FE2 suspension question

[martin.ca]

Hi. does anyone know what constitutes an FE2 suspension (circa 1981), option, compared to stock? I know it's got front and rear sway bars (1¼" and 7/8") and front frame brace (?jounce bars?), but are the springs and shocks any different than standard?

Thanks

 

[Tony_SS]

Yes those are jounce bars. Springs should have a higher rate and there should be a quick ratio steering box with the 4 bolt cover.

 

[martin.ca]

Thanks for the reply. Should both front and rear springs have higher rates? What should the rates be? I'll have a close look at the saginaw steering box too.

 

[Tony_SS]

Thanks for the reply. Should both front and rear springs have higher rates? What should the rates be? I'll have a close look at the saginaw steering box too.

Yes the both should... I think around 420 for the front and 120 rear? Still pretty weak. Even though they are upgrades from the factory I don't consider them sufficient, along with those sway bars either. Keep the jounce bars and look at bigger sways and firmer springs if you're looking for substantial handling improvement.

 

[martin.ca]

Thanks. The steering box does seem to have 4 bolts around the periphery, and does ~3 turns lock-to-lock. But as it's a 2-tone Metallic Brown four-door with a gas-miser highway rear-end, I'm not worried about carving corners too much. It does handle better than most would expect.


These are the spring rates ?