[gronk99]

The situation:
I have a 95 Escort wagon that the rear springs have collapsed/broken on.
The wrecking yard has alternately said any 91-96 or any 93-96 spring interchanges-except Escort GT. ALL the wagons in wrecking yard have same problem as mine, so it would be good if there is a stiffer spring that
won't change my ride height.

The Ques: Will an Escort GT spring do what I want (have a pair from a 91 at wrecking)? Is the spring from a 97 different? stiffer?
Is there any STOCK spring that will do what I want regardless of year/make/model?

Thanx-this my first post , but I did check about 4pg of search looking for an exact answer on this.
PS: already bought new Gabriel struts all around

 

[TexasTracer]

All escorts 91-up use the same spring. The wagons have stiffer rear springs for carrying heavier loads. Your best bet is to find the newest wagon without broken rear springs.

 

[gronk99]

Any 91 and up wagon...cool

And Thanx guys

 

[gronk99]

Seems in a city of 200K w/5 wrecking yards I have already found the 1 unbroken SW spring.

So, what is option #2 - bearing in mind that I don't want to lower car any?
Maybe those GT springs with some kind of spacer?
Is there someone who makes spacers, or would I have to make my own by modifying a old top plate?
And what is the differance between the GT and LX springs anyway?

Thax

 

[96_2dr_panel]

I don't think there is any difference at all between them. I've had an lx and a GT and I'm pretty sure their the same. Wagon on the other hand may have stronger springs in the rear as TexasTracer said. Hell I'm pretty sure the 3rd gen wagon springs are the same. 97-03. I think they made the wagon til 03.

 

[madmatt2024]

They only make the wagon till '99. Wagon springs are still than the regular springs. Just go out and buy new rear springs for your wagon. I wouldn't want to put junkyard springs on just to have them break a few months after you do the job.

 

[gronk99]

That sounds reasonable, except that everyone around here has 2 listings - springs for (1)GT or (2)everything else. :?
Got sources for new rear wagon springs?

 

[webstien]

I think it was like $50 for a pair of rear springs for a wagon at autozone.

 

[nezwick]

Yeah, the wagons had stiffer springs in the rear. I think they are also like .25 inches taller as well. This past September when I had to have my car inspected, they discovered that both rear springs were broken, so I replaced them with the wagon springs for a little stiffer ride.

I'd definitely go with the wagon springs on the wagon, especially if you actually carry stuff in the back.

 

[madmatt2024]

Advance Auto also has springs for the wagon.
http://www.partsamerica.com/productdeta ... 60&PTSet=A
www.rockauto.com also has wagon springs.

 

[gronk99]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^ at last
My retail experience was - after drilling down on counterpersons @ AZone they admit that REGUARDLESS of what model it's the same spring. Going to another source that stocks the springs - the spring measures out to 13", So I would b losing 1 1/2" of spring heigth. (the removed spring measured out to 14.5")

Roaming wrecking yard reveals following:

Model------------------------Spring heigth---------------------- R. Wh. Wt.

Sedan -----------------------13"--------------------------------- ?
(assume this is the one fits all spring my retailers have)

GT----------------------------13.5"------------------------------- ?

SW----------------------------14.5"-------------------------------1675

Tempo/Topaz ---------------? ------------------------------------1812

I had notes on RW Wt, can't find now, but will b going back for something else.
It seems like the spring out of a T/T (85-85 anyway) has same dia and wire so would b slightly heavier based on RW Wt differance (137lb/pr).
Seems a LX would get something from switching to GT springs.
May even pull spring out of a T/T strut to get free length.
(expecting this to be longer than SW spring)

:?
PS: RockAuto is showing 2 different dia and wire sizes for 86 T/T
Ditto for Escort

 

[bill4123]

I definately recommend new springs over used springs. Honestly, since your current springs are already broken, even if you bought a generic spring designed to work for all models, you will probably see your ride height INCREASE since you're replacing a collapsed spring.

When I slapped the H&R lowering springs in my wagon after discovering broken rears, my ride height stayed the same.

 

[zzyzzx]

Don't buy used springs!

I had no trouble finding new springs at a local auto parts store (not Pep Boys, Autozone, or Advance).

 

[LEMJW]

95 lx springs

I'm a newby here and interested in this thread. I'm converting my '95 LX to an all electric car which means lots of batteries. Estimating eight 70lb batteries in the rear space alone is going to be 600+ lbs with battery boxes and restraints, etc.

Prior to removing the engine, gas tank and related components I weighed the car and measured the body height at all four wheels. I'm gonna need stronger, stiffer, longer springs.

Should I just take the car carefully to the suspension shop down the street and get new springs made or does anyone have a suggestion to do otherwise? thanks. LEMJW

 

[bill4123]

Get a Ground Control coilover kit since they use 2.5" racing springs which can be ordered in whatever rate and length you need.

 

[LEMJW]

Get a Ground Control coilover kit since they use 2.5" racing springs which can be ordered in whatever rate and length you need.

Ok, thanks for your reply. I'm a little (or a lot) uncertain. Where do I find a ground control coilover kit? Where can I order the 2.5" racing springs and what rate and length am I looking to get?

Should I not also consider replacing the existing shocks?

I used to be a professional VW mechanic but didn't get into suspension much. When I did, it was to replace with stock components. Tweaking a '95 Escort's stock suspension is virgin terretory for me. I appreciate your help and advice. How's your Escort? LEMJW

 

[bill4123]

http://www.ground-control-store.com/pro ... I=31/CA=23

My kit came with 325# 7" springs in the front and 275# 8" springs in the back if I remember correctly. My car sits with the perches all the way up at about 3.5" lower than stock and is quite a bit stiffer than stock. You may want to ask for 10" springs all the way around.