140# rear spring question

[sasquatch]

I just purchased a set of 140# rear springs from a list member. He stated that the free length of these are shorter than the stockers. What issues will I have with these. In my thinking, if they are loose on the shocks at full extension, then if the car unloads them while going over a bump, the spring can shift to a side and become disloged from the perch.

What am I looking at here, any tips tricks?

Next, should I install them on a new set of KYB shocks I got, or put them on the original Boge units that have 100k on them. Some say the KYB's are too harsh.

Just trolling for suggestions.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Tie-wraps will keep the springs from unseating themselves. You may have to drill holes in the upper spring perches for the tie-wraps to go through.

Not sure on the KYBs, though I would guess that at 100K miles, the Boges probably do need replacement...

--DD

[tryan]

i had to cable tie my 140's to the lower perch on a 72 without a rear sway bar. one corner going to the house was more fun than i could stand. the springs popped out every time.

you might slide hose on the ends of the springs to keep them quiet.

i think you have to remove some of the snubber on konis. check out if you need to do that with the others

kybs harshness might match the stiffer spring. i would at least try it.

[sammyg2]

I did the drill and zip tie trick on my 200# springs. worked jus fine. I got tired of changing the corner balance every time I jacked up the car

[HMeeder]

If I remember rightly, the upper spring perches on the Bilsteins are kind of conical, which makes them self centering. I had seen others tie wrap to the lower perches (that's what you meant, right Dave?) but I haven't had an issue with mine and the springs are completely loose (about 1 inch of play) when the suspension is at full extension, like jacked up in the air.

BTW, the 140# springs I would think are going to contribute more to ride harshness than the KYBs will. My $.02? Put the new shocks on (you'll get better response from the suspension) blame the harshness on your new "suspension package" and enjoy a whole new way of driving that car!

[sasquatch]

I am looking forward to it. This is this weekends project as well as replacing the clutch cable. I hope it is as easy as on my old VW's.

[J P Stein]

My experience with KYBs is limited to those I had on the rear of a 73 9eleben. They earned their reputation of Kill Your Back.
With Konis on the front, bumps would produce a "thump-bang".
It gave me a good comparison.

With Bilsteins, the 140 springs are not unduely harsh, even with 50 serise tires.