HotTunning coilovers - far too hard

Resurecting this, one last time before I get the new suspension fitted…

Had the back wheels off the car last night and noticed the lower spring on the coilovers were fully compressed! Is this normal, also the 2 spinny-adjustable-bits (technical term) were tight together under the compressed spring. I couldn't find my C-spanner (typical) last night so couldn't adjust but am I right in thinking if I screw these 2 bits DOWN and decompress the small spring it will RAISE the car and SOFTEN the ride?

The spring seats DON'T compress the spring. The weight of the car does. The smaller spring should be fully compresses when the weight of the car is on the wheels, and might even be when its not, its a helper spring not the main one and is simply there to take up the slack, if any.

hmm, so which bit do I adjust? the single ring just ABOVE this smaller spring?

Yeh the car was off the ground at the time and they were fully compressed.

Did you have both sides of the car off the ground?

Both the adjusters should be locked together to prevent them moving.

I suspect you have the coils wound up towards maximum running height, hence the copression of the helper spring. the bit inbetween the springs is just a seating plate, not adjustable.

If you unwind the spring plates to release the helpers the car will go lower, but may get some degree of movement in the spring, it sounds like they may be under pressure all the time.

How far from the bottom of the shock are your spring plates ( two spinny things )

I think mine are about 2" from the bottom of the threads.

Like I have said, I really don't think the ones on mine are the worst ride quality, it's firm but  not bone crunching!

Can you get some pics?