Front coil spring

[spondootre]

I've got a petrol K reg 1992 SWB transit 120. The nearside front coil spring broke at the bottom a while ago and i'm goint to finally get round to changing it!! I'm going to go to a scrap yard and get an old one cos I don't want to change both fronts to balance out new ones.

BUT

Does anyone know if a desel of the same shape has the same size spring? or do I need one from a petrol? I'm thinking they are prob the same, but are LWB and SWB different?

Cheers
Malc

[AndyG]

Mate they're all different
Try at least to stick to your engine, wheelbase and year
And even then you could get caught out
If your springs arn't too rusty you should be able to see one or even two paint blobs. Make a note of the colours as this is relative
At worst take both from the scrappy

[AndyG]

Sorry mate. They look physically the same.
Beware If your van doesn't have an anti-roll bar and you take the springs off one that does, take and fit the anti-roll bar as well, as the springs could be taller 'softer' and or 'high centre of gravity'
My '96 120 SWB had no anti-roll bar, sat lower to the road (handled better)
My2000 120 SWB has an anti-roll bar, sits slightly higher on the road and gives a softer ride and even though ok, is more leaney on bends

[spondootre]

Bugger!! Looks like I might have to go for new then!! there aren't many petrol transits around in the scrappies I suppose it could be better to just change both! I think they were about £35 each.

[AndyG]

If you type in Ford transit front springs on flea bay and look at the bottom spring on the larger picture you'll see what I mean about the coloured paint blobs.
It also looks like these springs could be stiffer than what you already have looking at the appllication list

[schmacster]

The diesel spring will be stiffer because the diesel engine is much heavier than the petrol versions. Always replace running gear in pairs, as you would tyres/brake pads etc

[phil g]

http://fordtransit.org/forum/viewtopic. ... oad+spring

have a look at this one

[spondootre]

Cheers for that link, seems quite straight forward. I'll go and get x2 new ones instead of messin about with different 2nd hand ones, that way if they are slightly different from the ones that are in at least they will be blanced if they fit in!!

[phil g]

i only did one --no problems

[spondootre]

did you changeitfor a new one or a scrappy??

I've been and got a price for 2 new ones today and they have them in stock so i'll probably go for changing both, is there anything else I should be changing @ the same time? or do I only need springs?

[100ps_drw_hicube]

when were the shocks and lower ball joints last changed if your going to all the hassle of taking it apart and it hasnt had any for a while do the lot then you know its done there's nothing worse than taking it apart a week later or having a ball joint going on you

[phil g]

new one from partco cant remember how much as we have an account there of course you can inspect other parts while its in bits but i work on if it aint broke dont fix it principal

[spondootre]

Cheers guys, i'll av a quick look under it tomorrow and see if anything else looks like it's about to snap or rust off!! Luckily the spring has broke at the very bottom and hasn't caused any problems yet but I may aswell do it B4 it does!

[100ps_drw_hicube]

but i work on if it aint broke dont fix it principal

we used to till we had a ball joint snap on us at 60mph about 2 days after having the shocks done now its if it aint been done do it saves a lot of time and ££ especially if you start needing new wings and tyres its up to you tho mine has had all new front suspension should be ok for the next 40k

[crazyscoot]

but i work on if it aint broke dont fix it principal

we used to till we had a ball joint snap on us at 60mph about 2 days after having the shocks done now its if it aint been done do it saves a lot of time and ££ especially if you start needing new wings and tyres its up to you tho mine has had all new front suspension should be ok for the next 40k

I seem to have the same motto's sometimes it's an advantage as it would have been in your case hicube, and other times all it does is hit the wallet for no good reason My motto is "if it aint broken have a look anyway " in a "lets have a fiddle with that" kinda way