Cost of Spring Swap...

[BYT U L8R]

Maybe a mechanic could answer me this small question. I removed my shocks/coils yesterday to put Eibachs on. I found that the compressor I borrowed from a local Auto store wouldn't fit between the coils. No big deal, just take them to a local mechanic and have them do it, right? I called 6 different shops and told them the same story...I'm bringing you shocks, off the car, need springs removed and new ones put on...The first place quoted $60. I was suprised at how high until I called the specialists...$140, $180...$240!! To replace springs!! I am no mechanic. But I did just upgrade my brakes, myself, first time ever...no problem. Very little time required. Someone with expertise please tell me the logistics and different regulatory commisions plus oversight commities one has to go to, to possibly come to the cost of $60-240 bucks to change springs.
Thanks for listening to my rant.
PS. I never told them once it was going on a Viper!

 

[Anthony - 98 GTS]

I went to a local custom shop that mainly does suspension work on sport truck - both lowering and lifting.

They charged me $40.00.

 

[BYT U L8R]

That's what I was expecting to pay...30-40 bucks. At least there are some places in the world left not trying to take everyone for a ride!

 

[Ulysses]

Do it yourself. Buy some spring compressors, probably around $20.00 or less. They have all different sizes and types at pep boys, napa, etc. Good investment on a tool that you'll probably use on different vehicles every so often. Beware of the soft metal type.

 

[BYT U L8R]

I tried that...they don't carry the flat/forked type that would fit between the coils. They only had compressors for large spaced coils (the eibachs are even tighter than the stock coils).
BTW. bought a ball joint remover and it popped the sway bar linkage off, no problem. The manual says us a punch and hammer...nope, that definitely doesn't work.
Brakes are done. Car is "chopped" (clearancing), and I haven't even made a payment yet. Am I crazy!!

 

[BYT U L8R]

Not the sort of thing one wants to hear!
What was the problem/differance you felt with the eibachs compared to the stock springs? I was under the impression that a lowered car exhibits better handling characteristics...is this not the case or are the eibachs just "bad"?

 

[Qualitywires.com]

yeah, I'm curious too. Are the eibachs too soft? I have an extra set of stock 1998 springs that I'm going to cut and see how that works. All cars i had in the past that were lowered did a lot better than stock.

 

[NascarDave]

My guess is that the increased rate of the Eibachs made the ride more stiff. As such, the ability to absorb vibrations and variations in pavement is reduced. When the ability to absorb these imperfections goes away, the suspension doesn't stay on the ground. When it leaves the ground the car slides more as there is less contact patch.

With the ride as low as it is already and as stiff as the factory springs are, it seems to make sense to me
Just my .02,

Dave

 

[Ulysses]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Just assure that they do fit the springs properly and that you keep your head and limbs out harms way should the spring slip off of the compressor. The Viper springs are heavily pre-loaded with tension and an errant spring would certainly do major damage to you (a friend of mine was killed when a spring slipped off and hit him in the head).<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I have heard my share of horror stories with springs as well. Just be careful and use some common sense, don't get in the bite of the springs. Make sure you are working away from your car with the possible projectiles pointed away from you and the car.

If you want to let someone else work on it, I know that Sears auto center at North County Fair has the fork type of spring compressors. It's not difficult to do and they are capable of handling this type of a job. Give them a call and see how much they will do it for if you bring in the shocks.

 

[RockyTop]

As noted in some threads where Sean Roe had commented, the stock spring rates, accroding to the Vipeer Quarterly about a year or so ago, increased from about 200 front/400 rear to something like 600 front/1100 rear ! That may have only been on the ACRs, but I do not think so. It occurred when they changed shock providers. Could the different shock necessitate such a big change ? I doubt it. Did the mounting points on the suspension change thereby altering the leverage of the springs ? Nothing's been said to that effect. I am still awaiting an explanation for DC's seemingly drastic change.

I am curious about folks differing experiences with spring rates. Unless the lowering effect of the springs adversely affects the suspension geometry, lowering the car should help in cornering. Braking and acceeleration too I would think (but I am not postive on this; I need to go back and read Carroll Smith's Drive to Win again). I have to think that Eric's post above indicates that the spring rates may have been too high to permit effective power down on corner exit and/or skating through corners. My uneducated thoughts.

 

[Dion Fisher]

Sorry but I disagree, i've been lapping on track for 4 years and just ask Jon B or any member about my smoothness and ability to carry speed in this region (I AM THE FASTEST BAR NONE!!!!!)...

The handling characteristics of my car improved GREATLY and yes it was properly aligned prior to the Eibach change..

What I feel is more solid and crisp turn in as well as less body roll.. Some folk may balk about the experience of another but I can gaurantee you that I know how to push a car and the Eibach Springs work.. Maybe the alignment specs of the car you tested changed to more toe in front and less rear causing poorer handling..

 

[Dion Fisher]

Ok before we go there my formula;

First get a good set of spring compressors shave .10 off the hooks use the retainers. Span them as wide as you can on the springs remove and replace using strong impact gun..

Take your yo-yo to alignment shop or specialized Viper shop.. If alignment shop is choice such as Les Schwab Laser Alignment Center is used and you are foreman of operation; bring service manual and bathroom scale.. Weigh up sets of snow chains to values stated and place where stated.. Set design height to 1" lower than stated value then torque upper and lower A arms as well as upper and lower shock attach points to value stated.. Binding of bushings sets height and preload.. Then remove weights and verify curb height is 1" lower than stock after that set Castor and Toe within stock dimensions while maintaining max toe out front and toe in rear..

 

[Bill Pemberton Woodhouse]

Messley is the Man, and though many of you may not realize it, he was the top Privateer at the Daytona 24hr race a few years back ( 2000 ) when the Snake took the overall win. Eric finished a extremely respectable 7th Overall. If he can set up a GTSR, I would feel confident in his knowledge of routine spring changes.. The increase on spring rates was on the ACR, and probably is further proof that the Eibachs are not working as well as stock, since the higher spring rates are why alot of track guys feel the previous ACR was better on the track --- and
easier to adjust.

 

[Dion Fisher]

I do respect Eric's driving ability and knowledge...

Although seat time is of the essence to faster lap times all I can say is yes my car's handling was greatly improved with the Eibachs for the roadcourse (just my feeling) but then different folks like different set ups (tighter/looser)..

I did indeed buy one of the early sets of springs long ago.. As far as being the fastest in my region thanks but as we both know that doesn't add up to much sorry for boasting (little cocky sometimes

As far as my future plans for racing or pitting myself against others abilities; i've gone with the affordabe and fiercly competitive (in my region up to 30 cars on grid) Open Wheeled Club Ford Class...

Take care!!

 

[Sean Roe]

Hi Eric,
What spring rates and lengths do you use on the street and track?

 

[Dion Fisher]

post deleted for lack of content