are the rear springs different?

[Jon S]

I've just bought some new rear springs (and shocks) for my 2001 MR2 (so PRE facelift). I've just checked a post elsewhere and it eludes to the RA5775 springs as the "longer" ones. Does this mean I've bought the wrong ones?
Thanks

[Jon S]

Just checked on the kyb catalogue and it seems that the ra5775 are 5mm longer than the ra5774 which I think is the right spring for my year. Does anyone know if this is the only difference and if so is it still going to fit and is it likely to make any difference to the handling?
Thanks for any advice
Jon

[Bossworld]

The RA5775 are 360mm and although only listed as 2002 - 2004 , are seemingly the final number listed for our cars.

I tried buying two rear springs from the same manufacturer, but different part numbers, and they were completely different in terms of winds.




I think so long as you're the same across the axle it's unlikely you'll see much difference.

There was a recent thread where someone was trying to go through MR2 changes year by year and I'm sure ride height was mentioned in 2002

[Bossworld]

If I've got it right, and PFL stock rears are 205/50/15 Vs the 215/45/16 facelift, willtheyfit.com reports the following difference, which may in turn explain the spring change of 7mm?

[Jon S]

Aha! Nice one Sherlock. I hadn't thought about the need to offset the slightly larger wheels. If that is the only difference then I can't imagine a few mm difference in ride height would be noticeable. I wonder why the are a bit thicker too, would this stiffen the ride?

[Bossworld]

Aha! Nice one Sherlock. I hadn't thought about the need to offset the slightly larger wheels. If that is the only difference then I can't imagine a few mm difference in ride height would be noticeable. I wonder why the are a bit thicker too, would this stiffen the ride?

@Carolyn or @shnazzle are far better versed in this stuff than I am but again, would take a stab in the dark that the 16" rears may constitute more unsprung weight? Therefore affecting rebound or similar?

(I'm way out of my depth here and will go back to my mountain bike with its Rock Shox!)

[shnazzle]

Aha! Nice one Sherlock. I hadn't thought about the need to offset the slightly larger wheels. If that is the only difference then I can't imagine a few mm difference in ride height would be noticeable. I wonder why the are a bit thicker too, would this stiffen the ride?

@Carolyn or @shnazzle are far better versed in this stuff than I am but again, would take a stab in the dark that the 16" rears may constitute more unsprung weight? Therefore affecting rebound or similar?

(I'm way out of my depth here and will go back to my mountain bike with its Rock Shox!)

I'm honored at being put in the same category as Carolyn here but on another note;  I loved my Rock Shox!!!

[Gaz mr-s]

I have no factual techy info to quote, but the FL is a heavier car, so they may have revised the springs... the static ride height may have bearing on the height of the front lights. If the pfl springs give a lower ride height, the headlights beam would be higher.  The lights changed too....they maybe measure the brightness a certain distance away....

[Jon S]

good point but I can't imagine 5mm difference would make a  noticeable change to the headlight position. After all there could be 5mm difference in the height of a tyre with full tread compared to one that needs replacing so I'm guessing I should be OK (finger crossed and touching wood). Do you know how much heavier the FL cars are? Just wondering if I could offset it by having a substantial breakfast before driving! 

[1979scotte]

good point but I can't imagine 5mm difference would make a  noticeable change to the headlight position. After all there could be 5mm difference in the height of a tyre with full tread compared to one that needs replacing so I'm guessing I should be OK (finger crossed and touching wood). Do you know how much heavier the FL cars are? Just wondering if I could offset it by having a substantial breakfast before driving! 

Lightest cars are around 975 heaviest 1050.

[Call the midlife!]

good point but I can't imagine 5mm difference would make a  noticeable change to the headlight position. After all there could be 5mm difference in the height of a tyre with full tread compared to one that needs replacing so I'm guessing I should be OK (finger crossed and touching wood). Do you know how much heavier the FL cars are? Just wondering if I could offset it by having a substantial breakfast before driving! 

Lightest cars are around 975 heaviest 1050.

Bearing in mind real world usage, mine is a pfl with most of the usual modifications and weighs in around 1020kg with £25 petrol and general tools and gubbins in it. Added to that my 100kg (cough) when I'm behind the wheel.


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