Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Suspension/Steering => Topic started by: LJS30 on April 10, 2005, 09:27:01 PM

Title: 83 Cougar leaf springs
Post by: LJS30 on April 10, 2005, 09:27:01 PM
What company manufactures some nice leaf springs for this car?  The rear end on mine is sagging a bit, much overdo for some new ones especially if I want to keep the car.
Title: Re: 83 Cougar leaf springs
Post by: shame302 on April 10, 2005, 10:04:18 PM
they had leaf springs? :dunno:
Title: Re: 83 Cougar leaf springs
Post by: Tbird232ci on April 10, 2005, 10:36:08 PM
nope, no leaf springs

these cars have coil springs in the rear, and its not uncommon to see these cars sag in the rear with old age, you can get new springs at most parts stores
Title: Re: 83 Cougar leaf springs
Post by: LJS30 on April 11, 2005, 12:59:26 AM
Shoot my mistake guys, yes coil springs.
Title: Re: 83 Cougar leaf springs
Post by: shame302 on April 11, 2005, 01:04:09 AM
lol, i need to work on my sarcasm....


well, nobody makes aftermarket springs for our cars anymore. stock replacement, or something made for a mustang is about it unless you can find some leftover aftermarket ones on ebay or something.
Title: Re: 83 Cougar leaf springs
Post by: LJS30 on April 11, 2005, 01:08:09 AM
So the Mustang coils will directly fit the Cougar?
Title: Re: 83 Cougar leaf springs
Post by: Ifixyawata on April 11, 2005, 01:11:24 AM
Yes, they'll fit, but a lot of people have found that mustang rear springs are too weak for the heavy T-bird/Cougar body.
Title: Re: 83 Cougar leaf springs
Post by: shame302 on April 11, 2005, 01:34:23 AM
well, i should have said sn95 mustang springs. check this thread (http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?t=62) out if you already havnt. i plan on using mustang bullit springs myself. stock tbird sport springs are actually realy decent save for the rediculous ride hight.
Title: Re: 83 Cougar leaf springs
Post by: cougarman on April 11, 2005, 08:26:39 AM
They do make "stock" replacement springs. :D
Title: Re: 83 Cougar leaf springs
Post by: merccougar50 on April 11, 2005, 04:48:51 PM
I would recomend aftermarket "cargo coils" (towing springs).  They take out the rear end sag that these cars are famous for. 

I bought mine from Canadian Tire three years ago, and I believe they are still available.
Title: Re: 83 Cougar leaf springs
Post by: JeremyB on April 11, 2005, 05:45:31 PM
The cargo coils have a variable rate, correct? Does it keep the stock ride height? Anyone know the spring rate difference between the stock and cargo coil springs?
Title: Re: 83 Cougar leaf springs
Post by: LJS30 on April 11, 2005, 08:27:48 PM
Yea what is up with the rear sag with these cars?  You see other cars of this age not sagging.  Was it an error on Ford?
Title: Re: 83 Cougar leaf springs
Post by: shame302 on April 11, 2005, 11:59:26 PM
its the big fat arse they have....they stick out way past the axle.
Title: Re: 83 Cougar leaf springs
Post by: Tbird232ci on April 12, 2005, 12:34:01 AM
the heavy rear end of the car, then the weight of stuff in the trunk, family members in the back seat (these are kinds family cars arnt they?) and things of the sort add up to a saggy rear
Title: 83 Cougar leaf springs
Post by: JeremyB on January 05, 2006, 12:29:04 AM
Quote from: JeremyB
The cargo coils have a variable rate, correct? Anyone know the spring rate difference between the stock and cargo coil springs?


To answer my own question...

Std. Replacement springs = 249 lb/in
Cargo Coil Springs = 340 lb/in

That is a ~35% increase in spring rate.