Rear Springs & 14" tires?!? (it's been talked about Over & over)

[Blank_Man]

I just finished rebuilding my front end and added a 1"inch spacer with the cut board technique and turned out great. However; the sway bar is a bit tricky to reinstall with the added space. Any tips besides a jack? Thanks.

I also replaced the rear shocks but am now in the hunt for a pair of springs for the rear to lift it slightly. Nothing crazy maybe 1-2inches.

I saw the thunderbird springs and the jeep springs - However both were sold out.

Anyone else with an idea? Looking for something that will fit without a much of modification.

Also, picked up a set of 14" wheels and looking for some advice on tires. Mostly; all my driving is pavement expect for the few occasions i go to the beach via a dirt road. No plans for overland.

Thanks and look forward to the advice.

Blank Man from Eugene, Oregon

[NWMO]

I like the springs off the 85’-88’ ?? Nissan Pathfinders for the rear. Nice lift, heavier spring, but doesn’t ride poorly. I don’t recall Thunderbird springs?? shocks maybe, but not springs.

I believe I an running 195/70R14 for tire size and it does great.

Chris

[Mattel]

I have Monroe MA700 rear air shocks on mine https://www.amazon.com/Monroe-MA700-Max ... B000C55SZK they can be a bit firm but good with the old soft springs and can add more air for greater ride height.

[Blank_Man]

I like the springs off the 85’-88’ ?? Nissan Pathfinders for the rear. Nice lift, heavier spring, but doesn’t ride poorly. I don’t recall Thunderbird springs?? shocks maybe, but not springs.

I believe I an running 195/70R14 for tire size and it does great.

Chris

Thanks for the reply Chris...

This is what i found on rock auto - From a 87 Pathfinder 2.4L - This look about right? Am going to go with the 61.79 dollar one if it's correct.

Will they fit into the mount without modification?

Any chance you have a photo or the make/type of tire?

[Blank_Man]

I have Monroe MA700 rear air shocks on mine https://www.amazon.com/Monroe-MA700-Max ... B000C55SZK they can be a bit firm but good with the old soft springs and can add more air for greater ride height.

Mattel,
thanks for the suggestion. I read about the monroe air but wasn't sold. Maybe am too basic but i liked the idea of something with maintenance. I ran two other airs with airbags and i know there's a huge difference between the two but it was a nightmare. Mostly; due to the computer system and how it tied into so many things.

Any suggestions on the rear bushings for the bars? I installed rear shocks & found a new set for the shock bushing but now looking for the sway bar in the rear.

Thanks

[NWMO]

Blank_Man,

It looks like they are out of stock on thise now, but maybe you got the last set. No mods needed, they should fit in fine.

What was your take on the temps for the Olympic runners, sounds like it was difficult for many?

Chris

[NWMO]

Here is what I’m running. I think I have about 40k miles on them, still plenty of tread.

Chris

[splatterdog]

If you want some beefier springs along with height, Pathfinders are the obvious choice. If you want to retain the OE ride go with rubber spacers that are designed to go between coils but put them all the way on top. Some cutting to match the spring diameter is all that's needed. Along with the wrestling match to get them in.. They will nestle in to the body's spring pocket nicely. https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Gasket-1287-U ... CFIM&psc=1

[NWMO]

Hey Splatterdog,

Getting ready for this year's Meet & Greet in northern Arkansas in a month, but hoping to be in Michigan next year. If you took the car ferry at Manitowoc, WI, to Ludington, MI, it would be a shorter drive. I would love to see your fishing rig!

Chris

[Petros]

for tires, go with an all season M+S (mud and snow) rated tire, with a mild tread pattern. it will do well on rough gravel roads and snow, but still ride nicely, be quite at highway speeds, and not harm the fuel economy. deep tread "off road" tires wear out fast, are noisy and get poor economy, not good for a car you want mostly for hwy driving.

I bought Michelin all season tires for mine with 14" alloy wheels, I think they were 195/65x14" as I recall. the rolling diameter made my speedo and odometer more accurate than with the factory tires. they are quite on the hwy, excellent traction, and they wear well, many miles without noticeable wear.

looks like you got other good advise, have fun.

good luck.

[Blank_Man]

Blank_Man,

It looks like they are out of stock on thise now, but maybe you got the last set. No mods needed, they should fit in fine.

What was your take on the temps for the Olympic runners, sounds like it was difficult for many?

Chris

Chris,

Right now the order hasn't shipped but crossing my fingers they ship. Excited to finally wrap this project up - It's been a bit. Thanks for the tire suggestions as well.

For the track part (track races) it wasn't so bad but the marathon athletes absolutely suffered. brutal for them but athletes had time to prepare and race with the knowledge it was going to be a nightmare. Still doesn't make it much fun.

[NWMO]

Blank_Man,

Glad to be of any help, I've received more than given and we have a great group here, with many of us on the similar (but unrelated) FB page as well. Looking forward to pics/stories of adventures with your car.

Chris

[splatterdog]

Hey Splatterdog,

Getting ready for this year's Meet & Greet in northern Arkansas in a month, but hoping to be in Michigan next year. If you took the car ferry at Manitowoc, WI, to Ludington, MI, it would be a shorter drive. I would love to see your fishing rig!

Chris

Have to wait and see. Summers haven't left me a lot of recreational time lately. I'm hoping my earthwork is done by then.

[NWMO]

What are you playing in the dirt for and with. Most in this part of the midwest use the 4WD tractors pulling a couple of pans. We did rent an articulating 30CY truck for a project, but doesn’t happen often.

Chris

[garyfish]

if you haven't done so already, check out this thread on the Forum:

"The Definitive List of Ways to Lift a Tercel 4wd"
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