Hey all, installed my IE fixed plates and Craven STD's this past weekend, all went well until I got to the driver side (did pass. side first).

First, I bought the plates gently used from here, and one of the plates was slightly bent at the same corner as the stock plate (don't think he used them in conjunction with an upper plate) so know that even thicker plates can bend with the stock suspension setup (I have an MCS/sport susp/17's).

Anyways, when I tried to get the driver side back in, it was a real b!tch! Get it all installed/tightened up, car's on the ground, and I get creaking from the driv. side. It was a tighter fit than I thought, crap.

Got it aligned today, professional shop, they confirmed that the spring is rubbing on the body, not good.

Anyone else had issues with IE fixed plates pushing the springs into the body? I'm going to contact IE to see what's up, because I don't want the spring rubbing through to bare metal. But is there a way to adjust/fix it? Or is it the plate itself?

Thanks!

 

Sounds like you need to pull it back off and make sure the spring is aligned right. I have heard of some others having this issue and it was attributed to the spring not seated right. The only trouble I had with my install was the OEM bearing was seized and was a pain to get the nut off. My IEs went on perfectly. One more thing. If the plate is bent a little, you might be able to pound it down with a piece of wood and a 5 pound sledge. Also, check and make sure your strut towers aren't mushroomed.

 

I was pretty careful when I put it all back together, and I'm 99% sure the spring didn't move when I pulled the stock top plate off and put the IE one on. I'll check though just to be sure.

The bent plate was the pass. side one, but that issue was resolved before I put it in the car.

As for mushrooming, I used the IE plates and the STD's to flatten everything out before I installed the unit back in the car and they look pretty darn flat (as can be I guess).

 

Depending on how much negative camber you are ending up with, you might need to deform the bump (I think it is a water drain channel) that is in the driver side wheel well. The top of my spring mount rubbed on the channel. I had to pound down (flatten) the channel to provide a little clearance. I only had the rubbing issue on the drivers side.

I am using adjustable camber plates with the JCW springs/struts.

 

That confirms with what Jeff at IE told me as well, that the driver side has a difference in manufacturing that causes the spring/perch to rub the inside of the strut tower.

If it's a water drain channel, will flattening it affect any drainage? And I should really only have to flatten it where the spring rubs?

Gah, hope I don't have to pay to have the alignment all done again, that was a chunk o change (and well worth every penny of it)

 

I really pound mine flat and have not had any issues with water drainage.

 

Awesome, good to know, and thank you! Love these forums =)

Looks like I get to tinker again this weekend. Luckily it's a quick job!