suspension help

[blindcornbread]

I have a '88 LX. I put 14's on it that really rubbed. I have little coil spring spacers in the springs to stop it from rubbing. I want to repair this correctly. I'm not really a "car guy" other than doing some pretty nice interior work. What would be a simple solution other than smaller rims?

[MONSOON]

What size are the tires? Most of the guys here run 195/45-14s. I think any larger than a 185/55-14 is going to pose issues.

[25Horseplay]

I run 195/45/14 on a lowered car without any clearance issues.

[CHills]

I run 195/45/14 on a lowered car without any clearance issues.

1) Do you have any spacers?
2) How much do you pay for tires/ do you know where to find them for $65 or less?

[25Horseplay]

^^No spacers, and tires were like $68 each at Onlinetires.com

[25Horseplay]

Just looked there are now $85 each..............ouch.

[CHills]

I hate that. I am in the final stages of deciding which rims I would like to get.
I have all the suspension parts except for the springs.

If I get 14" I will get the FMS Lowering Springs, but tires are $85 each, and I am finding those harder to find.

But if I get 15" I was going to get FMS STOCK springs (or just keep the ones on the car, but they're old).
I have had an easier time finding the 15" tires and at more like $48 each.

People say FMS Lowering springs aren't stiff enough, but I don't know if they mean in general or for racing/ sporting activity. I have also heard (15"-FMS LS Combo) needs spring spacers.

So if you took the time to read all of that, THAT is my "personal" dilemma.

PS - Sorry to jack the Thread, feel free to have it back. (unless someone can help me as well)

[FestYboy]

FMS springs are not stiff enough to support a passenger in the back or undulating roads

[CHills]

FMS springs are not stiff enough to support a passenger in the back or undulating roads

But would "Stock" (new or old) springs with 15's? and not rub? without spacers?

[FestYboy]

only reason to run spacers is to clear the spring perch.

stock springs are linear while the FMS springs are progressive, lus the stock springs are taller and have a higher preload on them. the reason the FMS springs don't do the job is the lack of preload and their final rate isn't high enough at the extreme of it's travel.

[MONSOON]

Maxtiva is running 15s on his. Lowered and I believe a 1/4" spacer in the rear, none on front.

Here it is 4th post.

http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13275

[blindcornbread]

Tire size is probably my problem. I'm running 195/60/14's. Guess I need to look at some different tires. Thanks for the help!

[CHills]

Well, that explains a lot, didn't know you had a larger than recommended size tire.

[Safety Guy]

Yep, 195/60-14 is WAY too big.

Some have made 185/60-14s work, but if you lower it or have weak springs, that size is too large a diameter too.

If you can find 185/55-14s (they are available from some makers) that should work well.

Karl

[CHills]

Or 195/45-14, but they may be expensive.