Saggy Springs

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Saggy Springs

Postby MikeM » Tue 22.10.2024, 21:09

I knew my S2 front springs had sagged, but a close encounter with a single track country road in rural Oxfordshire convinced me I needed to do something about the low ride height and the very under-damping shock absorbers.
Measuring the ride height at kerb condition as per the service manual I found the front at 130mm and the rear at 150mm. So the front has dropped quite a bit. Setting the spring seats on the new front shocks to 40mm higher than the original shock absorber seats is bringing them very close to the top end of their adjustment. The car now sits predictably high - I'm not worried about the 'standing on stilts' look - but I have the confidence to tackle the local roads with impunity :D

IMG_6945.jpeg

My question is whether it would be a good idea to source some new springs. The 40mm or so sag of the originals means I might be close to coil binding on full compression with the spring seats set high - I haven't done the calculation, is it likely?
The ride and handling is much improved with new shock absorbers (apart from a rear end 'clonk' but that's another story!) so I don't expect any improvement, but am I potentially running springs that are now past their use by date? Or am I over thinking it?

Cheers, Mike
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MikeM
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Re: Saggy Springs

Postby FunElan » Tue 22.10.2024, 23:18

I think you're overthinking it.

Your new struts are height adjustable. Unless your springs have rusted to hell, they probably are still fine. These cars don't weigh that much. You should put some taller tires on with that gap! :-D
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