Front Coil Springs

[Briann1177]

I've got two quick questions in regards to the SS/TC build.

1. I'm assuming I'll be using the front springs in the rear?
2. Are the front springs different heights? They are noticeably different. It looks like there are two different part numbers. I can't tell if somebody hacked/slashed the springs or if they are like that from the factory.

 

[Johvans]

1. The kit is setup to utilize the stock front suspension from the donor in the rear of the Goblin. Many (including myself) are going with BC coilovers in the rear.
2. The only experience I have is from my Tacoma (suffers from Taco lean) where the springs are different relative to the drivers side and which side the gas tank is on. They may indeed be different due to something similar.

John

 

[JSATX]

I've got two quick questions in regards to the SS/TC build.

1. I'm assuming I'll be using the front springs in the rear?
2. Are the front springs different heights? They are noticeably different. It looks like there are two different part numbers. I can't tell if somebody hacked/slashed the springs or if they are like that from the factory.

The GM factory strut and springs from the front of the cobalt are used in the rear of the goblin. You will cut the springs so if there is some slight difference just make them equal when you cut.

I have seen struts compressed to different lengths just because the car was owned by a rather heavy individual...so it could happen but they should be equal.

Also check your codes because there are different spring rates for different models. It could be one side was replaced at some point with a different spring weight from a junk yard or something.

 

[Briann1177]

Thanks. After taking a closer look, one is five coils long and the other is about four. I suspect that isn't by design.

One other quick question, I'll be reusing all four wheel hubs, right? I might as well replace the bearings while they're pulled out.

 

[PHerder]

Thanks. After taking a closer look, one is five coils long and the other is about four. I suspect that isn't by design.

One other quick question, I'll be reusing all four wheel hubs, right? I might as well replace the bearings while they're pulled out.

FYI, the hubs with their bearings are an assembly. You might be able to cross reference a number on the actual bearing but removing them and replacing them may be not worth the trouble.

I had 5 lug wheels (stock on my SS/SC) and since they had > 159k miles on them, I replaced them with non-abs 4 lug hubs (front and back) to fit the wheels I already had and to get the "standard" replacement brakes that are supplied by DF.

 

[TheNuker]

Keep in mind that the SS/TC can't use the 4 lug hubs, so you are stuck with 5 lug or a redrill. The shafts won't fit.

Nuker-

But I also did the 4 lug swap onto my SS/SC 07

 

[Briann1177]

From a wheel variety standpoint isn't the 5x4.5 bolt pattern better anyways?

 

[PHerder]

From a wheel variety standpoint isn't the 5x4.5 bolt pattern better anyways?

Maybe... 5x4.5 is normally a RWD pattern with the wrong wheel offset.

The 5 lug pattern that is used on the Cobalt is a weird 5x110 bolt pattern which equates to 5x4.33"

 

[JSATX]

From a wheel variety standpoint isn't the 5x4.5 bolt pattern better anyways?

Well in my opinion no it's not better. 4x100 gets you into the spec Miata race stuff and has way better options if weight (or the lack of it) is important to you.

 

[Silverback]

The SS/tc (2008-10) stock front 5x110 hub (now rear on a Goblin) mates to a much larger diameter axle with a different spline. According to Lonny, there isn't sufficient room to drill 4x100. You can replace the big axles and related parts with the smaller shafts etc and bolt up to a stock 4x100 hub. Plenty of 4x100 options in smaller wheel diameters. I went with 15" 4x100 in front and 17" 5x114.3 (5x4.5") in the rear. I didn't want to decrease rear wheel diameter significantly, to keep 1st gear from being too low to be of much use.