Modding Rear Struts - Info Needed

[Madscanner]

I have a query which I have posted on different sites, but I'm not getting anywhere with it...

I have an '85 Pontiac Fiero - I'm looking at swapping the engine cradle out in favour of one from an '88 (revised and much better suspension geometry).

In order to re-mount the '88 cradle, I will need to modify the strut top mounting locations, which will then mean the struts will foul the tyres! The solution is to modify the struts by effectively turning them into adjustable coilovers.

What I need to find, then, is a local source both for springs and the adjustable spring seats, but most shops seem to do only pre-made kits (which won't do, because of the hybrid suspension set up...).

Any suggestions?

[Kentish]

Hello again my old mate!

Springs will have to be matched according to kerb weight and desired ride height, you are best talking to a specialist like KW or eibach.

Spring seats can be bought and I understand can easily be riveted in place without the need for welding.

[Madscanner]

Hey Kev.

Basically, I want to follow up on the PFF thread http://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/046456.html - first stop is to find someone who can do the parts, then let 'em know what specs.

[Kentish]

Uhhm I see.

If I were you I'd post this in the General Gassing forum as you're more likely to get a response from someone who may know.

I'm not so sure the suspension and brakes forum is a very frequented one.....

[ELAN+2]

demon tweeks sell adjustable platform arangements, basically you cut of the spring pan from your strut and weld the threaded tubes onto the strut,this will let you use 2 1/4 springs that are cheap and available in loads of rates and lengths.

[Madscanner]

Unfortunately, I need 2 1/2 spring, rather than 2 1/4...

Have had no response from DT on availability yet.

[ELAN+2]

Madscanner said:

Unfortunately, I need 2 1/2 spring, rather than 2 1/4...

Have had no response from DT on availability yet.

ok, try some of the other rally boys, or alternately,make your own. a couple of threaded tubes with locknuts to weld to your struts( you could use gas pipe and have the thread turned onto it if you find some the right diameter or have them fabricated from steel bar at an engineering firm, the same firm can supply the lock nuts/rings. for spring pans try a scrappy, go with a measuring stick and measure some front struts for the right diameter springs, then use 2 upper spring cups from these struts.......ensure they are from a popular car so you can get a selection of spring rates though!! Escort FWD have quite narrow springs if i remember correctly. Have a "flat" ground onto the threaded tube and a couple of washers with D shaped holes made to fit, these can be spotted to the lower pans to prevent them turning, the upper pans will need the centres from the originals fitting to match the strut.

I have done this and it worked, the threaded tubes came from a mate who was a turner for free, so I had adjustable ride hight(for corner weighting) gratis after a bit of work with the welder!!