MY04 Wagon Spring Issue

[Hotwire]

Well after much searching about springs I have a problem..

Everyone recommends Eibach, H&R or Tein S-tech. Now having an ADM 04GT Wagon I have explored the above only to be told "sorry they aren't available for ADM cars without Bilsteins".

SO

What do people think is the better option :
King Springs (KSFL-42 Front 160-240lb progressive & KSRL-29 rear 310lb fixed)
OR
Industrial Springs Custom Springs (fixed front and rear)

Now I understand progressive rates is better to maintain ride quality, so thinking the kings would be better as they are at least progressive on the front. However, I'm worried progressive front and fixed rear would provide odd results for handling and thus thinking well fixed all round may be better for handling.

What are peoples thoughts?

[Adrian2627]

Have you tried White Line. Their Control springs should be available for non-Bilstein cars. They are not as low as some but they certainly get rid of the geek-gap above the front wheel and give the car a more balanced look.

[adhar]

Save up and get coilovers, even a budget brand will be WAY better than king springs and stock shocks, but coil overs might be miles away from your price range though.

[Hotwire]

Save up and get coilovers, even a budget brand will be WAY better than king springs and stock shocks, but coil overs might be miles away from your price range though.

That they are

Was looking for a reasonable priced alternative to get lower without spending large$$. One alternative is to have the springs reset lower, however I wanted to keep the stock springs for putting it back to "normal" height should I get a little yellow sticker (quite likely here in SA unfortunately)

SO
Anyone got a spare set of stock springs they want to throw my way?!

[Arith]

Anyone got a spare set of stock springs they want to throw my way?!

When you reduce the travel of your suspension, the last thing you want is the stock springs trying to handle such a task. They are simply not up to it and you may end up with a dangerous ride if you fit reset stock springs. Don't try to alter stock springs to make them work a role they are not meant to fill. Get branded lowering springs, if even just the lower end brands.

If you're on a budget, you should consider the domestic brands:

- King Springs
- Pedders
- Whiteline
- GMAC

I had Pedders on my MY05 GT and they were decent for up to 18 months. After that the ride quality went south because I think my shocks weren't up for the challenge. I did try King Springs but the ones they sent ended up raising the height of the car. Others have had this issue as well, while others didn't. But it just shows King has some QA issues but I think they should have resolved it by now.

In any case, heard good things about Whiteline as well, and GMAC allows you to custom select how much you want it lowered as they make the springs in-house.

So yeah, custom height = GMAC, lower = King, low = Pedders, moderately low = Whiteline

Good luck!

[Gunna]

As another owner of an ADM GT who wants to fit lowering springs I feel your pain.

An option is to get a 2nd hand set of Bilstein shocks. Then there should be no probs with fitting either JDM Tein S.Techs or local delivered H&R. Although Im not 100% sure if Subaru Bilstein shocks will fit a non-bilstein equiped Liberty. Can anybody comfirm?

[smythie]

yeah, provided you stay sedan for sedan or wagon for wagon, the bilsteins will change across no problem.

[adhar]

So yeah, custom height = GMAC,

I think Jim means KMAC.

I have them. I was a cheapskate when i lowered my car, so my options were King Springs or Kmac, and Kmac allow you to custom order your ride height, so i went the lesser of two evils! The springs are alright, a little bouncy though on worn out shocks. Nothing to write home about.

I am now saving up for coilovers which is what i should have done in the first place, i just couldn't afford it then.

If you can wait a couple of months i'll sell you my KMAC springs for next to nothing, otherwise new they were $330 delivered to my door.

Cheers

Andrew

[adhar]

If you can wait a couple of months i'll sell you my KMAC springs for next to nothing, otherwise new they were $330 delivered to my door.

Cheers

Andrew

Sorry i just saw you had a wagon, i don't think the rears will fit well as i have a sedan.

[Hotwire]

Well Im presently investigating coilovers... not that I think i'll be able to afford them anytime soon BUT the person i'm liasing with is bringing in a relatively unkown brand to Australia, but popular in Europe.
http://www.xyz-racing.com/

Here is some info from the guy importing them (soon)

Brand is XYZ-Racing from Taiwan. The company sponsors and conducts R&D for the Alfa WTCC racing Team. They're well known in europe and asia, however I haven't managed to find any reviews. My understanding is they're much like the brands you have mentioned, after all you can't expect to get Koni, Tein, Bilstein type dampers for half the price. (ISC/Racing Logic )

I'm still sorting particulars for the distributorship and the actual cost price hasnt' been nutted out yet but it's looking like it'll be a around $1.1g aussie for a full kit.

Will keep others posted how this goes.