Its been said via Ultimatesubaru.org by member “Jeszek” that you can use the FRONT Ford Tempo springs.   They were described as a direct fit width wise, and a few inches taller.   Well.. they arent necessarily a direct fit, they will work and will set well. But I wouldnt say they are a direct fit.

Here’s my experience with the Ford Tempo spring alternative.

Rather than using some old springs from a junkyard which we really cant guarantee are any better than the saggy piece of crap that are being replaced,  I chose to go with a new set of springs from the tempo.  Plus the junkyards are going to want to sell me a full strut assembly at $25-35 (x 2 for other side).  At $70, its only a few dollars more to get new springs.

There are various part numbers listed but for the most part they are all fairly close between the 4cyl and v6.   The spring I went with was the Rockwell RV-852, which also cross references to the Moog CC-852.  (click for specs).   You cant get straight rate springs for the Tempo front replacements, so these are variable rate springs and the spring rate is about 8-10% stiffer than the stock EA82 springs. Of course cutting them will change that

Side by Side:  Tempo Spring VS EA82 spring

So as you can see. There are differences between the springs in general.

This is how the spring will sit in the strut. (Shown with out the rubber bottom piece)

So here is the breakdown of the assembly, i didn’t end up using the upper spring seat from the tempos shown in the picture.

Due to the height difference, trial and error led me to cut off 3.3 turns off the top of the coil. I could have probably left it at 3, but i wanted the top of the coil to sit at the same spot the EA82 coil sat in the top of the strut assembly. To make up for that 1/3 coil, i could put those tempo spring seats back on the assembly. That would also add to the surface area pressing on the upper spring seat, so that would really not be a bad idea to keep in there. (afterthought, doh!)

Completed Assembly before i adjusted the spring. The spring turned a little bit as I was releasing my HarborFreight spring compressors.

Following the swap, the front end sits right about where it did prior to the spring swap, and you can definately feel the added stiffness of the springs. The springs dont shift around at all that i can tell.

Afterthoughts and stuff I found after the swap….

I am entertaining the idea of another spring which i have found that seems to be a much better fit. This is a spring from a 98-02 Dodge Intrepid REAR spring. It has a higher load capacity (420 vs 388 on the tempo spring), is shorter by a bout 2″, and is about the same spring rate (145 vs 146). I think with less cutting involved and a larger diameter this will be a bit of a better choice, especially on swapped rigs like mine.

Moog CC799 – http://www.moog-suspension-parts.com/proddetail.asp?prod=MOOG-CC799

Xbeerd
1992 Loyale w/ EJ25 swap, 2″ lift, and more.

]]> http://www.economysuperstar.com/trashwagon/2011/11/26/old-school-soobs-front-coil-spring-alternative/feed 0 http://www.economysuperstar.com/trashwagon/2010/09/14/1994-volvo-960-work-van http://www.economysuperstar.com/trashwagon/2010/09/14/1994-volvo-960-work-van#comments Wed, 15 Sep 2010 01:07:20 +0000 MilesFox http://www.economysuperstar.com/trashwagon/2010/09/14/1994-volvo-960-work-van

182,000 mi. 3300 lb hitch. No rust. New tires and brakes. $1,250

1985 and 1987 Toyota Hi-Ace vans conveerge to address cooling issues. One has a head gasket repair while the other is actively blowing a head gasket. Both vans need water pumps.

Turnout this year is more than it ever has been! With more bikes than we can count, there was everything from hopped up mopeds to racing bikes to vintage factory fresh and some mix and match custom rats.

Trophies were awarded to those who registered their bikes in the event.

Center st between Booth and Humboldt is barricaded off for the 2010 Rockerbox Motofest. More to come as the event kicks off at 11 am to 7 pm.

Ralliers from Milwaukee, Chicago, and Minneapolis  gather at the Astor Hotel in Milwaukee for the 2010 moped rally for the fish fry. The rally will continue through the weekend during the Rockerbox Motofest.