Custom made front springs, Part 2

[Fred]

Still working on the ideal Radio four listeners spring/shocker set up - aiming at about 30% stiffer, 1 inch lower and comfortable.
I finally fitted the new custom made front springs, they arrived a few weeks ago. (second attempt at custom springs - if you missed the earlier saga its here: http://www.saabcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5451)

They fitted after a little tinkering and ride height is where I wanted it at about 25mm lower than standard. Rate seems about right compared to 'load' springs at rear, but I have the standard front shocks back on as I found one of the front Koni's has gone soft (only a few months old - lifetime guarantee!). I'll post some comments on ride and handling when I get the shocker sorted.

So advice on custom springs is:

1/ Specify the ID, not the OD. You need 4.3 inch internal diameter.

2/ Specify them shorter than you actually want by about 0.5". Getting the spring rate right is the easy bit, getting the loaded length right is less exact. But it's fairly easy to fit a spacer above the coil to trim up to the final ride height. Cutting bits off springs is not recommended.

[Alex]

or

3/ Use adjustable height platforms which allow you to tinker with the ride height to your hearts content

What were the symptoms of the dampers going soft?

[Fred]

I'd like to pretend I'd noticed it while driving, but I've been too busy muttering 'must get the new springs on soon' every time I hit a bump.
Off the car the Koni gurgles and has little resistance for the first inch of compression, then some resistance but only about 2/3rd of the good one. Tried it upside down and it doesn't gurgle, so I suspect air pocket - no sign of oil leaking. Maybe lost the gas overpressure?

[Ubipa]

Spectacular! So the springs worked out for you!!

This is how springs should be ordered.. To your desired specifications. Screw all the word of mouth, these springs by this company lower my car by so much and the ride is XX much better. Specifics, exact numbers that is what should be considered. It's good to hear some one went this route. I searched all over the web for US companies to do this and it appears, the US has lame spring makers that require bulk orders which still are way over priced.