Height (Spring) Survey

[BobSaabit]

We get a lot of questions about actual height of various spring combinations, so I thought I'd start a thread to document heights.

We need to know the measurements shown below from ground -> hub and to ground -> fender lip in order to figure out where various combinations of model & spring will sit. It's really the difference that counts in evaluating where the springs make you sit, so do the subtraction if you like. Measure just to the bottom of the sheet metal for the Fender lip and do your best to get hub center right. Accuracy within 1/8" would be good for us.

What model and MY is important along with age since springs tend to drop... especially new installs. If you actually have info like Saab spring color codes feel free to add that or any other details in you think are important. Those who cut coils obviously need to add that in. Add a side photo if you want. Tire specs might help with understanding any funky ground to hub measurements.

I'll add my own info in the post following this. Put your rough vehicle specs in the subject to make it easy to search the thread. Here's the diagram:

[BobSaabit]

Spec for a 1997 NG900 SET Convertible, and also my 2003 9-3 SE Convertible. both with stock springs (they are almost identical in height). Roof closed in both cases. One is on 205-55-16's, the other on 215-45-17's, both at 35lbs.

Stock Springs:

FH - 11.75"
FF - 26.125"
Net Front Spring Height (FF minus FH): 14.375"

RH - 12"
RF - 26.75"
Net Rear Spring Height (RF minus RH): 14.75"

[markyboy75]

Will post mine in the morning m8

[BobSaabit]

From my buddy's 2002 Viggen 'vert, stock 245-45-17 tires, no mods:

Stock Viggen Springs:

FF = 11.5625
FH = 25.975
Net Front Spring Height (FF minus FH): 14.375"

RF = 11.975
RH = 26.375
Net Rear Spring Height (RF minus RH): 14.437"

[Kei]

1995 NG900 SET 5 door with eibach springs fitted just over 1 year ago. Tyres are 225/45R17. (boot is laden with amps, sub, spare and toolkit, fuel tank is at 1/4")

FH = 11.6" (295mm)
FF = 24.8" (630mm)
Net Front Spring Height (FF minus FH): 13.2" (335mm)

RH = 12.4" (315mm)
RF = 25.2" (640mm)
Net Rear Spring Height (RF minus RH): 12.8" (325mm)

[900Talladega]

Ooooh this will be interesting
My NG900 (Currently in for smash repairs D: ) Has a full set of Koni/Vogtlands that are only a couple of months old.
Will post measurements when it gets back hopefully this week.

[jakejm79]

1996 900SE 2.0T, Koni's, Vgotlands (rear cut 1/2 coil) & 215/45R17 tires.

FH: 11 7/8"
FF: 24 5/8"
Net: 12 3/4"

RH: 11 7/8"
RF: 24 3/4"
Net: 12 7/8

[markyboy75]

1999 9-3s on standard springs, wheel size 195 60/R15 88V. Both wheels on 34 psi.

FH 11.4
FF 26.0
Net 14.6

RH 11.4
RF 26.5
Net 15.1.


Should be a lot lower with the 3 kids and the dobby in the back lol.

[markyboy75]

Shouldn't everyone's ground to hub measurements be the same, depending on wheel size and tyre pressure. Mine is 11.4 front and rear. Sorry if I'm wrong on this one lol.

[jakejm79]

Mark you are correct, they should be the same, assuming same size tires and PSI (front to back). It is possible that the front or rear is under more/less load causing the tire to 'squish' a bit. But differences of almost an inch seem questionable.

[markyboy75]

Originally Posted by jakejm79

Mark you are correct, they should be the same, assuming same size tires and PSI (front to back). It is possible that the front or rear is under more/less load causing the tire to 'squish' a bit. But differences of almost an inch seem questionable.

