Best place to buy LS V8 Sport rear springs?

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lsintoronto

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Took the car in for service recently (dealership oil change/maintenance package where they also rotate tires and check several things around the car, brakes, suspension, fluids, etc) and they said I have a broken rear passenger spring.

Price quoted seems pretty expensive for just one and I figure I should at least replace the 2 rear springs at the same time so I don't have one new and one worn one back there.

Also considering a refresh on the rear end by replacing the rear shocks as well since the rear suspension is being worked on (checked Rock Auto but they have more than one rear shock listed for the LS V8 model). How can I tell which one I have/need?

Rock Auto doesn't list springs for the V8 LS models - where is the best place to look for OEM springs?


ROCK AUTO LISTING FOR LS V8 SHOCK ABSORBERS (?????):

MOTORCRAFT Part # ASH81 {#3W4318080AF, 3W4318080AG, 3W4Z18125AA} w/ Standard Suspension; w/ Rear OE: 3W43-18080-AG; Rear

MOTORCRAFT Part # ASH24467 w/ Special Suspension; Color Code Lavender; Rear

MOTORCRAFT Part # ASH24480 w/ Special Suspension; w/ Rear OE: 3W43-18080-BG; Front, w/ Special Suspension; w/ Rear OE: 4W43-18080-BA; Front

MOTORCRAFT Part # ASH24459 w/ Special Suspension; Service Replacement Kit; Rear
 
I would have asked to see the spring as it's probably either unsafe to drive or not broken. If the car isn't sagging it makes me wonder if they aren't just trying to get a quick 'repair' out of you.
 
@lsintoronto,

LEAFS Suck, Sens Rule !!!
 
Ranchero50 said:
I would have asked to see the spring as it's probably either unsafe to drive or not broken. If the car isn't sagging it makes me wonder if they aren't just trying to get a quick 'repair' out of you.
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I got back to the dealership after the shop closed so the car was already parked and waiting for pickup. That is possible they are looking to make some extra bucks but the tech who worked on the car has worked on it before and is the father of one of the parts guys at the dealership who knows me as we are both members of a local Mustang club/forum. The advisor knows I read my own engine codes and do my own brakes, etc., from a discussion earlier in the day so would have an above average familiarity with the car than some of their customers who drive in and have no clue about the major components of their car.

It's been cold and wet since I got the car back but hoping for the ground to dry up soon so I can get a better look under the car in the driveway.

I did have a broken original spring on my 92 Mustang about 8 years ago and didn't realize it initially (near bottom of spring) as the height difference wasn't significant and ride quality didn't suffer a lot (although was somewhat noticeable). Car was obviously easily driveable for a while even though that's not ideal - I'm guessing it's a similar situation with this diagnosis.
 
At 200K KM (125K miles) should the shocks be replaced as well? Dealer said they were "fine" last time they checked but I'm curious about how these wear and the difference between new ones versus the originals. Anyone do this swap before on non-leaking shocks?
 
lsintoronto said:
At 200K KM (125K miles) should the shocks be replaced as well? Dealer said they were "fine" last time they checked but I'm curious about how these wear and the difference between new ones versus the originals. Anyone do this swap before on non-leaking shocks?
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Wellll..... If you're replacing the springs you might as well replace the shocks. The assemblies are out anyway....
 
The springs would be about $200 for the pair but the shocks are another $400 on top of the cost of the springs. I am trying to figure out if it's good bang for the buck in terms of a noticeable difference in ride quality or if spending the money on the front end if wiser (eg. more wear and tear on front struts with the extra front end weight)?
 
With that many miles (kilometers) the shocks are assuredly toast. You won't notice it until you replace them. One new (stiffer) spring and 3 old (weaker) springs will give goofy handling.

I would replace both rear springs (if you're going to lower the LS I would pop for the Eibachs) and all 4 shocks.
 
lsintoronto said:
LOL! hard to argue with that - even in a shortened season they are not doing well.
Click to expand...

Seen you guys won your last 4, meanwhile we are starting to give up goals.
Fn lose to the Penguins last night cost me 20$

Looking forward to the Feb 16th game.
 
BigRigLS said:
Seen you guys won your last 4, meanwhile we are starting to give up goals.
Fn lose to the Penguins last night cost me 20$

Looking forward to the Feb 16th game.
Click to expand...

You got a beef with my Pens? :D
 
We usually clean you guys up here at home. however, we got cleaned up last night.
 
The sports springs should be different. I have a set I took off when I installed Eibach springs. 60,000 miles 2003 LS V8 Sport. Would like $100 plus shipping, depending on shipping may be able to do something.

Spring Tag No
3W43-5560-FA (59.5/5833)
3W43-5310-LA (50/6504)
 
cobrakit said:
The sports springs should be different. I have a set I took off when I installed Eibach springs. 60,000 miles 2003 LS V8 Sport. Would like $100 plus shipping, depending on shipping may be able to do something.

Spring Tag No
3W43-5560-FA (59.5/5833)
3W43-5310-LA (50/6504)
Click to expand...

All the springs are the same. The difference is the shock. I'm not sure, but I believe I read that there was no difference between the V6 and V8 spring; even though the V6 weighs something like 100# less than the V8. The rear weight would be the same.
 
cobrakit said:
The sports springs should be different. I have a set I took off when I installed Eibach springs. 60,000 miles 2003 LS V8 Sport. Would like $100 plus shipping, depending on shipping may be able to do something.

Spring Tag No
3W43-5560-FA (59.5/5833)
3W43-5310-LA (50/6504)
Click to expand...

Thanks - I just ordered the springs this morning before I saw your post. Paid $103 for each side but the part number is different though. I provided my VIN to get the correct spring part.

I'm still on the fence about spending another $400 for the shocks or just stik with the original ones.
 
lsintoronto said:
I'm still on the fence about spending another $400 for the shocks or just stik with the original ones.
Click to expand...

Dude, I don't care how they look. At 100K miles they are worn out. Save the old ones and see how easy the piston extends and retracts. In any case, as the commercial said, you can pay now or later. The spring has to come off the shock anyway....... The hard part is already done.
 
Oil change but not the filter.
Like taking a shower and putting your dirty shorts back on.

<shivers>
 
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