TR6 TR6 Rear springs and ride height

[2wrench]

I want to replace my rear springs on my '74 TR6.

I would like to stiffen the ride, but do not want to
change the stance on the car.

Heavy duty springs, I understand, will lower the car.
Any information out there to help?

 

[Dave Russell]

If you increase the spring rate, the springs have to be shorter to keep the same ride height. There "should" be a heavier spring available that has the original ride height. Or maybe not?
D

 

[DNK]

Trf Page 72 of the Glove box book


TRF HANDLING KITS FOR ALL TR250 AND TR6
These are some of The Roadster Factory's most popular components with
hundreds sold every year. Matched set of high-performance springs controls
body roll during hard cornering and gives more support to the rear end during
hard acceleration. We use these ourselves on all our IRS cars, and we think you
will like them too.
Part No.
Description
No. Off
List Price
Your Price
RFK777/E
Handling Kit,
TR250, TR6, 1968
-
72; includes
1
239.95
219.95
a matched set of front and rear road springs,
plus a set of urethane spring packings
RFK777/L
Handling Kit,
TR6, 1973
-
76; includes a
1
239.95
219.95
matched set of front and rear road springs,
plus a set of urethane spring packing

 

[ALLAN]

British Parts Northwest sells 2 different heavy duty spring sets, one that lowers 1" and one that maintains stock ride height. Also you can use 1" lowering springs and use aluminum spacers to maintain stock height.

 

[2wrench]

Allan: Thanks. You hit on my concern. I don't want
these things overly stiff by having to place spacers
on shocks that are already heavy duty. Concerned we can overdo these things, you know?

I'll follow up on the lead....same height, stiffer spring.
Sounds nice. I'll look into matched pairs as well, but
every choice made is tempered with $$$ in mind.

Dennis.

 

[2wrench]

Thank you for the help. I have copied, cut and
pasted this info into my TR6 file. Cost might be a bit
of a concern at this time.

I will have my tire and brake shop do the install.
Looking to put Konis to the front.
You know how it is. Well, if I just change the front
shocks, and just one set of springs to the back...

Nawww, make the stretch, go ahead...

Goes on and on, but I am enjoying it, nonetheless.

Dennis

 

[2wrench]

You are right, Dave. There is a spring available
to fit my needs. Thanks for the feedback. Answers
have been forthcoming.

I really appreciate the forum. What a help!

Dennis

 

[Guest]

Note that British Parts North West tends to be more competitive on pricing as well.

 

[Paul Slice]

Dennis,
I went with the TRF stock height uprated springs when I restored the suspension on my 71.

The first picture below is the ride height after installing the "stock height springs" looked like a 4 wheel drive TR.

the picture below is after I changed over to the Goodparts springs. Now looks, drives and handles much better. If you like the look of the Roadster Factory springs in the top picture then I can save you alot of money on a barely used set, pm me if interested.

hope this helps,

Paul

 

[tomshobby]

Hi Paul,

I was just looking in my Bently Manual and the line drawing of the side view looks more like the top picture of your car. But I agree the second definitely looks better.

Tom

 

[Adam]

I too had the trf uprated springs, and my car looked like pauls(ie looks like its constantly going uphill). I also switch to the good part springs and the car now just sits right!

Adam

 

[Brosky]

I have the TR6 stock springs in the rear and the original springs in the front and mine is perfectly level, about the same height as the second view. My rear shocks were rear saggers.

I would not like view #1. That look went out in 1969.

 

[swift6]

Your tire size will also have a large visual impact. If you have lower than a 80 series tire (the original 185R15's had nearly an 80% aspect ratio), the smaller tire will accentuate the wide space between your tire and fender. I had stock springs in and installed 195/65R15 Continental Super Contact tires and it looked like a 4X4 but the height of the car barely changed. I installed TriumphTune Fast Road springs (The Goodparts springs look to lower the same and have the same characteristics) and the same tires 'filled' the wheel wells very well.

Just some more info to confuse you. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif

 

[2wrench]

I am hoarding information. Thanks for your input.

Dennis.

 

[MDCanaday]

The other issue that has not been spoken to here is that the vehicle should get a GOOD 4 wheel alignment after this has been done. Spring changes on the rear change the camber, and it should be kept within specs by adjusting the ride height if necessary...also the thrust angle and toe need to be checked at this time for good tire wear..
MD(mad dog)

 

[swift6]

Your right spring changes do affect camber on the rear but you don't have to adjust ride height to correct it. The Goodparts adjustable trailing arm mounts make it real easy to correct the excessive negative camber from lowering the car.

The 'old-fashioned' way was to use the three different trailing arm mounts designated by one, two or three notches differing between 'notches up' and 'notches down'. Thrust and Toe are effected by the shims between the trailing arm brackets and the frame.