Different springs for different years???

[cl_miata]

Just came back from the local large spring supplier, they had 2 midget springs on the shelf, looked the same, only the guy said they were to small? Is this possible being that all the years I thought used the same spring? Moss shows that all the years are the same size

 

[cl_miata]

Well what I should say since 1500 had a different one, is do you know if the 1500s were indeed shorter than the others

 

[spritenut]

There are 3 different spring ratings, 65-68 or 69 used 1 rating, 70-74 used a slightly uprated spring, and the 1500s needed even heavier springs.
All the 1/2 leaf springs fit each of the cars but where the ride height sits depends on the spring rating.

 

[cl_miata]

Well these springs I was told were larger, but would they still fit?

 

[Atrus]

The front springs are definitely different due to engines, but is there really that much difference in the rear? The only change there was the bumpers, right?

 

[cl_miata]

Well they will sell me the springs, so if there is no change between the years, and the guy maybe measured wrong, then i'll pick them up, but id prefer if someone on here knew for sure before I go spending $100 a piece on them

 

[theleisure]

spritenut knew for sure and said it, "There are 3 different spring ratings, 65-68 or 69 used 1 rating, 70-74 used a slightly uprated spring, and the 1500s needed even heavier springs.
All the 1/2 leaf springs fit each of the cars but where the ride height sits depends on the spring rating."

Can't get much clearer than that... but here i go trying... length of springs from front to back was the same for all years on semi-ellipticals, spring rate was different depending on year. you decide which one to buy. later springs = higher height.

good luck.

 

[cl_miata]

yeah, sorry I didn't quite pick up that it was a forsure fit. since im at work i had my mom go pick them up for me and hopefully tonight I will he able to get atleast one on to be able to get it driveable again. Thanks (once again) for the assistance.... soon i will hope to be able to start paying back as much as i receive to this forum....i learn so much here

 

[jhorton3]

Brian- I hope it works out for you with those springs. Keep the faith. We've all had to learn some lessons the hard way. Get a can of PB Blaster and soak the nuts and bolts. The spring mounts on the bulkhead might be your biggest challenge to get loose from the car.

 

[mrzippy]

brian according to bl manual spring rates for us export are mk1 mk2 9.4in 750lbs mk3 9.59 no working load given these are for sprite a later change was made for MIDGET mk3 from gan5 123837 to 9.85 750lb this book only goes to 74

 

[cl_miata]

Hey everyone, The spring went on, with some difficulty (what isnt), but ran out of time to but the other side on, and since the drivers side was sitting way up, I added about 150 pounds of ballast to ever her out... Had a great time and got alot more attention at the cruise than I was expecting

 

[bill_powell]

I really admire your perseverance. Congrats on making the event!

As for ballast...brilliant! I have a motorcycle/sidecar outfit, and am used to carrying some around myself to balance the empty chair when I've no passenger.

I'd like to see a photo of your work. Meanwhile, here's my rig for your amusement:

 

[cl_miata]

Well thanks... I will take some pics when I put the other side on, Ever go on any trips in the Moto Guzzi?

 

[bill_powell]

Nothing of any long distance. We own a small hotel here, and unfortunately it's very difficult for me to be away for any length of time.

What I would really like to see is your shock conversion install, once you have the time to get to it.

I've been considering some components from Frontline, but the $ to £ exchange rate makes that a little pricey right now.

 

[cl_miata]

Well I dont really know if its all THAT much of a conversion, the only main differences I would think is that it is a REAL B!T(# to "compress" the 77 midget spring to fit the old axle, had to use my dads 1500 vulcan classic to pull a strap I had connected to the end of the spring. but will get some pics up

 

[Atrus]

I had a similar issue, Brian, when I got mine rearched. the spring was short enough that I couldn't get the rear shackle "behind" the pivot point. So, when the spring compressed, it'd shove the shackle up and into the floorboard. Took a big screwdriver, slowly putting weight on the rear axle, and a lot of 4 letter words to get it situated correctly.

 

[cl_miata]

Oh heck yes Kevin, A LOT of those 4 letter words were probably heard around the neighborhood, thats why I broke out the vulcan to pull the shackle the opposite direction. Out of all the work ive done on my other cars (interior removals, engine removals, trans removals, shocks, struts, etc. etc.) this midget has been the one to give me the most colorful vocabulary while working