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Re: Spring Rates??

To: Kroyell@aol.com
Subject: Re: Spring Rates??
From: Ulix Goettsch <ulix@u.washington.edu>
Date: Mon, 29 Mar 1999 08:25:37 -0800 (PST)
Cc: spridgets@autox.team.net
In-reply-to: <62927716.36ff159c@aol.com>
Reply-to: Ulix Goettsch <ulix@u.washington.edu>
Sender: owner-spridgets@autox.team.net
York,
I would recommend front springs in the lower 300's, I have the 340#
springs from Moss.  Go 1" lower.  Your 175/70s may be too tall then.  Use
165/70s or 175/60s.  Use PU bushings in front, Faspec in Portland OR has
good prices. Use the offset ones in teh upper trunnion.

On the rear, I would use new stock springs as they are fairly stiff
already.  I would use regular rubber bushings but install a Panhard rod.
If you need to lower the rear, you can use spacers.

If you want to see what I have done, look at:
http://students.washington.edu/ulix/SpriteSusp.html

And remember, all of performance mods can make your car worse, not
better if the suspension is not in good shape.  You might need a front end
rebuild.

Ulix



On Mon, 29 Mar 1999 Kroyell@aol.com wrote:

> Hi All
> 
> I am planning to "fix" the poor handling characteristics of my 72 midget and
> thought I would first check the wisdom of the list.
> I want to cure the problem caused by 27 year old springs and bushings, as in
> excessive sway and rear end steering. The ride height is OK even with 175/70
> tires, but could handle a little lower ride height if necessary. I have a
> broken leaf on both sides of the rear springs and really don't know what a
> "stock" ride height would be. After looking in all the catalogs I have found
> that front springs range from 270lb to 500+ are available. Since this is
> primarily a street car I know I don't want the 500lb versions but what about
> the 300-400 range? As for the rear springs I saw that MOSS is offering 2
> versions other than the stock ones and all they say is lower by 1 inch or by 2
> inches. Once again I don't think that the extreme of 2 inches is practical but
> how do you know what to put in the front to match the choice for rear
> springs?? I also thought I would put in harder bushings than the stock rubber
> ones any suggestions in this area Poly or Nylon or ??, who has the best,
> reasonable pricing??
> 
> Thanks in advance for all the help.
> 
> York Powell
> 72 Midget "the baby car"
> 

    Ulix                                       __/__,__      ___/__|__  
..............................................(_o____o_)....<_O_____O_/...
                                              '67 Sprite     '74 X1/9


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