l4nc3r

No this isn't one of those "I'm gonna cut my spring" threads, I actually have a question which searching only partially explained.

I am looking to buy S5 front and rear stabilizer bars and S5 front and rear springs. At the moment I have a S4 with stock S4 parts. My springs are in desperate need of replacing, but I do not have the money at the moment for new ones.

I was reading up on a few posts and noticed that certain year and models have larger sway bars/smaller stabilizer bars.

My question is, has anyone replaced stock S4 stabilizer bars and springs with S5 stabilizer bars and springs?

Or should I just keep my Stab. bars and just replace the end links and bushings(which I will be doing either way.)

KhanArtisT

iTrader: (2)

I think verts have the thickest swaybars but don't quote me. How do you know your springs need replacing? TII springs are stiffer than the NA's. I think Roen ran TII springs on aftermarket shocks for a while.

l4nc3r

Well, I dont really know they need replaced. There 21 Years old and thought I might give them a break, and plus they look as rusted as they could get. I know a few years isn't much, but if they are stiffer then S4's, I would like that very much. The same with the stab. bars. Plus it would be around $70 for the whole set.

bboyclo

why dont you just get the racing beat suspension package comes with the springs and sway bars

Black91n/a

Sways won't really wear out in the same way as other suspension components will, as they're not usually loaded unless the car's turning. Springs need replacing because they're constantly under load and sag and get soft over time.

A better bet would be to replace your shocks and all the rubber bits in the suspension and maybe get some new springs.

KhanArtisT

iTrader: (2)

As for cutting springs I believe you can actually cut the springs to increase the spring rate and use them as long as the shocks you are using them with can handle the stiffer springs. If you are unhappy with the ride hight afterwards you can use a spring compressor, compress the spring to the desired length and put them in the oven for a few minutes at 400 degrees. Spring rate can be measured by applying a certain amount of force (lbs) on the spring and measuring movement (inches).

I read this in an old book though (How to Make Your Car Handle-Fred Puhn) so if anyone has input on it that would be great because I've been curious as to how well it would work.

For a cheap suspension upgrade though I would switch to the thickest factory sway bars, find some good condition TII springs and pick up a set of tokico blues for cheap and the camber bolt kit. Should all run you less than $100.

l4nc3r

Just to ask again, Is there a difference between S4 and S5 springs? Lower/stiffer/higher? My springs are rusty and are in need of replacement and I bought a set for $40. They are in immaculate shape too.

Should I stick with my S4 or go to S5? And if I go to S5, what will the car be like?

l4nc3r

Here are some pics of the front springs. If you all could tell me which go on the drivers and which go on the passenger from the colors, I would be very grateful.




And here is some of all 4 springs. Are these seriously stock?

ericgrau

iTrader: (1)

If you're on a budget I'd just do the shocks and leave the springs & sways alone. Stiff springs with old worn out shocks means bounce and worsened handling. I also hear people say to upgrade springs before sway bars. So that means shocks are step 1. Get shocks with the same or a little higher stiffness than stock. Probably Tokico. If you have stock springs and ultra stiff shocks your shocks will take all the load and blow fast. Plus it'll be a rough ride and yet not ideal for handling.

I don't think the s5 springs are any stiffer than s4, but for all I know they might be a hair stiffer. The turbo model springs are certainly a little stiffer than the non-turbo springs. If your s4 springs are really that bad and the s5 ones you got are not, I guess you could replace them. But how do you know? I would think replacing old worn out shocks would come first on most old cars. If you can do both the springs and shocks at the same time that's even better; I don't think it's any extra work. Just more to buy.

YaNi

iTrader: (2)

What?

There is no problem running stock springs on aftermarket dampers.

InsomniacFC

iTrader: (4)

Cruise the junkyard. I got a set of eibach's and a tokico blues for under $100...

l4nc3r

Yea, bad thing is that we have more 7 owners here then just me. And all out junkyards are overpriced.

But a new question if anyone would be so kind to answer, on a Base 87 what are the sizes of the Front and Rear Stabilizer/Sway Bars? I'm talking about width and such. I'm trying to order some bushings and end links off of Black Dragon and there are multiple sizes.

http://www.blackdragonauto.com/icata...l.aspx?Page=41

Bottom of the page is what I'm looking at and maybe if you all could tell me which ones to get. Thanks.

My5ABaby

iTrader: (7)

Those springs look stock to me, but springs look a lot a like.