Front and rear shocks

[Kev659]

So i am looking at replaceing my front and rear shocks. Should I replace my springs at the same time? Any advice on what shocks and springs to get? Also should I do the control arm bushings? I am trying to improve overall ride quality on my 79 spider. What process works best for replaceing the shocks on both front and back? I have seen a number of different methods and was wondering what worked best for you all.

Thanks

[Sunracer]

So i am looking at replaceing my front and rear shocks. Should I replace my springs at the same time? Any advice on what shocks and springs to get? Also should I do the control arm bushings? I am trying to improve overall ride quality on my 79 spider. What process works best for replaceing the shocks on both front and back? I have seen a number of different methods and was wondering what worked best for you all.

Thanks

You have some options. For a decent ride and handling, biased more to ride, the KYB GR2 shocks are good. The other easily available choice is Koni, at $100 plus apiece. This will get you MUCH better handling, a bit firmer ride. The Cofab shocks out there are junk, IMHO, don't chose them. You can change the shocks in front without touching the springs , no prob, with a little work you can get the rears out too without completely removing the springs.

As far as springs, the cheap and easy way is to cut 1.5 coils out of all 4 springs, this will bring the ride height close to the original early spec. Ride quality will be slightly firmer, but not much, with the KYBs. This is the cheapest easiest combo. In stock condition the car will ride VERY softly, if your is harsh you may have seized shock(s). I am not cetain when you say ride if you want smooth and soft or decent cornering.

With springs you could also try to source a set of early (73 or earlier) spider springs, they are out there and they wigive a nice ride and lower the car down from it stock, rally car ride height that you get on the later spiders. Otherwise trhere are lowering springs that are non progressive, for example IAP's, they will lower the car and make the handling much more aggressive and the ride harsh. Your other option is a set of progressive lowering springs, which will lower the caar, improve the handling and give a stiffer ride than stock, put not as harsh as the non progressives. HTH, Pierre

[narfire]

Swap the shocks out with KYB g-2's and re-do the front bushings for a start. See how you like that ride and if still too soft for your liking perhaps try after market springs.
If you like fast spirited twisties blow the wad and look into Koni's, aftermarket springs and 1" front sway bar and perhaps the after market rear bar as well.
I just swapped to a 1" front bar and noticed the difference. I have IAP springs and KYB G-2's as well with 15 inch 205/50 wheels/ tires
Chris

[azygoustoyou]

You could get the Koni's and performance springs here for a good price.
http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... 11&t=15597

[zachmac]

You could get the Koni's and performance springs here for a good price.
http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... 11&t=15597

Could have but you snooze you lose, sold.

[WYSpider]

The asking price for the used shocks was $420 + shipping.

For $416 you could have a brand new set shipped.
Front
Rear

[narfire]

For $416 you could have a brand new set shipped.

Could you PM me please. I'd love to know where you can get new Koni yellows for $416.00 shipped. I found on the Koni website they are $120 each...$480 for the four plus shipping and the vendors were about $8.00 more per shock.
Chris

[WYSpider]

Click on the two links provided above. I would wait until the spring to see if they go on sale for $87 / shock again.

[narfire]

Thanks. That is a tough price to beat,even before going on sale

[WYSpider]

I am kicking myself for not ordering last spring at $87 - by far the cheapest price I've seen.