Hi all,
Just in case there are any unforeseen pros or cons.
The 1978 MKII Escort based Jeep style kitcar was fine (for me and my needs) on stock saloon front struts, all be the front a touch low (the kitcar is heavier than the std Escort).
When a std road spring broke I took the opportunity of changing the springs and inserts for the club supplied offerings with the plan to put the 2L Pinto lump in instead of the 1300 cross flow.
However, when the Pinto wasn't going to happen (costs) I had a pair of stock +1" springs made up as the ride was way too hard without the heavier engine. However, whilst they were much softer (my 16st standing on the front bumper actually moved the car again) the 'ride' was still too hard and I think that's now down to the dampers (and possibly the PolyBushes).
So, I think I've still got the original pistons (wrap[ed up in oil soaked newspaper and in the garage) so assuming the legs are still ok inside I could either re-use them, or, should I go for some std cartridge replacements?
A pair of KYB's (663004 I'm told) are going to set me back ~£80 but would they have any advantages over the std wet legs please, apart from ease of fitment.
I also have the option of gas inserts but at 30% more again I'm not sure it would be worth it?
Cheers, T i m
p.s. Considering it's only a 1300 Escort, with a 10" shorter wheelbase, 80 profile 14" M+S tyres and 4.44:1 diff it actually performed off-road pretty well (for a 2WD Escort saloon I mean).
I believe part of that was down to the compliance of the 'soft' suspension, something I think I'd like to get back to (especially as it's not particularly good at anything else). ;-).