Front shock/strut spring---shock/spring combo?

[Timothy]

Hello and happy thanksgiving everyone.

I got a 92 Ford Festiva L. She's riding rough especially on bumps and the wheels lose contact with the road during acceleration. So I was starting to research getting new struts. However, my problem is that I can not find the coil springs to go with the assembly. Everywhere I look I can only find the strut.

This is my first post, so please forgive any problems. I have searched the forum throughly, and I did read Festiva_tunner's thread on Front Suspension and Wheel hubs (http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/sh...and-Wheel-Hubs) but I was unable to figure it out.

So is there a strut/spring combo for the festiva? If there is no combo available how do I find the spring to go along with the strut. Every part site I've found only lists the strut. Any help that would get me pointed in the right direction would be welcomed.

[FestYboy]

Springs as a general rule never need replaced unless damaged, broken or otherwise deformed. Even old springs still maintain their rate though the spring may be compressed or stretched from new dimensions. If you're looking for something with a higher rate, an aspire or Rio spring will work, but then the Festiva strut won't be matched to it even though it may physically fit.

[Timothy]

Thank you so much for your swift help! Additionally thank you for the information. I can't tell you how hard I tried to find the answer myself, so thanks again for helping me out.

[WmWatt]

I tried front Rio struts with springs. They raised the front end and were stiff. But they do have metal bearings in the top which makes steering easier and many people use them for that. Some modify or just use the tops with the bearings on Festiva struts. If interested I'd search on Rio struts. I eventually got Festiva struts off the Internet (Rock Auto) and had them installed by a mechanic because you need to switch the springs over.

[Timothy]

Thanks for the Rio tip.

Yeah, I've been watching videos of other people swap thier springs. I think I am going to rent a spring compressor to switch them out.

Just to confirm, if the tires slip under modest acceleration from a dead stop is this a sign new struts are needed. Is this a festiva thing due to its light weight or does my car need new struts? The ride is also pretty bumpy especially on uneven pavement.

[m00se]

Just to confirm, if the tires slip under modest acceleration from a dead stop is this a sign new struts are needed.

I'd check the tires first, sounds like they are old, bald or just not good.

[ryanprins13]

What tires do you have, what kind of shape are they in? Does the rear end bounce around over bumps? When you hit a bump on the freeway with the front does it bounce once or more?
What engine do you have?
Typically you just replace the struts and mounts, not the springs. How many mile have you had the car?

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[Timothy]

I just installed two new 155/80R12 on the front, and the rears have a decent amount of tread and life left in them. I will have to try and find the exact brand name, but I think the brand name is Sumitomo. The estimate says they were "155/80R12 Classic A/S 77T BLK". On a side not, tires were hard to find for this car in my area.

No, the car does not noticeably bounce up and down, even when I push on it and try to make it bounce. However it does feel like it bottoms out when I hit a pothole ect. I can not articulate whether or not there is a major difference between the front or back when it comes to response over bumps.

I have the Festiva L, and I think the engine is the 1.3 L 4 cylinder with 5 speed manual transmission.

The car has 140,000. I just bought it so I don't know anything about the maintenance history.

[ryanprins13]

Hmm, might have to do with your clutching technique
Those tires are slightly tall so you should have a little less power and their new so that shouldnt be the issue. Stock engine so thats not the problem... my rears got so bad that the back end of the car would swing over when i went over rumble strips on pavement. When i took em off the rod didnt even stay up on their own power, they were completely done. I replaced my fronts when i started bouncing more than once over bumps on the freeway, they were also pretty done. Do you know if you have stock suspension or has the PO perhaps put something else on there?

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[william]

If your close the Herman mo we're having a meet this Saturday at the river front then heading to a winery for lunch , come on by we will hook you up with info and you can check out a couple different suspension setups to see what you would like to spend your money on!

[TominMO]

If your close the Herman mo we're having a meet this Saturday at the river front then heading to a winery for lunch, come on by we will hook you up with info and you can check out a couple different suspension setups to see what you would like to spend your money on!

I just got home so you beat me to it.

Yeah Timothy, you can learn a lot about these cars in just a few hours hanging out with us. Plus we eat well there.

I have about four pairs of rear springs; but as noted, you normally should not have to replace them. I think I have a good rear strut I never plan to use again (switched to coilovers). If you're coming I could bring it along.

You will want to get hold of a Haynes repair manual for Festivas, as a start on maintenance.

If you do get new struts, get Aspire KYBs. Lots of us use www.rockauto.com for parts.

[sc72]

Timothy, what strut springs do you need, front or rear, as William said Festiva Fred is putting on a meet Saturday, if you are coming to Herman I will bring you complete front strut and spring assemblies to try, heck the weather is supposed to be in the high 50's I could bring a impact and wrenches, we could change them right there, do you have experience working on cars, if not we will help you. No worry's about the cost, the strut parts and the labor are free. Let me know by tomorrow, so I can pack, I will be bringing a gear set for William, parts for Fred and a hood, so no problem. Ok so I reread your post and your talking about the front.

Listen to what FestYboy has to say he is a Top Festiva Tech.

[Timothy]

I'm stuck at thanksgiving dinner with my wife's family and I'm getting the stink eye for being on my phone. I'll be home soon and I'll be able to write back with more info and answers to your questions.

Thanks for the info about the meet up in Herman.

[1990new]

Welcome to the Forum. You have come to the right place to learn about Festivas.

So far no one has mentioned the sway bar bushings. When they are badly worn you can experience symptoms similar to those you describe. A few questions.
How many miles on the car? Are the lower control arms original? Have you ever replace any of the sway bar bushings?
Is the loss of contact worse when you are turning?

[Green Bean]

I can confirm and agree with 1990new i just replaced the sway bar bushings with the ones from the festiva store an man did it make a difference in handling also did an alignment after i put the aspire outter tie rod ends on .