Dammit, Jim, I'm Gonna Wind my OWN Springs!

[Alex Kowalski (audial@aol.com) (Kathleen Nicholl) <knicholl@wppost.depaul.edu>]

Hello everyone.

Since I last posted the messages about the Eibach springs for the 5000,
100, 200 from WolfSport I have received no callbacks or email from them. 

So, I'm getting to the point where I am going to take matters into my own
hands and get a set of springs custom-wound for my car.  I found a
spring shop that winds springs for TRW and Moog and has the factory
spring specifications for my '86 5KCSTQ.  They will wind me a new set to
any ride height/stiffness that I choose.  The price is better than the Eibach
springs as well.

I am thinking of being conservative with the ride height in light of some
recent discussions here on the list as well as the analysis of suspension
movements that Eric Fletcher published to the archives back in 1995.  I am
the first to admit that I am a novice at this type of thing, so I am anxious to
hear any comments/arguments about this endeavor from the List.  I am
thinking about a 0.5" drop, front and rear, and a 25-30% increase in
spring rate if I decide to go with linear-rate springs.  I haven't had the time
to fully discuss the option of progressive springs with the engineer at the
company, but they have the capability to do this too.

I am willing to be the "guinea pig" on this project, as the price of the
springs is relatively low and I view it as a learning experience as well as
a chance to get out from under the thumb of the aftermarket parts
suppliers.  I can always put the car back to stock if need be. And if it
works well and the handling/body control improve without too much
penalty in driveability,  we can get a bunch of them made for anyone who
wants them.  So, I'm going to get out my measurement tools and my
calculator.  In the meantime, 

--- Fire Away!

Best Wishes,

Alex 
'86 5KCSTQ