The Ford Capri Laser Page

Hey all, So I removed the old springs from my struts and as you can see from the picture they look about 1-2 inches shorter. I've bought the standard height 145lb springs from Tickover.

Now I'm thinking I should have gone with 1 or 2 inch lowered springs. Should I get the lowered springs or will these new ones compress by quite a bit? Don't want to fit these new springs only to for it to look like a drag car and have to redo them!

It would be useful if you could measure the heights? If the new springs are both longer AND stiffer then it really must sit higher. They will, of course, compress somewhat - but at 145lbs they will compress LESS than the standard ones. Assuming your old ones ARE standard , not lowered? Measure them.


.(Yes, I had longer and stiffer in the same sentence... awaits double entendres)

I wouldnt even bother fitting them if they can be exchanged for lower ones
The old ones may have originally been the same height having sagged a bit with age ( goes against "longer and stiffer" ) but even so the new ones shown would have to give a taller ride height.
I use Burtons catalogue as a reference for lots of parts and checking ride heights for various models using same type of springs helped me decide on which springs to buy .
or even to get an idea how your new one will behave. I think various escorts and capris have the spring platform on the strut at differing heights so what is a stock spring for one maybe higher or lower for another .

FYI, I have good used original Laser springs, they are 34cm high. New aftermarket, standard rate and height, are 37cm so to keep your ride height with 145 springs they would need to be shorter than that. (if original were, say 115lb, then the 145s will need 30% more weight to `deflect` or squash by the same amount, or be proportionately shorter for the same height)

Simply cut out the inner wing above the strut top and weld in 3cm spacer made from a couple of old baked bean tins.

Major_Tom wrote: ↑Mon Oct 11, 2021 9:49 am weld in 3cm spacer made from a couple of old baked bean tins.

It has to be Heinz though - Tesco`s aren`t the same quality, and it IS safety related after all.

stevemarl wrote: ↑Mon Oct 11, 2021 11:57 am

Major_Tom wrote: ↑Mon Oct 11, 2021 9:49 am weld in 3cm spacer made from a couple of old baked bean tins.

It has to be Heinz though - Tesco`s aren`t the same quality, and it IS safety related after all.

Yeah, then get out and give it some Beanz.

I spoke to Tickover who told me he has been asked this Q a hundred times haha. Ultimately he said the difference in height should only be 3/4”. I think I can live with that especially as I plan to do the rear also.

Unfortunately no heinz beans in the cupboard at the mo, only Spaghetti hoops so will have to shelve that idea for now!

3/4" higher or lower ?