Good sources for Suspension Techniques springs and Feedback on same

[deadflo]

I am getting closer to finally updating my sagging springs and worn out shocks. This site has provided enough info that I think the ST springs are what I want. Anyone else want to give me some feedback on how they like ST's? Im going to either use Tockco HP's or illuminas depending on how mcuh money I can come up with, this is for the 71, which I only drive weekends on pretty smooth country roads. What is a good source for these springs?

[jmortensen]

Summit Racing sells ST sway bars, so I'd bet they can sell you the springs too. My friend had them on her Z with blues and it was extremely low.

[deadflo]

Oh really?

Boy there is sure are alot of varied opinions on the spring shock setups. Some folks have cars too high (as you menioned seems to be combo of new gas shocks and older spring designs , Like euros) or way too low, like some of the tockico setups.

The Arizona springs sounded good, but they seemd to be the stiffest rating i thought the ST's might be a bit milder ???

[jmortensen]

As I recall the ST's were quite a bit lower than the Tokicos. My friend had the ST's in her first Z, then put the Tokico springs in the next one. It's been probably 10 years since that car went to the crusher, but it was LOW and she had to go into driveways at a serious angle. She also dented the crap out of her twice pipes on speed bumps.

There are definitely a lot of opinions on this one, if you could get measurements to the rockers from people who have the various spring combos that might give you a way to remove the subjectivity from the issue.

[Montezuma]

I am getting closer to finally updating my sagging springs and worn out shocks. This site has provided enough info that I think the ST springs are what I want. Anyone else want to give me some feedback on how they like ST's? Im going to either use Tockco HP's or illuminas depending on how mcuh money I can come up with, this is for the 71, which I only drive weekends on pretty smooth country roads. What is a good source for these springs?

WWW.SHOX.COM They offer all the items you want. Got STs on both Zs happy, no problems. Tokicos too....of course, but not the illuminas since I just use my car for an occasional drive.

[deadflo]

There are definitely a lot of opinions on this one, if you could get measurements to the rockers from people who have the various spring combos that might give you a way to remove the subjectivity from the issue.

Great idea. I went and measured my setup on the 71. I checked the distance from ground to top of fenderwells. I have yellow old springs. Could be ST, could be interpart. I dont know how old, but thought I should replace them with shocks at the same time.

The were 24 and half inches on the back, 25 and half on the front.

Heh heh, I guess that front end bias may date back awhile??

Im sure the rear shocks are shot though...

Anyway, it would be nice to see some measurements from some other folks to get a better idea how low some setups go.

[speedyblue]

I have ST springs and Tokico struts and the only gripe I have is that the springs aren't stiff enough. I'm running a 22mm or 24mm front bar and no rear bar and I don't like how much body roll the car has. (73 240Z) I'm happy with the height. Lower would be better, but not on the stock struts.

If I was to do it over, I would buy coilover sleeves and get them welded on instead and run shorter struts. Then if you aren't happy with teh stiffness of height, you can change it. If you are the type of person who will continually upgrade the car, little by little then make sure you think it through. Last thing you want to do is change your mind 6 months after you have it all fitted.

Good luck with it.

Scott

[Curtis240Z]

You can buy ST springs from JC Whitney. As far as non-coilover springs go I like them the best (better than MSA, Eibach, Tokico). Pacesetter used to sell springs that were yellow.

[Kyle]

I have ST springs, full PU bushings, and KYB 4-way adjustable strut cartridges.

The car is WAY TOO STIFF for street use. At least, it is if you're 30+ years old. Struts have to be set full stiff in the front and 3/4 in the back to dampen oscillation (horrible in the front especially)

On the other hand, I just took it to the track and kicked major arse, so I guess it's a great compromise. Ride height is, uhh, I dunno, here's a pic.

http://www.sonic.net/~kyle/kylez.html

Before getting bitten by the track bug (and before restoring the car and forgetting how much fun it is to drive) I always planned on swapping the STs out for something else, Euro progressive maybe. Now? I'm happy. Plenty happy. :-D

[zKars]

Dead Flo:

I have just gone through a ST to Eibach Progressive spring swap. I have the Tokico Illumina shocks on my '73.

Saying the ride with the ST's was stiff is an understatement. There were 5 settings, hard, really hard, rock hard, "This is Crazy" and OUCH OUCH OUCH....

Now the ride is much better. Still not "soft" by any means, but it feels GOOD.

The ride is almost exactly the same, it actually dropped 1/4" in the rear.

And of course now I have a spare set of ST springs laying around if you're interested....

Jim