Front Shock Spring Replacement - OEM, Suplex, Eibach?

[EViS]

The front passenger spring has broken on my 2003 e85 2.5 zed. Having searched the forum, I can't seem to find any particular recommendation or part numbers for what springs are recommended up front on a standard (non-sport) spec zed. I can only find recommendations for Eibach which lower the front by about 10mm. I'd prefer to keep the standard ride height.

I have already replaced the rear springs with Suplex a couple of years ago. Should have done the fronts then, doh!

 

[ben g]

If you want to maintain SE spec ride height, go for Suplex front springs to match your rears

Eibachs give a reasonable drop, but still allows for it to be a daily driver. I had FK springs fitted years ago and every speedbumps was a nightmare. Mine clears speedbumps fine, much better than my wife's a class, which always scrapes the bumper.

Here's how it sits on B4 shocks and Eibach springs.

Note: the B4 shocks actually raised my ride height slightly. My old (original) shocks were completely trashed. I had Eibach springs in the original shocks and the car did catch on quite a few speedbumps, so if you're only going for springs, you're best off keeping to the Suplex.

 

[EViS]

I haven't removed the shock as of yet, so unsure on how it's holding up. But I'd hazard a guess it's the original one from 70k miles. Would it be absolutely daft of me not to replace this (as well as the other side) for some new Bilstein B4's? The handling is fine, but I don't have much to compare it with...

 

[Spaniarduk]

[ref]EViS[/ref], my advice would be to replace both springs in the same axel regardless of what type of spring you decide to go for. Even if you find the same spec as the spring you are trying to replace the new one will be slightly longer and harder than the old one that tou will not replace. Thats because the old one will have sagged and softened after years of service.

 

[NickDE]

I haven't removed the shock as of yet, so unsure on how it's holding up. But I'd hazard a guess it's the original one from 70k miles. Would it be absolutely daft of me not to replace this (as well as the other side) for some new Bilstein B4's? The handling is fine, but I don't have much to compare it with...

Yes, replace both springs and both shocks. They need to be pairs, and the shocks will be in a bad state after 70k.

 

[ben g]

I haven't removed the shock as of yet, so unsure on how it's holding up. But I'd hazard a guess it's the original one from 70k miles. Would it be absolutely daft of me not to replace this (as well as the other side) for some new Bilstein B4's? The handling is fine, but I don't have much to compare it with...

I wouldn't say you definitely need to change the shocks, but for the amount of work involved in replacing the front springs, it might be worthwhile fitting new shocks at the same time.

They're quite reasonably priced. I bought a full set of Bilstein B4 shocks from a company Germany. I think it was about £250 for all 4.

 

[EViS]

Thanks for the replies. Looks like a complete overhaul is the only sensible option. What are your thoughts on replacing the top strut mounts with new Meyle's as well? Necessary or very much optional?

 

[Jamie25]

I recently changed all for shocks with boge/sachs OE ones and my sports springs with a set of eibachs.
I've found the ride notably firmer but fine for a daily as it now feels lots more planted in the corners. That might be something to do with the rtab, lollipops, top mounts and drop links I did at the same time, plus the geo which tied it all together nicely. To me it made sense to do these all at the same time. The difference between before and after was night and day.

 

[patriot66]

If you want to maintain SE spec ride height, go for Suplex front springs to match your rears

Eibachs give a reasonable drop, but still allows for it to be a daily driver. I had FK springs fitted years ago and every speedbumps was a nightmare. Mine clears speedbumps fine, much better than my wife's a class, which always scrapes the bumper.

Here's how it sits on B4 shocks and Eibach springs.

Note: the B4 shocks actually raised my ride height slightly. My old (original) shocks were completely trashed. I had Eibach springs in the original shocks and the car did catch on quite a few speedbumps, so if you're only going for springs, you're best off keeping to the Suplex.

_20190302_153331.JPG

Beautiful looking Zed you have there Ben G

 

[Davz]

I haven't removed the shock as of yet, so unsure on how it's holding up. But I'd hazard a guess it's the original one from 70k miles. Would it be absolutely daft of me not to replace this

Yes!
Mine has only done 50K miles 2006, I undid the bolt shock bolts on the rear to check they were ok........I now have a set of B4's sitting in the garage waiting for a clear spell of weather to fit them. You will find that the shocks will compress very easily and take an age to return.