Inexpensive coil spring replacements and Bilsteins

[w650gb500]

I recently purchased a 2001 T4R that had "sagged" rear springs. The fronts seemed alright, but with 152,000 miles, I was looking around for a complete set of replacements. I check all of the usual online vendors for stock replacements as well as aftermarket(OME) units. On my way to work I had to pick up a few items at the local auto parts store and I inquired about MOOG springs. Well, I got the part # and they check availability time and delivery with Federal Mogul. Later that day I was at my local AutoZone picking up something else and I had the store manager look up springs for me just for kicks because I know that most of what they sell is "cheap Chinese crap". I was looking at the screen and noticed the part # for the springs and they seemed familiar. I got the paper that I wrote the part #'s on and to my surprise they are the same # with the prefix CS added. Could it be that the DURALAST springs that they sell are the same MOOG springs that the other store carries? Well, we called the vendor that AutoZone had listed to ask a few q's and it was Federal Mogul. Same manufacturer,but a much better price.

Bottom line, you can get a complete set of replacement springs for your 3rd gen T4R for around $120. MOOG springs are "made in America", the fronts have one additional coil and are marked for the drivers and passengers side. When installed my truck measures 22"(center of wheel to the SR5 fat lip flares) and rides soooooooo much nicer that the old springs. AutoZone also sells BILSTEIN shocks/struts at a price better than online. I have a commercial account and the store manager worked the pricing and easily beat the online stores prices and no shipping charges.

I'm a new member here and just thought I could possibly contribute some useful information even though most of you add lifted springs to your rigs.

Dan

 

[fightman80]

Cool info man!

 

[hugo2go]

Thanks for the heads up Dan.

Now can you hook us up with what price your paying for the Bilsteins. LoL

 

[Running4life]

Are the springs designed to put it back to factory height? And did you do a before measurement?

 

[w650gb500]

I believe that they are "stock" replacements and should return it to the original height. My T4R had 152,000 miles and was already "sagged" so I have no baseline or reference point to compare the current height to. I guess you could check what the stock height(center of wheel to fender lip) of a "fat lip flare'd SR-5 would be and compare it to my current 22" measurement.

 

[LittleCaesar]

Looks good.

DIY or professional install? Working in front of a condo/townhouse can be a PITA but at least you have a driveway to work in.

I'd love to have an Autozone commerical account.

 

[wardriver]

There are some Moog haters around here but I'm not one of them. I put them on my 2nd gen with great results for a stock height but with progressive load coils.

 

[w650gb500]

Looks good.

DIY or professional install? Working in front of a condo/townhouse can be a PITA but at least you have a driveway to work in.

I'd love to have an Autozone commerical account.

We have a race-prep and fabrication shop(Welcome to Racelabz, Your S2000 racing source - home of the fastest T3 S2000 Racecars), so the whole job was about 2 hours for springs and shocks/struts. Shouldn't have been near that long, but when friends show up and start BS'ing, it always takes longer. With a lift and hydraulic spring compressor its way too easy. Its all in having the correct tools for the job.

As far as having an account at any commercial parts place, most people know someone with a garage who has an account. If you are paying cash, most wouldn't care if you use their account to get their discounted price, since the more they spend on a monthly basis the deeper the discount they receive. It's just a thought.

 

[w650gb500]

There are some Moog haters around here but I'm not one of them. I put them on my 2nd gen with great results for a stock height but with progressive load coils.

Lifetime guarantee! If they "sag" down the road, take them back for a replacement. Even the AutoZone DuraLast brand is guaranteed for life. For the price, I'll do the labor every other year if need be, since we're usually under our vehicles for something else anyway.