GAZ Suspension Fitting Advice

Correct installation and setup are essential to ensure your GAZ suspension performs as intended.

This page provides general fitting and setup guidance for GAZ shock absorbers, coilovers and suspension kits. Individual vehicle applications can vary, so the vehicle manufacturer’s workshop procedures and any product-specific information supplied with your GAZ suspension should always take precedence.

Before Installation

Before removing the original suspension, check that the GAZ components supplied are suitable for your vehicle and application.

• Check the GAZ part numbers against your order and vehicle application.
• Compare the new components with the original suspension before installation.
• Inspect existing bushes, top mounts, ball joints and associated suspension components for wear or damage.
• Check that all required sleeves, spacers, washers and mounting hardware are present.
• Check the condition and orientation of the springs.
• Inspect brake hoses, ABS wiring and nearby components that may be affected by suspension movement.

If anything appears incorrect or you are unsure about compatibility, please contact GAZ before fitting the components.

Protecting the Piston Rod

The polished piston rod is a critical sealing surface and must not be damaged during fitting.

Scratching or marking the piston rod can damage the seals and may result in premature leakage or damper failure.

Where the piston rod needs to be held during installation, only use the appropriate holding point or tool arrangement provided for that particular damper.

Bump Stops & Suspension Travel

Bump stops form an important part of the suspension system and should not normally be removed.

• They help protect the damper and vehicle if the suspension reaches the end of its available compression travel.
• A vehicle should not be set so low that it is continually operating on the bump stops during normal driving.
• If the vehicle regularly contacts the bump stops, the ride height, spring rate or available suspension travel should be reviewed.

Setting the Initial Ride Height

Where your GAZ suspension provides ride-height adjustment, we recommend beginning with a sensible initial ride height rather than immediately setting the vehicle to its lowest possible position.

• Allow the suspension to settle.
• Measure the ride height consistently from side to side.
• Check tyre and body clearance.
• Check that sufficient bump and droop travel remain available.
• Ensure the vehicle retains suitable ground clearance.

Quoted lowering ranges should be treated as approximate because original vehicle ride height and condition can vary.

Spring Platforms & Helper Springs

Spring Platforms

• Adjust using the correct C-spanner or suitable adjustment tool.
• Ensure the spring remains correctly seated while adjustments are made.
• Locking rings must be securely tightened once the desired position has been achieved.
• Do not use excessive force or unsuitable tools that may damage the adjuster rings or threaded body.

Helper Springs

Helper springs are used to keep the main spring correctly located when the suspension reaches full droop.

They will normally compress substantially under the vehicle’s weight and are not normally intended to provide the primary working spring rate.

The exact spring arrangement varies depending on the vehicle and suspension system.

Damper Adjustment

For initial setup, start around the middle of the available adjustment range unless product-specific information states otherwise.

• Clockwise increases damping and provides a firmer setting.
• Anti-clockwise reduces damping and provides a softer setting.
• Make small adjustments and assess the effect before making further changes.

Do not force the adjuster beyond its natural stop.

For road use, begin with a comfortable middle setting and make small changes according to vehicle behaviour and personal preference.

Wheel, Tyre & Component Clearance

It is the installer’s responsibility to ensure adequate clearance throughout the full range of suspension and steering movement.

• Check wheel and tyre clearance.
• Check brake hoses and ABS wiring.
• Check clearance at full steering lock.
• Check clearance at full bump and full droop.
• Consider the effect of different wheel offsets, spacers and tyre sizes.

No suspension component, spring, tyre, wheel, brake hose or wiring should foul another component during operation.

Suspension Geometry & Wheel Alignment

Changing ride height will alter wheel alignment and suspension geometry.

After fitting adjustable suspension or changing the vehicle’s ride height:

• Check and adjust toe, camber and caster where adjustable.
• Ensure the steering wheel is correctly centred.
• Have the vehicle professionally aligned where appropriate.

Professional geometry setup is strongly recommended for performance and competition vehicles.

Rear Coilover Conversions

Some GAZ kits are available with optional rear coilover conversions.

Where GAZ specifies uprated rear top mounts as a requirement, those mounts must be fitted. The rear coilover arrangement can transfer suspension loads differently from the original spring and damper configuration.

Always follow the product information supplied with the relevant kit and contact GAZ if you are unsure which components are required.

After Installation

Before using the vehicle normally, carry out a complete inspection of the installation.

• Check that all fasteners have been tightened correctly.
• Check that springs are correctly seated.
• Check spring platforms and locking rings.
• Check bump stops and suspension travel.
• Check brake hoses and wiring.
• Check wheel and tyre clearance.
• Check that no suspension component contacts the bodywork.
• Check ride height.
• Check wheel alignment.
• Check that damper settings are sensible and consistent.

Carry out a careful road test and listen for any unusual noises or signs of contact.

After the initial period of use, the installation should be inspected again to ensure that all components remain correctly located and secure.

Maintenance

GAZ suspension is designed to be serviceable and rebuildable. Regular inspection and basic maintenance will help maintain performance and service life.

• Keep threaded bodies and adjuster rings clean.
• Periodically remove dirt, road salt and debris.
• Clean threads before attempting adjustment.
• Do not use tools that may damage the components.
• Regularly inspect mounting hardware, bushes and associated suspension components.

Troubleshooting

If you experience unusual noise, poor ride quality or unexpected vehicle behaviour after installation, do not immediately assume the damper itself is faulty.

Common causes can include:

• Loose mounting hardware.
• Worn bushes or top mounts.
• Incorrect spring seating.
• Insufficient bump or droop travel.
• Incorrect ride height.
• Incorrect damper adjustment.
• Wheel or tyre contact.
• Brake hose, wiring or component contact.
• Incorrect wheel alignment or suspension geometry.

Check the complete suspension installation carefully before continuing to use the vehicle.