Front/Rear Suspension - Spring Usage

Article No. 85-9A-1

SPRINGS - USAGE - FRONT/ REAR SUSPENSION

FORD 1984-1985 ALL CAR LINES

LINCOLN-MERCURY 1984-1985 ALL CAR LINES EXCEPT MARK VII/ CONTINENTAL

FIGURE 1 - Door VIN Label:

The following charts list the front and rear spring usage on all 1984-1985 car lines. The springs installed at vehicle assembly are computer selected based on vehicle weight and suspension geometry. The installed springs are identified by a code located on the door VIN label (Figure 1). The charts list these spring codes, appropriate part numbers and usage. Note that springs are listed in increasing load values in groups according to rates. Within a rate group installing a higher load spring would increase the vehicle ride height and conversely a lower load spring would decrease the vehicle ride height. The following chart indicates an approximate change in bumper to ground height for each increment of spring change.
Bumper Effect
Spring Change Front Rear
Plus 1 Front +.5" -.2"
Minus 1 Front -.5" +.2"
Plus 1 Rear -.1" +.5"
Minus 1 Rear +.1" -.5"

NOTE: The bumper height changes are approximate and may vary from one car line to another. If a vehicle is serviced with other than original installed springs check for the proper bumper to ground height per the specifications in the Shop Manual, Group 47.

FIGURE 2 - Plastic Identification Tag:

Springs installed at vehicle assembly have a plastic identification tape tag (Figure 2).
The load indicated on the spring tag is a nominal load to obtain a predetermined check height. The spring, however is designed to operate over a range of loads. The rate is the weight required to compress the spring one millimeter or one inch. Under no circumstances, except where specified, should springs of unequal rates be used together as pairs (side-to-side). Spring pairs however will be of different rates front to rear.

WARRANTY STATUS: "INFORMATION ONLY"