variable rate springs

[spasm3]

I am going to rebuild the front end on my sons saturn. Ordering new control arms struts, bearings, sway bushings etc. I am curious as to whether a set a variable rate springs is worth the money. A pair of moog springs is around $55 a pair front and i think $75 rear. I am not interested in lowering the car, it lacks for suspension travel now. Anyone ever used variable rate spings on a light car? (2400lbs). Moog lists them as variable rate cargo springs, but the car will not carry weight, occcasionally 3 people. Would the ride quality be any better?

Thoughts?

Thanks

 

[The_Jeff]

The ride quality can't be much worse.

I've had bunches of SOHC saturns and only a couple of DOHCs. But the twin cams come with a rear sway bar and better front sway bar. I can't say they take potholes any better but they handle tons better... less oversteer.

With junkyard parts... look into this as long as you have it blown apart.

Then the stiff nasty ride will at least handle tolerably, it's a net positive IMO.

 

[NMBurb02]

When I asked about doing struts, I was told that springs normally are not needed: http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubb...ob?#Post3166902

I'd first make sure springs are necessary before spending any money on them. If you do replace them, the variable rates should be fine as they should handle well under light and heavy loads, which is what the variable rates are meant to accomplish.

 

[spasm3]

Thanks, the stock springs are fine, no sagging or drooping, just wondered if the ride would be much improved. I will check out the junk yards and see if i can get sway bars off an sc2, thats a good idea.

 

[spasm3]

Originally Posted By: eljefino
The ride quality can't be much worse.



Would you do all four corners? or just put variable rates on the front?

 

[spasm3]

These are the ones i'm considering. They are for the front end.

http://www.amazon.com/Moog-CC664-Variable-Rate-Spring/dp/B000C59UPE/ref=cm_cd_al_qh_dp_t

 

[The_Jeff]

Originally Posted By: spasm3
Originally Posted By: eljefino
The ride quality can't be much worse.



Would you do all four corners? or just put variable rates on the front?


I wouldn't put that kind of money in the car.

The rear is just as punishing and short-travelling, and has more variance in how loaded it is. So in theory it's more important to have variable springs back there.

If you want more cadillac ride, maybe rustle up some 175/75/14 tires instead of the stock 175/70's. Shouldn't rub as the fenders will hold a 195/60/15 which is still more diameter.

 

[spasm3]

Originally Posted By: eljefino


If you want more cadillac ride, maybe rustle up some 175/75/14 tires instead of the stock 175/70's. Shouldn't rub as the fenders will hold a 195/60/15 which is still more diameter.


Thanks, i actually have 195 60 15's on it now, geartooth wheels off a 93!

I will probably just use the existing springs then. I was just a thought while i am in there.

 

[artificialist]

I don't see a need for variable rate springs. However, if I was doing this job, I would ask for quick struts or their equivalent. Who knows how much life is left in those old strut mounts and bearings. By the time you add new strut bearings to the cost, you are close to the price of quick struts.

 

[GMBoy]

Originally Posted By: artificialist
I don't see a need for variable rate springs. However, if I was doing this job, I would ask for quick struts or their equivalent. Who knows how much life is left in those old strut mounts and bearings. By the time you add new strut bearings to the cost, you are close to the price of quick struts.


This is really the best overall option. All new parts, safer install and less expensive.

 

[spasm3]

Originally Posted By: GMBoy
Originally Posted By: artificialist
I don't see a need for variable rate springs. However, if I was doing this job, I would ask for quick struts or their equivalent. Who knows how much life is left in those old strut mounts and bearings. By the time you add new strut bearings to the cost, you are close to the price of quick struts.


This is really the best overall option. All new parts, safer install and less expensive.


Thanks but only monroe makes an assembly for this car ( other than lacree which is not good)
I was hesitant about kyb struts but numerous people have supported their quality.
I can get the struts for $40 each, the mount/bearing for $40 so i'm in $80 on each corner , $320. The monroe sensatrac quick struts are $113 front, $102 rear. There are economy monroes for less with only a 1 year warranty. Quality quick struts are $430 or $110 more. Since i have done many struts before, time and safety are not an issue for me. I was only curious about whether ride quality was better with different springs, mine are fine. Even the monre sensatracs are available for $43 and $45 as struts only.
The $110 difference covers the new delco control arms i ordered.
This car will see another 5 years with us so quality parts matter.

 

[IndyIan]

Does the car get into the bump stops often? Depending on their design, they can make the ride feel quite rough.
I replaced the springs(they were sagging alot) and bumpstops on the Neon and it rode much better in big bumps as it used the bumpstops less and the ones I put in were much more progressive.

 

[Mykl]

Keep the stock springs if they're not sagging and change out to a softer strut.

 

[GMBoy]

Originally Posted By: spasm3
Originally Posted By: GMBoy
Originally Posted By: artificialist
I don't see a need for variable rate springs. However, if I was doing this job, I would ask for quick struts or their equivalent. Who knows how much life is left in those old strut mounts and bearings. By the time you add new strut bearings to the cost, you are close to the price of quick struts.


This is really the best overall option. All new parts, safer install and less expensive.


Thanks but only monroe makes an assembly for this car ( other than lacree which is not good)
I was hesitant about kyb struts but numerous people have supported their quality.
I can get the struts for $40 each, the mount/bearing for $40 so i'm in $80 on each corner , $320. The monroe sensatrac quick struts are $113 front, $102 rear. There are economy monroes for less with only a 1 year warranty. Quality quick struts are $430 or $110 more. Since i have done many struts before, time and safety are not an issue for me. I was only curious about whether ride quality was better with different springs, mine are fine. Even the monre sensatracs are available for $43 and $45 as struts only.
The $110 difference covers the new delco control arms i ordered.
This car will see another 5 years with us so quality parts matter.


Based on your experience doing struts, I agree with you there.