Spring question: Grassroots Motorsports forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

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Dec. 12, 2011 7:56 a.m. ahutson03 Reader

Good morning all, I have a quick question that I think I already know the answer to but I'm going to ask it anyway In case I am missing something. After a couple of autox events in the ae86 I am getting tired of being seconds off the pace so it is time to upgrade my 250k mile suspension affordably. I have a set of kyb adjustables and am pretty set on the ground control weld on kit for the front. My only question is rear springs. Every ae86 fan boy say you basically can only use TRD swift or espelir if you want decent springs. Now these are all just single rate springs that cost big money. In my mind I could use eibachs in the same rate and dimensions for half the price which seem obvious to me but I just wanted to make sure there isn't something that I'm missing that could sneak up and make this not work, any input?

-Andy
Dec. 12, 2011 9:13 a.m. unevolved Dork

Nope. Springs are springs, provided they're from a good manufacturer. Make sure the inner diameters, free lengths, and spring rates are equal to what you want and go from there. Hell, a little bit of math, and you may find out EXACTLY what spring rates you need, not just what some fanbois tell you.
Dec. 12, 2011 9:21 a.m. Gearheadotaku Dork

Yep, most high priced springs are the same a lower cost one, minus the fancy paint and big name. Once you figure out what you want, find a parts store with a spring data book. (Moog has one) then you pick out what you need for cheap. Most Moog springs are around 60 bucks a pair.
Dec. 12, 2011 10:51 a.m. ahutson03 Reader

Good deal now I just need to figure out the free height I need to achieve the desired ride height along with the rates I want thanks
Dec. 12, 2011 11:29 a.m. donalson SuperDork

my bet is that a lot of the other brands are either progressive springs or just the "wrong" spring rates...

i'd look into using some cheapo e-bay coilovers and find out what spring rates you need (or what the preferred TRD rates are for starters... appears there are options on rates)... http://www.drifting.com/forums/tech-discussion-forum/16369-suspension-setup-coroll...

but springs are springs in the end...
Dec. 12, 2011 11:49 a.m. ahutson03 Reader

I have a good idea what rates I want and have been through the speedway catalog I just need to figure out what free height I need, I'll probably use eibachs just to match up with the springs that come with the ground controls, I'm waiting to see if I can get some one on club4ag to get dimensions for me
Dec. 15, 2011 6:49 a.m. mguar New Reader

In reply to Gearheadotaku:

Hold up there buddy! Springs is springs? Sure just like all steel is the same and every cookie tastes identical.. Too many aftermarket springs are made to a price and not to a standard.. As a result while they check out at say 450 pounds in a year or so they may rate at 350 pounds.. or worse one rates at 350 and the other rates at 400 I do agree that some spring companies spend a lot on marketing. While other spring companies use price as their marketing tool..
Dec. 15, 2011 10:49 a.m. foxtrapper SuperDork

As well sag. Not a noted problem with oem springs or better names like eibach. But many an ebay no name spring sags gloriously, sometimes in just a matter of weeks.