do this
if not how can you get better up travel
do you need better up travel etc
im new remember lol

[cmcd]

lol good point
but no one has answered the question lol
lets asume i have great suspension
does cutting bumpstops give better up travel do ppl do this
if not how can you get better up travel
do you need better up travel etc
im new remember lol

Cutting the bumpstop could cause you to over-compress the shock, hence busting its guts.

I think I'd prefer to have bump stops bottoming out rather than my shocks.

[vSAHARAx]

I think I'd prefer to have bump stops bottoming out rather than my shocks.

x2

Troy

[dogbreath_48]

lol good point
but no one has answered the question lol
lets asume i have great suspension
does cutting bumpstops give better up travel do ppl do this
if not how can you get better up travel
do you need better up travel etc
im new remember lol

Cutting the bumpstop could cause you to over-compress the shock, hence busting its guts.

I think I'd prefer to have bump stops bottoming out rather than my shocks.

+ overextension/compression of propshafts, fouling steering linkages, fouling axle housings are other concerns

[thehanko]

The only real way to know is to flex it up in a dirt gutter or safe ramp and then making sure nothing can drop, stick your head inder and have a look, if the bump stop is in contact then yes its reducing up travel.

but as mentioned above thats not always a bad thing. once your on your bump stops i would be looking for more drop from the other wheel instead.

my 2c

[stokedapollo]

cool now that has answered my question
lol
thanks guys

[Gwagensteve]

There's nothing wrong with an axle sitting close to a bumpstop. It probably does mean your springs have sagged, but that's not a major concern unless excessive bottoming is making for a very harsh ride.

Most of the cars I have built over the last few years don't have more than 2" of compression travel in the suspension.

DON'T cut the bumpstops - the factory made them that long for a reason. Axles hitting fuel tank/sump driveshafts fouling, bumpsteer - there's heaps of potential problems.

In any case, once they were cut down, when you did bottom the suspension, it would be very harsh.

Steve.

[bazzle]

Bumpstops dont always limit down travel that much, most compress 1/3 before they start to get solid. Leave alone.

[mkpatrol]

The rear bump stop on the MQ-K is actually like that from the factory, the bump stop actually takes up some of the load whan the vehicle is fully loaded.

They are like a helper spring, Holden/Falcon utes are another vehicle that has them.

Cutting them is a no no legally (you will get picked up for it at Rego) and I doubt you will get anough flex out of a leaf sprung MQ to bottom the shock but as Steve said thare are other issues with cutting them. I also doubt you will get much more flex as the spring pack has probably reached its limit by the time the bump stop has any real effect.

If you want flex & better 4WD ability go & by a GQ, I did. While my old Turbo MK was a tough old truck it was embarrasing where it wouldnt go.
Half the tracks I did in 4WD I now do in 2WD.

[stokedapollo]

i wana keep th mq as dad gave it to me before he passed so its kinda sentimental
but thanks for all the info has helped a lot
i am still learning all the tricks and traps so to speak
cheeers guys

[macca81]

your not gunna get a great deal of up travel regardless of the bumpstops, the leaves are to firm. if you want travel, get a new set of leaves and aim for down travel

[badger]

we lower our bumpstops these days not chop them. thats so 7inch coils and 3 inch bodylift era

on a serious note they are there for a reason ....... protect your shocks from bottoming out, stop you inverting springs, stop steering or tyres binding. have you actually flexed the car up to see if you get anywhere near them?
or if they are needed

dont forget the more you cut off the bump stop the more violent the hit will be when they are needed

[stokedapollo]

no i have never flexed it up properly not sure how but i have had the offer of being shown
will do it and see
also i still have sway bar on the front but not rear should i remove it

[chimpboy]

no i have never flexed it up properly not sure how but i have had the offer of being shown
will do it and see
also i still have sway bar on the front but not rear should i remove it

No. Look, forget flexing on ramps and stuff. There's a time and place for that but I honestly reckon you should just get out and do some driving with a few people who have a bit of experience off-roading. Get a feel for the vehicle and only after a good few trips start removing parts, cutting bumpstops, etc.

An SWB MQ in stock form is a good fun vehicle to take out and drive, and does a decent job. Get a feel for it first. Drive it!