That's what I thought lol. I mean mine is totally standard at the moment, even my wheels are only 15's for now. Only thing in my motor with any weight on it would be my fusion sub and amp. So shouldn't make a difference on tyre depth. But an inch is more than questionable I think lol

[happyeds]

2001 Viggen convertible, changed suspension at 66K miles, stock verses Eibachs Pro & Bilstein Sports - Ride height (w/1/2 tank fuel) stock FF 26", RR 26.75" - w/Eibachs FF 25.50", RR 25.50" Ride is actually more civilized, and control is a little better. Not as much dive on stopping and weight shift in corners is not as pronounced. A very good daily driver combo for those not wanting to mess with making adjustments to shocks. Personally Bilstein does the research for what is best for your ride and we benefit by it. Bilstein fronts PE3-3105-H0 and rears are BE5-2758-H0. The Eibachs are 7807.14

[BobSaabit]

Originally Posted by jakejm79

Mark you are correct, they should be the same, assuming same size tires and PSI (front to back). It is possible that the front or rear is under more/less load causing the tire to 'squish' a bit. But differences of almost an inch seem questionable.

But if there are different wheels/tire combo's fitted, or different inflation pressures, or new vs. very old that could definitely have an effect... Even without oddbal sizes you could easily see a variation of 1/2 inch. That's substantial when we're talking spring height changes of roughy an inch range.

We could actually just go with the hub center to fender height, but it's nice to get an overall view, especially if there's a photo to look at.

[markyboy75]

I see your point m8, I'll try and post a side on pic of mine when I get the chance.

[falcon21]

I should measure all my spring heights, I think my car sits slightly on an angle.

What is the standard tire aspect ratio for the stock 205 R16 rims? I have 205/50R16 tires.

[jakejm79]

Originally Posted by BobSaabit

But if there are different wheels/tire combo's fitted, or different inflation pressures, or new vs. very old that could definitely have an effect... Even without oddbal sizes you could easily see a variation of 1/2 inch. That's substantial when we're talking spring height changes of roughy an inch range.

We could actually just go with the hub center to fender height, but it's nice to get an overall view, especially if there's a photo to look at.

I see your point, I guess I just rotate my tires and replace 4 at a time, so the wear should be even. I think Marks point (and mine too) was that each car should have the same hub to ground measurement for front vs. rear, i.e. unless you are running heavily worn tires at one end or different wheels/tires on the front vs. the back the radius (which is effectively what the FH or RH measurement is) should be the same on the front or the back.
Not that all our cars with the same size wheels should have the same measurement.

[BobSaabit]

Originally Posted by jakejm79

I see your point, I guess I just rotate my tires and replace 4 at a time, so the wear should be even. I think Marks point (and mine too) was that each car should have the same hub to ground measurement for front vs. rear, i.e. unless you are running heavily worn tires at one end or different wheels/tires on the front vs. the back the radius (which is effectively what the FH or RH measurement is) should be the same on the front or the back.
Not that all our cars with the same size wheels should have the same measurement.

I think inflation and load makes a big difference there... my car has equal pressure and brand new tires all around but it's got 1/4" variation in ground to hub height. Same for my friend's Viggen.

[jakejm79]

I agree that there can be a small difference can be attributed to load and tire pressure, but for example Kei's is 0.8" (20mm) difference.
On a sidewall that is only meant to be about 100mm (225*45%) tall that is a significant difference front to rear.

[markyboy75]

You said exactly what I've been thinking lol, I just couldn't think how to word it without coming across as being offensive. But that's my point bob. Cheers Jake.

[Kei]

Originally Posted by jakejm79

I agree that there can be a small difference can be attributed to load and tire pressure, but for example Kei's is 0.8" (20mm) difference.
On a sidewall that is only meant to be about 100mm (225*45%) tall that is a significant difference front to rear.

Part of the difference there may be down to the fact i've got different tyres on the front axle vs the rear. The fronts are also newer with about 8mm of tread vs the rear only having just under 6mm. The tyres should be evenly inflated to 30psi. I did measure mine on a slight hill which may well make some difference. (car facing down it)