Expert: Dan Liddy - 1/28/2008

Question
Hi I have purchased progressive lowering springs for a 1976 Fiat spider from an established Fiat parts supplier.
Stay with me...it's not a Fiat question..
The rear springs have five tighter coils at one end.
My question is which way up?
The supplier thinks they qo at the bottom.
The springs also came with a nylon woven sleeve that is long engough to slide over the first two coils..do you know what this is for (anti-squeak?) and which end should they be installed...thanks in advance for any help you can give me...pete

Answer
Hi Pete:

Last things first.  I believe, as you do, that the nylon sleeve is to prevent squeaking, and might best be installed on the end with the tightly spaced coils. It may also be intended to act as a barrier to abraision in the spring pan, in which case I'd install a bit of it on both ends.

As far as "which way is up?". The car doesn't care, the effect will be the same, however I might be inclined to put the tighter end down as your supplier suggests.  You could also try to contact the manufacturer for thier input.

Best of luck

Dan Liddy
Sarasota, Florida