Suspension

[jon202]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]12073[/ATTACH

I would like to renew the front coil overs on my Sierra based cabrio can anyone identify what there off so as i can order a pair.

[chris_cussen]

Re: Suspension

Can't help you directly, but if you take them to a Motorsport specialist (I use Merlin at Castle Coombe) they can measure them including spring rate and get a similar pair.

Interesting note, my Cabrio's wishbones are made of tubular steel and not square section. I wonder when they changed, I bought my kit in 2003.

[dcunn]

Re: Suspension

Good point Chris, one thing I have not (yet) done is to look at the way the Cabrio/Hunter evolved over time.

If it's anything like the Roadster, whatever was in the parts bin at the time was used

Rgds DC

[greyV8pete]

Re: Suspension

I did quite a bit of research on this a while ago. I have always used GAZ adjustable shocks, front and rear. I also fitted new springs as the originals were quite rusty. I chose 225lb springs but with my V8 engine I would choose 250lb springs next time so the spring seats would be lower down the threads. I remember I also had to grind a slight relief on the cross piece on the top wishbones to prevent fouling at extreme suspension travel, as the top eye was closer to the body of the shocker than the original. I suggest that you read through the links below before you commit to purchase. Peter.


https://www.marlinownersclub.com/for...=Front+springs


https://www.marlinownersclub.com/for...ings#post39619

[scott h]

Re: Suspension

Both of the links above are excellent and should answer most of your questions. I would add that usually a coil over has the part number stamped on somewhere, and often a spring has the rate written on the end.
For the record, I have a Sierra Berlinetta with the same front suspension and I fitted Gaz 130/090B 12-2 units.

[dogoncrazy]

Re: Suspension

As said above, all info you should need in those documents. Bare in mind that they are not 'off the shelf' and are likely to have a lead time of a couple of weeks.

[jon202]

Re: Suspension

Thank you guys i will look into all the info given and post pics when ive changed them

[David]

Re: Suspension

My Cabrio, ex Doug and Liz Billings has new, or look new, on it and they post here so maybe able to help.

[lizbillings]

Re: Suspension

Details should be in the file which you have David. Springs are original.
regards Liz

[David]

Re: Suspension

Details should be in the file which you have David. Springs are original.
regards Liz

Of course, it didn’t occur to me to look in the paperwork!

[billjackson54]

Re: Suspension

My Sierra-based Cabrio, like Chris's, has tubular steel fabricated wish bones....but I replace the front coilovers about three years ago . Looking through the paperwork, I found the reference DAMPERTECH ref 130/090 B12-2

[John_Mulvaney]

Re: Suspension

I recently replaced the front dampers on my Sierra-based Cabrio like-for-like with pf974 units from AVO and which took around 7 weeks to manufacture.
These units have a welded-in spacer and are specials specific to the Cabrio and were one of the various makes offered by Marlin.
Swapping the springs was a little tricky with limited space between the spring and the damper body.
My thinking is that tubular wishbones superceded those with a rectangular section to eliminate sharp edges as required by IVA/SVA - rectangular wishbones are present on my pre-IVA car.
John

[chris_cussen]

Re: Suspension

The change to tubular front wishbones happened a long time before IVA. I bought my kit in 2003 and IVA occured in 2009.

[John_Mulvaney]

Re: Suspension

Got my SVA's and IVA's muddled Chris!
My Cabrio was (just!) registered pre the 1998 SVA test and hence also avoids emissions limits (just the visual test) even if as a Q plate I will always need a MOT.
Like the 5 spoke wheels - mine has TSW's, similar to yours but with a cover over the fixings.
John