Myotis1134 Posted November 23, 2008 Report Share Posted November 23, 2008 I've been browsing the suspension posts looking for some info on my question, but haven't found anything specific, so I think it's safe to post this. I have found some coilovers for my '91 lumina euro on held's site, and thanks to the customer service there, have even managed to narrow down which kit to get. What I want to know is this- the whole reason I started looking into coilovers was because my leaf-springs are cracked and starting to fail. Coilovers seemed like a more cost-effective way to get my suspension back, since the cost of coilovers vs leaf-springs isn't that different. There are enough positive comments on coilovers to balance the negative ones I think, but I'm wondering if there would be any advantage in replacing my leaf-springs AND installing coilovers? Would the two complement each other or work against each other? Any thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dark Ride Posted November 23, 2008 Report Share Posted November 23, 2008 My understanding is that the leafspring should be removed when installing coilovers. Thus replacing it would be a waste Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
19Cutlass94 Posted November 23, 2008 Report Share Posted November 23, 2008 coilovers replace the monoleaf. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myotis1134 Posted November 24, 2008 Author Report Share Posted November 24, 2008 What about reinforcing the fender-well at the bolt-on point? any tips on how to do that? Or is it as simple as shaping and welding a few pieces of 1/4 inch sheet metal on? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ismellrealbad Posted November 24, 2008 Report Share Posted November 24, 2008 i would think so. and even tho nobody here has had an issue with the coilovers in that aspect i would still recommend doing it. it cant hurt thats for sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BXX Posted November 24, 2008 Report Share Posted November 24, 2008 What about reinforcing the fender-well at the bolt-on point? any tips on how to do that? Or is it as simple as shaping and welding a few pieces of 1/4 inch sheet metal on? Just use a rear strut tower brace and it will be fine unless you car has severe cancer (aka rust) I pieced together the set I am using now (for less than Held at that) with no issues. Actually rides pretty great and im even gonna be changind springs soon (I wanna go with a variable rate spring) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dark Ride Posted November 25, 2008 Report Share Posted November 25, 2008 Look on the second or third page of this section for 1loudcutty's coilovers thread. Hint, Hint. What about reinforcing the fender-well at the bolt-on point? any tips on how to do that? Or is it as simple as shaping and welding a few pieces of 1/4 inch sheet metal on? Just use a rear strut tower brace and it will be fine unless you car has severe cancer (aka rust) I pieced together the set I am using now (for less than Held at that) with no issues. Actually rides pretty great and im even gonna be changind springs soon (I wanna go with a variable rate spring) Hey on that subject, did you ever end up using the second spring insolator? I know you mentioned you didn't think it would squeak but I'm still curious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BXX Posted November 25, 2008 Report Share Posted November 25, 2008 Look on the second or third page of this section for 1loudcutty's coilovers thread. Hint, Hint. What about reinforcing the fender-well at the bolt-on point? any tips on how to do that? Or is it as simple as shaping and welding a few pieces of 1/4 inch sheet metal on? Just use a rear strut tower brace and it will be fine unless you car has severe cancer (aka rust) I pieced together the set I am using now (for less than Held at that) with no issues. Actually rides pretty great and im even gonna be changind springs soon (I wanna go with a variable rate spring) Hey on that subject, did you ever end up using the second spring insolator? I know you mentioned you didn't think it would squeak but I'm still curious. Nope, I havent had any issues noise wise except the occasional 'thump' on the passenger side while hitting a hard bump. I traced that to the strut. I used KYBs but they were used for I dont know how long. Its locking up. Otherwise, no noise issues and no complaints. I will be going to a variable rate spring so when the car is lifted up on a jack, the spring will still be under tension like an OE spring so there isnt any worries about unseating On another note. Our Gen 1 rear struts are NOT designed for coilover use. They do work fine, but the valveing in them will cause a shorter life. Expect 10-30K outta them. Its not the quality, its the design. I will have more on using later Gen 1.5/2 struts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mra32 Posted November 25, 2008 Report Share Posted November 25, 2008 Well i think the issue with the life of the strut is more the spring rate than what device you use to actually be that spring (be it coil spring or leaf spring) arent there adjustable struts for 2nd gens? Front and back? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slick Posted November 25, 2008 Report Share Posted November 25, 2008 KYB AGX's are somewhat adjustable, as far as stiffness is concerned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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