How can I know if I need new coils?

[thomscottson]

Hello all,

I am the proud new/newest owner of a 1989 Ford Festiva L. I know that I will need to replace the suspension on the car, but I don't know how to tell if the coils are shot or not. They are very rusty but appear to be in good condition. It just seems like if I am going to take the time and energy to replace the struts I might as well look into replacing the coils.

Here are my rear coils.
20150207_100121.jpg

20150207_100850.jpg

Do you have any advise on finding new springs, or coil over suspension that doesn't break the bank?

Thanks

[drddan]

I used the search function and found this for you... I typed "coilover" into search function

http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/sh...light=coilover

[rmoltis]

I have a whole set of aspire springs in good shape if your interested in a firmer ride.
I'm in the process of reworking my aspire.
Just lmk

[Movin]

All coils settle with age making the car lower and the suspension a little harsher to those riding in the car, especially if the car is loaded a little heavy. New coils to restore the ride height or used Aspire ones would also do about the same thing. Stock rubber suspension parts also help keep the ride like new. If you drive hard on bad roads, if you like speed in corners, if you like to chirp the tires and leave hard then we have a ton of suspension mods on this forum to make the car better for purposes other than average. What ever you do there is a rio bearing plate mod worth looking at. Also get mounting kit hardware and spring cushions to keep things quiet.

[1990new]

Welcome to the Fordfestiva forum Thomas.
Be sure to add your location....there may be members nearby that could help you out.

I just replace the suspension on my 89L recently. Rio struts, hubs and calipers in front and a complete Aspire rear transplant.

It's a fairly easy job and the the handling difference was amazing. Plus you can run larger tires and wheels with 4x100 lug pattern.

[thomscottson]

Thank everyone, I am new to the forum and to my Festiva. I am trying to keep her going and was going to replace the entire suspension. I wouldn't mind if it had a stiffer ride, and I really wanted to find an Aspire to steal the wheels and all the part necessary for bigger tires, but I can't find one.

I have a whole set of aspire springs in good shape if your interested in a firmer ride.
I'm in the process of reworking my aspire.
Just lmk

I might be interested.

Welcome to the Fordfestiva forum Thomas.
Be sure to add your location....there may be members nearby that could help you out.

I just replace the suspension on my 89L recently. Rio struts, hubs and calipers in front and a complete Aspire rear transplant.

It's a fairly easy job and the the handling difference was amazing. Plus you can run larger tires and wheels with 4x100 lug pattern.

I updated my profile, but I live in Greensburg, PA.

I do need to work on my suspension. It sounds like a creaky door going down the road.