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RE: Sagging Rear Springs.....

To: "'Chris Gray'" <grayc@rpi.edu>, datsun-roadsters@autox.team.net
Subject: RE: Sagging Rear Springs.....
From: "Laury, Victor" <LauryV@MTA.NET>
Date: Thu, 13 Dec 2001 09:10:02 -0800
I could be wrong, but I've come to the conclusion that the condition known
as "Saggy Rear End" is a myth, created and fueled by our cars intolerance to
wrong sized wheels. After all, a Datsun roadster does not weigh a whole hell
of a lot anyway. How much fatigue could spring steel expect on a 2,000 lb
car?

After the installation of the comp springs (NOT RECOMMENDED - OUCH!) and
getting proper sized wheels (Thanks to Chris Robertson), my car has never
handled better. The wheel well almost eclipses the top edge of the wheel.
And I run 195/55/14's or 205/55/14's with no rubbing. If I put the vintage 6
slot Pacer wheels that were early 70's Z car fitment, my 195/60/14's rub
like mad. Some of the 5 slot early Z wheels are even worse! Last year I
bought a set that REALLY Stuck out! Every one I know how has these wheels
have rubbing. Don't modify the rare sheet metal to fit the cheap wheels
PLEASE! 

The "Hot Setup" from the racers was 66~67 springs! and they were looser than
late models. The Comp springs were considered too stiff and caused the car
to become "Skittery" on rough pavement. Obviously the racers liked the rear
a little loose. No one used rear sway bars at all. The only appliance widely
used was a panhard bar. I can attest that the Comp spring are a major PITA,
quite literally! They have reduced my driving pleasure to the point that I
Will replace them soon! Maybe I shouldn't talk them down too much since I'll
have them on EBay soon? Any body want to trade for some 66 springs?

Victor
70 SRL 31113136
72 HLS30 48255
65 L-320 Pickup
Los Angeles
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=123073
SoCalROC http://www.socalroc.com/

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