Replace stock composite spring?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
From: Crystal Lake IL
Replace stock composite spring?
I'm doing a major suspension rebuild this winter. Things are going back to near stock with all new bushings, T/A service and a rebuilt diff.
The car has around 120K miles on it and I was really mostly happy with the ride and the spring looks fine to me. I'm planning on running with Bilstein sport shocks, smart struts and everything else stock. It seems like all the new composite springs claim they never need to be replaced...should I replace the stock spring if I'm happy with stock suspension performance (this is a weekend driver)?
Thanks!
The car has around 120K miles on it and I was really mostly happy with the ride and the spring looks fine to me. I'm planning on running with Bilstein sport shocks, smart struts and everything else stock. It seems like all the new composite springs claim they never need to be replaced...should I replace the stock spring if I'm happy with stock suspension performance (this is a weekend driver)?
Thanks!
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,112
From: Crossville TN
If your spring is not splintered on the surface nor have any cracks or 'dings' on the working edges, don't mess with it. Disassembly/re-assembly of a composite spring presents more risk to the integrity of the spring than leaving your old one "as is". Leave it be.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
From: Crystal Lake IL
The spring looks great...but I do have to remove it and reinstall because both the diff and TA's are coming out. Are you suggesting that I should replace because it was removed?
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 576
Likes: 3
From: Muskegon MI
You do want to look at the rubber components around the spring, but those springs don't fail (they break when they are damaged, but they don't weaken). Let me know if you need the clamp pads, the ones we use in our springs are pretty close to the originals
Racer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
From: Fort Myers, Fl / St. Paul, Mn
I have VB&P's 330# composite rear spring with Bilstein Sports and am very happy with that combo and my 72 coupe is a daily driver. It has a nice firm but not harsh ride. I previously had KYB-GR2 and they were too soft for that spring.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,112
From: Crossville TN
If you can't just clean it in place, no...I'm not suggesting buying a new one. Just be careful to not ding/nick the edges of the spring nor use anything that will be caustic to the fiberglass material. Check it thoroughly when you remove it, clean it will [Wal-Mart] Super-Clean or other 'green' cleaner, and re-install it correctly, carefully and torque bolts to required specs. Start a crack and it will break (in time).
Good luck with your project...I'm sure it will be fine.
Good luck with your project...I'm sure it will be fine.
