Larry Dumoff

I did not think it would be this difficult to upgrade the front springs from 400# to 600#. 1984 with rebuildable struts. I sent the inserts to Koni for revalving and they sent them back saying that these cannot be modified. Nor do they have a replacement insert for the increased spring rate. Paragon said they are working on it but nothing to offer right now.
However, I broke a spindle last spring and went to great pain to replace them with 1987 spindles(and rotors). This required modifying the struts for the different bolt spacing. If I had been a little smarter I would have asked these questions 7 months ago.
I am looking for recommendations for strut replacement that will fit with the 1987 (NA) spindles and increase the spring rate.
While I am at it I will need to upgrade the rear setup as well. I currently have the oe torsion bar with helper springs. I am not sure I can increase the helper spring dampers in the rear so it seems likely that I will look for coil overs to replace the torsion bar. Looking for specific units to fit on the 1984.

Thanks guys

phils87951

I would give Karl at Racers edge a call.
I have been running Leda's for years and they have been problem free.
Probably the best bang for the buck.

Larry Dumoff

Thanks for the recommendation. In fact I am waiting for the new Leda setup to be delivered from Racers Edge. I may call on you if I have installation questions.

phils87951

yep sure thing,

jharding

Unless you replaced the rear suspension with 86 or newer, the Ledas will not fit the rear of an 84. The 83 - early 85 used a 1.87" shock. 86 and later used 2". The Leda will not fit in the lower mount.

My 83 has rear coil-overs, accomplished by revalving a set of Bilstein HD shocks and adding a snap ring and coil-over sleeve. You'll need 1.87" ID springs. If you are ditching the torsion bars and want a trick set up that will dial out all of the understeer, go with 400lb springs in the front and 600lb in the rear. The effective spring rate will come close to 30mm torsion bars in the rear. I ran my car on the track with that set up and it handled great.

I have a set of Hypercoil springs, 400lb for the front (2.5" X 10 for coil-over and lowering) and 600lb rear (1.87" X 10) available if interested.

timo944

You can also try the Ground Control shocks called "Advance Design." They work really well and are inexpensive compared to the Ledas. Also get rid of the hlper spring setup - they don;t work really well. You are better off doing FR and RR as a package and do it right (i.e. wait if you have to).

David A

Don't forget the sway bars too.