Hunter rear springs

[brighde]

I have recently acquired a Hunter, first registered April, 1995, chassis number T-4064.
I need to replace the rear springs. Can anyone tell me what springs I require. The engine is a Ford Sierra

[chris_cussen]

Re: Hunter rear springs

My Cabrio uses standard springs from a 1989 Sierra 2.0 DOHC

[dcunn]

Re: Hunter rear springs

Welcome to the MOC.

Please contact me on the email as in Pitstop and I may be able to give you some background on your car

Rgds Dave Cunnington Club Archivist

[dave_kitson]

Re: Hunter rear springs

Hi
Rear springs on Cabrio/Hunter are standard Sierra. With possible exception of Cosworth and estate, all Sierras used the same springs. They are readily available on ebay, but genuine Ford are non-existent. I bought some a couple of years ago, as the bump stops had disintegrated, and it seemed sensible to change the springs at the same time. I found genuine Ford bump stops! The ride height may need adjusting after the springs are changed, or they may settle. I'm still waiting for mine to settle! I think the springs can be changed by undoing the shock absorber and lowering the swinging arm, so not too difficult. Can't be sure, as I got the garage to do it, as my back doesn't like any heavy work!
Enjoy your car - Dave

[brighde]

Re: Hunter rear springs

Many thanks for your responses. I had thought it probably would be Sierra springs. However there are several options on-line for different Sierra springs!!! Some appear to be much longer than others. I will probably go for the shorter springs.

[dave_kitson]

Re: Hunter rear springs

The springs I bought were KYB K-Flex RA5190, if that is any help. I don't recall different lengths, but there are a lot of variables in springs, which can be used to balance one another out, ie length, diameter, number of turns, wire diameter, tensile strength. Would short springs be stiffer than long ones on average? In which case I'd opt for long on a light car like the Cabrio. If you think this is confusing, wait till you start on the front springs!!!!! Dave.

[milliemarlin]

Re: Hunter rear springs

My Cabrio was purchased from someone who could not complete the car. It came with two sets of springs. I have always supposed them to be the donor Sierra’s and purpose made Cabrio springs. I am surprised to read that the donor springs are acceptable. The donor was an estate car so the lighter springs may have been from a saloon or hatchback.

I have a vague recollection that specialist companies will make a spring tailored to your car, particularly useful for cars of the Lotus 7 variety.
Paul

[dave_kitson]

Re: Hunter rear springs

The rear suspension on the Sierra estate is different to the saloon. If an estate is used as the donor, the rear swinging arms from a saloon need to be sourced. Front springs are not from the donor, and coil over shocks are used. From what I have seen, Marlin supplied whatever they could source for the front suspension, as there are numerous combinations of shocks and coils around. Some work better than others! There are several threads on here related to front coils and shocks, but I'm not sure a conclusion was ever reached as to the best combination. Dave

[mike woodley]

Re: Hunter rear springs

Hi,
Just seen the post. I used progressive springs from a 1989 2.o litre GLS cut down to 10 & 3/4 inches. Shortening from the bottom thicker winding end, so leaving the thinner "progressive" top of the spring. Gives a lovely comfortable ride under normal driving but is firm enough when driven hard. Hope this helps. All the best Mike.

[greyV8pete]

Re: Hunter rear springs

Thanks Mike for this info. I fitted aftermarket progressive rear springs and Boge gas dampers to my 1987 2.0GL Sierra and it transformed the comfort and handling. I was sure that one of the Sierras had these as a neighbour had them on his, so at last I now know which model. I have thought for some time that my Hunter would benefit from these springs to give better control of the rear end over yumps and avoid the silencers catching the ground when fully laden. Did you try them on your Marlin before cutting them shorter? Doesn’t that make them feel stiffer? Peter.

[mike woodley]

Re: Hunter rear springs

Hi Peter,
I cut them to the Marlin specified length. I am not sure if Mark Matthews told me the length or I read it in the manual, but i cut them at the thicker more resistant end. So no they do not feel stiffer, just take the minor bumps out without jumping around, and as we sit almost over the back wheels, it makes quite a difference. Mike.

[greyV8pete]

Re: Hunter rear springs

Hi Peter,
I cut them to the Marlin specified length. I am not sure if Mark Matthews told me the length or I read it in the manual, but i cut them at the thicker more resistant end. So no they do not feel stiffer, just take the minor bumps out without jumping around, and as we sit almost over the back wheels, it makes quite a difference. Mike.

Hi Mike. When you say the thicker more resistant end do you mean that the wire diameter was smaller at one end or that the coils were closer together at the cut end? Peter.

[chris_cussen]

Re: Hunter rear springs

That is interesting, I've just looked at my Marlin build manual (dated 2001) and is does not mention cutting the springs, but does tell you how to adjust the ride height since the spring platform seems to be adjustable.
spring.jpg

[dogoncrazy]

Re: Hunter rear springs

My manual also has no reference to cutting springs, only has mention of adjusting platform same as Chris.

[dave_kitson]

Re: Hunter rear springs

I gave up waiting for the new rear springs to settle, and adjusted the spring seats. The seats are now at the top of their adjustment, about 2 inches higher, and the ride height is still slightly higher than the previous springs. I can only conclude that there are different spring lengths available, all purporting to be standard Sierra. The difference must just be down to different makes. Unfortunately, as the garage did the job, I did not compare the old and new springs when they were all off the car. If I want to lower the rear any more and gain some adjustment, I'll have to cut a turn off the new springs. So, if you have a choice, buy shorter springs! Dave