Diagnosing suspension (shock, springs or both?)

[fiasco]

Whenever I go over any bump in the road, even small bumps, my front end bounces all around like I have balloons for front tires. I get noticeable understeer and loss of traction. Any medium sized bump or pothole, and the car feels like it is hitting hard on the stops, both front and rear. The front stops look ok, but the rear stops are damaged with the one on the driver's side cracked all the way through.



As far as ride height, the rear seems ok (to my untrained eye anyway), but the front appears to ride really low, and I think I am also rubbing the tires on the fenders.

So, does this sound like I need shocks, springs or both? Of course I know that a 40+ year old car is going to need both replaced, but if I can only afford to do one, which should I do?

Thanks,
-- se

[fiatfactory]

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[v6spider]

I agree that there is more to check than just the springs. Bushings and balljoints shouldn't be over looked either.
But if you can't afford to do it all at once I would say shocks all around then springs all the way around.
Then consider the rest if it ...

Rob

[fiasco]

Thanks Rob. Bushings were all replaced on the front when got it from Mark, so I can check that off the list. I have gone ahead and ordered shocks, and I have a set of springs off my last car. When I get everything apart, I will compare the installed springs with my others to see if maybe they have been cut by a PO. Hopefully the new shocks will be enough until I can save up for some springs.

-- se

[wikkid]

I'll bet the shocks will help a lot. What kind did you go with?

[fiasco]

KYBs from Just Suspension through Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/KYB-FRONT-REAR-sh ... 243&sr=8-7

$81 total for the set of 4 with free shipping.

-- se

[wikkid]

You are 5 times that price with Koni's....

[v6spider]

Thanks Rob. Bushings were all replaced on the front when got it from Mark, so I can check that off the list. I have gone ahead and ordered shocks, and I have a set of springs off my last car. When I get everything apart, I will compare the installed springs with my others to see if maybe they have been cut by a PO. Hopefully the new shocks will be enough until I can save up for some springs.

-- se

glad to help!
I would say be careful about using springs off a spider that is a different year. The ones from a early spider are softer than the ones from a late spider because the later spiders are heavier. But you could cut them to adjust the ride height. However the ride will be stiffer. But aftermarket spring are stiffer anyways. Stiffer is not always better for handling.

just my two bits...

Rob

[fiasco]

The ones in the garage are off a '75. I'm assuming that's a similar enough vintage that the springs probably aren't much different. (?)

-- se

[v6spider]

Fiasco: what year of car are they going on?

Rob

[fiasco]

'69. Sorry I didn't mention that - it's in my sig though.

-- se

[mdrburchette]

Like Rob says, those later model springs may raise the car up. The 75 has those heavy bumpers, as well as a fuller engine compartment to compensate for the different springs.

[v6spider]

yes the 69 is lighter by comparison. The tube bumpers of the 75' add 300+ pounds to the weight of the car as well as the other items Denise(correct me if I am wrong... LOL) mentioned. You would end up cutting the springs to compensate for the stiffness. However it may be too stiff of a ride. You'll have to try it in order to see if it is too stiff.

I myself am faced with the same issue however my 1972 spider has a v6 engine that is 75+ lbs heavier than the original engine. And I am relocating the battery to the trunk. The rear springs i am using are from a 76 spider the fronts are coil-overs. So I am hoping it will work out in the rear as my car is heavier than original. However, yours is not and it may be too stiff... your call it is totally worth the try seeing how you already have the springs on hand.

rob

[fiasco]

Since my 69 has a 2 liter in it from a 79, is that adding weight to the front that the original 69 springs are too soft to handle? As you say, since I have the others on hand, I may as well try them and see how it turns out.

-- se

[spiderrey]

I doubt that 2 liter adds any serious weight to that front end to change anything. I too switched from a 1438 to a 2 liter on my 70. I have new kyb,s and the car floats a bit to much on the freeway. My suspension is stock.