help wanted regarding my struts?

**Platty** · 15-04-2017, 21:24

Hi guys, started to remove the front suspension from my imported mk1 escort. I am planing to fit new springs and polybush it.
The struts have the cast steering arms so am I right to assume these are non rs mk2 struts?, if so will i need mk2 track rod ends?.
Also are the calipers m16 and if I was to get the spacing kit would vented discs fit on non rs struts? Or should I scrap these standard struts for new repro rs struts?.
All advice and replies appreciated.

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**Forest_rallying** · 17-04-2017, 08:33

If I were you providing the shockers are in good condition I would get yourself a set of new lowered springs for your struts and save yourself a lot of expense. The track rod ends will be std mk 2 escort.If your front brake discs are in good condition I would leave them too,just fit a good quality set of pads and remove the tin back plates for better cooling. These modifications are all assuming your car's for std road use and not serious competition.

**Platty** · 17-04-2017, 10:46

Thanks for the reply, car will only be used on the road. I have been looking at 200lb -2" springs to fit as the car feels really soft at the moment. Will these be suitable for road use? I want firm but not harsh, the car also has had a 2.0 pinto fitted.

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**wildo105e** · 17-04-2017, 12:13

to give you a flipside. I converted mine to 2 1/4 in springs rose jointed top mounts, spax inserts and also managed to fit a a willwood 4 pot kit brake kit with alloy hubs. I think most people crave the 2.8i/rs2000 strut as they were a cheap upgrade as they were fitted with Bilstein inserts and vented brakes.

Not so cheap now though.

**Platty** · 17-04-2017, 12:28

Thanks for the input, I'm thinking I'll get new springs for the struts at the momemt. I got the car at the tail end of last year and as i dont have a garage, I'm just now getting round to going through it ready for mot and registration process. Probably go coilover route in the future.
Any recommendations for brake pads for non vented disc? Cheers

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**Erikmex** · 18-04-2017, 15:50

Rs2000 strut doesnt have Bilstein inserts, only the 2.8 Capri, RS and Bilstein struts are completely different.

**katana** · 18-04-2017, 18:19

Originally Posted by Erikmex

Rs2000 strut doesnt have Bilstein inserts, only the 2.8 Capri, RS and Bilstein struts are completely different.

Didn't have vented discs either!

**wildo105e** · 18-04-2017, 18:41

Originally Posted by Erikmex

Rs2000 strut doesnt have Bilstein inserts, only the 2.8 Capri, RS and Bilstein struts are completely different.

Originally Posted by katana

Didn't have vented discs either!

I always thought they were the same except the brakes, there you go

**Erikmex** · 18-04-2017, 18:44

No mate, RS struts just have removable steering arms and std type inserts, still good struts but the 2.8 Capri ones are the ones with the thick tube bilstein inserts

**Platty** · 19-04-2017, 18:04

Ok guys quick update, and some more advice needed. My springs (200lb -2")arrived from rally design today, so decided to build up the struts. The problem I have is the shock inserts are too long so the spring is not under any tension.

I thought i would re-use the original dampers as they were in good condition and I thought would be ok to use on a -2" drop, however according to the rally design catalogue spring length of a standard spring for this strut should be between 10"-11.5" depending on rate. have just measured the old spring and it is 14"

So question I need answered is: will buying new inserts solve my problems? If so what brand would you recommend. Im looking at gaz at the moment.
Cheers

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**Graham** · 19-04-2017, 18:26

all you need do, is drill a couple of holes in the spring locating cups and lockwire or strap the spring ends to the cups so they dont dislocate when you jack the car up

**Colr6** · 19-04-2017, 18:32

If you talk to GAZ direct I'm sure they do a shorter rod length usually recommended for coil over conversions. Sorry but can't find the info I had

**Platty** · 19-04-2017, 20:51

Thanks for the replys guys, I took a couple of pictures of the inserts with some measurements.
Damper body 14.5"
Fully extended 25.5"
Fully compressed 18.5"

Are these standard size inserts?
If I lockwire the spring caps, it will go through mot ok?

If regular mk2 inserts are shorter may go that route anyway,the current inserts are oil filled so probably go to gas or adjustable. If anyone knows dimensions of standard mk 2 insert that would be great.

Thanks again guys you have been really helpful

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**Graham** · 19-04-2017, 21:04

If I lockwire the spring caps, it will go through mot ok?

it should, in fact a dislocated spring should not fail provided it seats itself properly without assistance when the car is lowered after being jacked up

i speak as a tester!

**Forest_rallying** · 19-04-2017, 21:10

As above what Graham says, lock wire the spring seats and top caps when the weight is on the spring. Rally cars have done it like that for years. If they were 2 1/4 springs you would have a very soft rate spring underneath your main spring to take up the slack when suspension is on full droop.

**Erikmex** · 21-04-2017, 09:14

The problem you will have, especially if using std strut top mounts is the springs jumping out of their seats on full steering lock, common problem with short springs. When it happens you get an odd steering pull.