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  #1 (permalink)  
Old 12-02-2011, 05:12 PM
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Default Springs and shocks

I'm starting to think about replacing the original (from the build manual) coil springs and shocks on my Sebring, and I figure that the Cobra parts probably would be a good place to start. Anybody come up with a set-up that they're happy with?

Steve
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Old 12-02-2011, 06:25 PM
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Not sure how much the C427 parts are interchangable with the Sebring. Guess it depends on how close the wheel base, track and weight are to each other.
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Old 12-02-2011, 07:10 PM
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Don't have most of that info yet. I think I've found a place to weigh it. I've seen formulas to calculate what spring rate to use, but I don't know how to determine some of the criteria. Thought the Cobras might be a place to start.
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Old 12-03-2011, 09:32 AM
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The chassis on the two cars is exactly the same. Anything that fits the Cobra will fit the Sebring.

The first step is to determine what you already have. IIRC, they use a Mustang II front end, and stock Ford 8.8 rear, with springs and shocks at all four corners. Lots of room for improvement there. You need to know what spring rates are already there.

The best improvment will probably come from replacing the shocks and springs with coil overs. It's not the cheapest option, but probably the best. Unless you're racing, don't bother getting double adjustables. Lots of money there, and not much return. Koni and QA-1 both make excellent products.

Springs are a place where you really get what you pay for. A $75 spring feels a lot differant than a $25 spring. I only use Eibachs.

In the front, it should be a "simple" matter of removing the old parts and installing the new ones; depending which lower arm is used. With coil overs the entire weight of the car is now on the shock mounts. Make sure they're strong enough for the job.

Same in the rear. As I recall, the shock is mounted vertically to the rear of the solid axle in single shear. That's fine for a shock absorber. But a coil over will need a stronger double shear mount.

What you're looking for is Suspension Frequency. A lot of measurements and calculations to help you calculate the "perfect" spring rates for your application. But, in general, the rear will be about 350-400#, and the front about 650#
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Old 12-03-2011, 01:04 PM
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Bob,

No racing yet, but I am getting a little intrigued with Solo. Mostly, I'm going through all the major systems looking for cost-effective ways to improve performance.

I believe the front end parts are Mustang II, and the rear is 8" Ford - coil springs at all four corners. Shocks are mounted vertically. What's in there now seems a little stiff, and the shocks are Monroe GasMatics, so I figured I had some room for improvement.

I've been studying spring calculation websites, but I'm having a little trouble determining all the dimensions I need to do the calculations. I guessed that the CR Cobras were probably very similar - thanks for the info. Gives me a ballpark idea where I should wind up.

Steve
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Old 12-03-2011, 07:59 PM
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Be carefull about the differential. I don't recall the 8" being an option - but that was a long time ago, so I could be wrong. The 8.8" is very differant, and they don't easily interchange.

The disadvantage to the MII front suspension is that it's not the hottest performer on the block. It's not optimized for the things like camber curve and bump steer. The advantage is that it's been around for a long time, and there's a boat load of parts available for it. People have been putting that front end into all kinds of vehicles for a couple of decades. Just go to any street rod web site, and order up whatever parts you want.

Same thing with the brakes. Your car probably has GM calipers. Some calipers are bigger/better than others. And getting huge Wilwoods is just a phone call away.
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Old 12-03-2011, 08:20 PM
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My Cobra has the 8" rear end. I was told it was a 9" when I bought my car but wouldn't have known a 9" if it bit me in the leg.

Bob, Do you know what years and or models the 8.8 that fits the CR is from?

Thanks,
John
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Old 12-03-2011, 09:15 PM
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When I purchased my Sebring MX in 1989, only an 8.8" was used in the Sebring and Sebring MX (from a 1987 to 1993 Mustang) along with the coil springs and shocks. The Saxon used an 8" with leaf springs. If you have a coil spring rear, I'm betting it is an 8.8". The easiest way to tell is to look at the rear cover. If it has one, it's an 8.8".
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Old 12-04-2011, 05:45 AM
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I determined it was an 8" from the markings on the diff cover, and the build manual lists an 8" from a maverick as the preferred axle. I don't know what the differences are (haven't got that far yet), any reason I should be considering changing it for something else? Probably ought to figure that out before I do anything with the springs or brakes.

I have seen that there are a ton of after-market parts for the front end, and and they're all on the list! It's a getting to be a long list, but I have lots of time. It's great to have this forum so I can cut through all the marketing hype, and find out what really works.
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Old 12-04-2011, 06:18 AM
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Like I said, if it has a bolt on rear cover, it is not an 8" or 9". The 8" is basically a baby 9". It has some strength is properly built, but is really not ideal. If it has the cover, I guess it could be a 7.5", but I really doubt it, so logic says 8.8". What are the markings and are they stamped on a bolt on cover, a tag, or stamped on the rear of the pumpkin housing?

Try this:

What rear end ratio is in my Ford , do I have positraction? - Drivetrain.com
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Old 01-17-2012, 07:38 PM
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Default springs

Steve
did you decide on front springs. Mine rides very stiff too. I was going to try 71 pinto springs up front (suggested for the roadsters) , but can't seem to locate a supplier.

mcq
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Old 01-17-2012, 08:48 PM
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I bought the coil-over setup from CR-II around 2006, any idea the spring rate they were using? They seem a bit stiff to me, more so than the Ford coils that were on it!
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Old 01-18-2012, 06:52 AM
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I've decided to calculate everything from scratch, rather than trying to adapt some other vehicle's springs. Then I'll order something - haven't decided to do coil-overs or keep the setup I've got. I've got the car garaged, and have started measuring things. Might take me awhile, but I'm happy to share what I come up with.

So far, the only hard data I have is that it weighs 2340 lbs, 1220 front & 1120 rear. I have about 3" of tire clearance at the top of the wheel well in the front, and 4-1/2" to the oil pan drain plug (lowest point), so I don't think I will lower it any (nice to not scrape the curb going into my driveway)!

I'm looking for input, since this is all new to me - comments welcome!
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Old 01-18-2012, 06:57 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mreid View Post
Like I said, if it has a bolt on rear cover, it is not an 8" or 9". The 8" is basically a baby 9". It has some strength is properly built, but is really not ideal. If it has the cover, I guess it could be a 7.5", but I really doubt it, so logic says 8.8". What are the markings and are they stamped on a bolt on cover, a tag, or stamped on the rear of the pumpkin housing?

Try this:

What rear end ratio is in my Ford , do I have positraction? - Drivetrain.com
There is a tag on the pumpkin - I should have the thing off the ground enough to read it and figure out what I have soon. Rear ends and gear ratios are yet another thing I am trying to get my head around.
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