[TurboJ]

I've scheduled to do a full suspension overhaul this summer, and it looks like the best option for springs is the Eibach Pro Kit.

But for shock absorbers there aren't too many affordable choices.

I can get a set of Koni STRT for 350 € shipped, and a set of direct-replacement Sachs Advantage for 250 €.

I know that Ford offered the Eibach spring kit as a dealer option, but running that set with standard shocks would seem like a less than optimized setup.
On the other hand the Konis are more expensive and not as easily available..

I'm hoping someone could share their experience on the Eibach kit and how it works with any shocks that someone is using.

[YOG]

I fitted KYB Exel-G with the Eibach Pro Kit in 2011, and have done 18,000 miles since then.

The ride is lot firmer than standard, which doesn't bother me as the Puma is not my daily drive.

I purchased the KYB from http://www.wanapart....koutps/orderopc
Their current price, delivered in UK is £204.88
This is for the later rear "eye" fitment, the earlier style are cheaper. Front P/No 333943, Rear P/No 341965 (Earlier 341916).

KYB:
http://www.kyb-europ...ks-excel-g.html

SACHS and MONROE with prices shown here as well:
http://www.wanapart....=SHOCK+ABSORBER

[TurboJ]

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This post has been edited by TurboJ: 03 July 2014 - 12:36 PM

[TurboJ]

Thanks for your reply!

Can you tell me if these KYB dampers are factory-equivalent or stiffer than standard?

I'm tempted by the cheaper, quality OEM-replacements by Sachs and KYB in comparison to the Koni Orange, which apparently might not be manufactured by Koni themselves..

You say 'much stiffer', but does this mean the car had become distinctly uncomfortable? I like sporty dynamics but not a rock-hard ride that spoils handling adjustability.
I will go for some track days, but also drive the car through snow in the winter. Trouble is standard springs seem not to be available, and the aftermarker 'stock' ones can be whatever - there is no spring rate info, and as a spare parts salesman I've seen aftermarket springs can
alter a car's ride height quite dramatically, and sometimes in a non-balanced way, lifting one end higher than the other.

This post has been edited by TurboJ: 03 July 2014 - 12:35 PM

[happy-kat]

What about second hand springs from a car with not high mileage or is that a silly thought? No idea what wear conditions do be it age or mileage

[YOG]

TurboJ, on 03 July 2014 - 12:34 PM, said:

Thanks for your reply!

Can you tell me if these KYB dampers are factory-equivalent or stiffer than standard?

I'm tempted by the cheaper, quality OEM-replacements by Sachs and KYB in comparison to the Koni Orange, which apparently might not be manufactured by Koni themselves..

You say 'much stiffer', but does this mean the car had become distinctly uncomfortable? I like sporty dynamics but not a rock-hard ride that spoils handling adjustability.
I will go for some track days, but also drive the car through snow in the winter. Trouble is standard springs seem not to be available, and the aftermarker 'stock' ones can be whatever - there is no spring rate info, and as a spare parts salesman I've seen aftermarket springs can
alter a car's ride height quite dramatically, and sometimes in a non-balanced way, lifting one end higher than the other.

It's very subjective, as regards "much stiffer".
I fitted the Eibach springs, using the original dampers at approximately 9,000 miles. The ride "comfort" was around the same, but the ride/handling was better controlled.
At approximately 24,000 miles, I replaced the original dampers with the KYB EXEL-G. These are definately stiffer than the standard dampers. However, bear in mind that its the combination of this additional "stiffness", plus the shorter movement of the -30mm springs, that results in more shock being felt when you hit potholes/speed bumps.
In summary, if, where you drive, the roads are in good condition, with few potholes/speed bumps, then the KYB/Eibach combination is fine. Original specification dampers combined with Eibach springs, if you want slightly better comfort and a lower look. If comfort is your main requirement and you're not bothered about the ride height, I would have original dampers/springs.
"The Arch Bishop", over on ProjectPuma, has found the Eibach/KYB combinating too harsh for daily driving and is going to remove the Eibach springs and put the originals back on.

[TurboJ]

Thanks guys!
I think I will go with the Eibach + quality OEM replacement dampers.
If I could find new original springs somewhere, that would be tempting, but on track days the stiffer springs shouldn't hurt.
Second hand parts, I've never gone that way if there's a new alternative.. My OE springs are causing a rubbing problem already as they are so old and used; I definitely want some new stuff to replace them.

EDIT: New OEM springs from Ford: 130 € just for a single front spring - didn't bother asking about rear ones after hearing that So Eibach it is,

This post has been edited by TurboJ: 04 July 2014 - 02:25 PM

[sleepingcat]

I picked up some (£20 the pair old stock springs on ebay ) same height as old oems taken off. Seemed a little stiffer which I put down to age of old springs. Fitted them when i finally got my sachs advantage shocks. Had real grief getting those tiny circlips to stay in place however car now about 25mm higher at back tham standard after all that work!! So they must have stiffer spring rates as they were same length.

Have bit the bullet and picked up eibachs -30mm from pumabuild was bout £160 . Just got to get tiime to fit them.
They seem to have a rubber tube over part of the spring length is this normal ? Should i remove it?

[symonh2000]

I like Bilstein dampers.

They are not usually the cheapest but I have used them in combination with Eibach springs on other cars and always liked the result.

[ally frp364]

get the genuine ford eibach spring kit coupled with genuine standard Ford Puma shocks. It is by far the best set up for your Puma.

Cheers

Ally

[TurboJ]

Thank you for all your help so far! Much appreciated.

I'm going to need to make the parts order in a week or so and I need some advice still.

The roads around here are quite rough and I would really like standard springs. But the only "quality" alternative seems to be Kyb springs - has anyone got any experience on them? I would buy original Ford springs if I had the money, but now I have to choose between Kyb and Eibach - and I'm
afraid the result will be too hard for the local roads if I pick Eibach. With Kyb, however, I can't know how closely they replicate the original springs. Stiffer (Eibach) would be nice on track days, but that's less than 1% of my driven miles and I do dread the bumps and potholes around if I choose the stiffer set... I'm going to use new Sachs Advantage shock absorbers BTW.

I do want to get this right because I will be changing everything (bushes, joints, shock absorbers, top mounts...)
Otherwise I'll just order the EIbach kit and hope it's not too stiff for me. The OEM stuff is just way too expensive - 600€ for just a set of springs.

This post has been edited by TurboJ: 25 July 2014 - 12:59 PM

[Wild E Coyote]

I have KYB EXCELL G on OEM springs. The roads here in Croatia are sometimes (or in some places) very VERY bad and that is why I haven't gone for lowering the car with Eibachs (the other reason is the snow we get in winter; puma is low enough as is). The car is not to stiff and I felt the improvement right away; small wonder with new shocks comapred to tle original ones who did 150 tkms!
I didi exactly what you plan on: chenged everything tehre is to change in suspension and the result is very nice handling car that is comfy enoigh to be your dailiy drive

[TurboJ]

Initial experience with Kyb + Sachs Advantage combo: Car is very stable, does not roll noticeably and still has a supple ride. I don't see how a stiffer set up could improve the Puma on real roads. Speaking from my current experience, lowering springs would be for looks only, unless you are mainly driving on a race track. Thumbs up for Kyb springs and Sachs dampers

This post has been edited by TurboJ: 31 October 2014 - 10:57 AM