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COIL SPRINGS - are custom springs good

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GranTorinoSport View Drop Down
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    Posted: 08-July-2004 at 3:09AM

I am in the process of rebuilding the front suspension on my 73 Sport. I am doing a complete suspension rebuild (rear will follow), including polyurethane bushings, and adding the larger 1 1/8" sway bar.

I had a question about coil spring selection.

I own and have read the Torino/Ranchero Handling Book, and noted where he cut 5/8 of a coil out of factory springs to lower and stiffen the front end. I do not want to cut coil springs. I prefer factory ride height, but do want a tighter, better handling suspension.

I have seen information about Eaton Springs and ESPO who offer custom springs.

Should I order factory springs or get custom springs? If I go custom springs, what should I get? There seem to be a multitude of choices.

I'd like to hear about other's experiences/recommendations.

Regards,

 

Scott Eklund

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Torinogts73c Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09-July-2004 at 9:08AM
Scott, I would have to recomend the Eaton springs they have all the OEM specs for your car and build them to spec. My 73 came with the comp suspension option which is highest rate that Ford made for the Sport. I have been doing some research at work looking for new Crown Vic springs and they seem to be shorter than the Torino Springs but quite a bit stiffer. I will let you know if they lower the car at all as soon as I install them. Gary
Gary 73 Gran Torino Sport 351CJ,17 Mustang Ecoboost,15 Jeep Grand Cherokee LTD, Ford Ranger parts hauler


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Torinogts73c Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09-July-2004 at 9:11AM
By the way I have all the spring rates for 72-73 Torinos at my disposal. All i need is what the car has for options   Gary
Gary 73 Gran Torino Sport 351CJ,17 Mustang Ecoboost,15 Jeep Grand Cherokee LTD, Ford Ranger parts hauler


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote GranTorinoSport Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09-July-2004 at 10:12PM

It is a 1973 Sport. I do not suspect it had the special handling package, as it has the sway bar that is just slightly under 1 inch in diameter. I will, however, be adding the 1 1/8" large sway bar to the car.

The original spring rate and other specs would be helpful for a starting point, and also realizing what else is out there would be nice. I don't really want to lower the car, because I want to have the ground clearance (daily driver) and also I plan to put 16 inch wheels on.

Also, I would suspect that I probably don't need to go too much tighter to make a big difference in conjunction with my planned other suspension upgrade, such as polyurethane bushings and all other new parts.

Best regards,

 

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Torinogts73c Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10-July-2004 at 8:40PM
Tell me what options are on the car and what engine/trans combo you have and and I should be able to get you some stats on your springs.        &nbs p; Gary
Gary 73 Gran Torino Sport 351CJ,17 Mustang Ecoboost,15 Jeep Grand Cherokee LTD, Ford Ranger parts hauler


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote GranTorinoSport Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11-July-2004 at 7:25PM

It is just a 73 2-dr with a 351C. I guess I'd be interested in seeing what the different spring rates are offered for that.

Since all of the suspensions are the same across the models/years (with very few exceptions), the biggest change between heavy duty suspensions, etc seems to be only the springs (which would have different rates) and the swar bars and the shocks. The arms, spindles and other associated hardware never change.

In fact, I obtained some 1 1/8" front sway bars this weekend for the car (which actually came off a 79 T-bird and a 79 Cougar), and I did a close inspection of those front ends, and they still are basically unchanged.

 

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Torinogts73c Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14-July-2004 at 6:32AM
Ford had so many combinations of spring rates that it boggles the brain! w/a/c w/o a/c p/s comp susp. h.d. standard etc...  There are almost three pages of listings just for 73! Yes alot of these are used on other years, that is how they save money on tooling costs. I am trying a set off of a 95 Crown Vic police car for example. I will see what I can find for you. Gary
Gary 73 Gran Torino Sport 351CJ,17 Mustang Ecoboost,15 Jeep Grand Cherokee LTD, Ford Ranger parts hauler


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