Front/Rear Suspension - Spring Application Charts: Overview

87ford15

SPRINGS - FRONT/REAR SUSPENSION - Article No.
APPLICATION CHARTS 87-18-9


FORD: 1987-88 ESCORT, EXP, TEMPO, MUSTANG, THUNDERBIRD, TAURUS, FORD

LINCOLN-MERCURY: 1987 LYNX 1987-88 TOPAZ, COUGAR, SABLE, MERCURY, LINCOLN TOWN CAR

Figure 2:

Figure 3:

ISSUE: Front and rear springs for 1987 and 1988 vehicles are computer selected during vehicle assembly. This selection is based on vehicle weight and suspension geometry. The springs that have been installed can be identified by the code located on the door Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) label, Figure
2. Springs installed during vehicle assembly have a plastic identification tape tag, Figure 3. The load indicated on the spring tape tag is a nominal load to obtain a predetermined check height. However, the spring 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-toside). Spring pairs will be of different rates for front-to-rear.

ACTION: If service is required, the spring application charts on pages 25 through 38 of this TSB list the spring codes, part numbers, and correct usage. The springs are listed in increasing load values in groups according to rates.

Within a rate group, installing a high load spring will increase the vehicle ride height and conversely a lower load spring will 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 +0.5" -0.2"
Minus 1 Front -0.5" +0.2"
Plus 1 Rear -0.1" +0.5"
Minus 1 Rear +0.1" -0.5"

NOTE: Bumper height changes are approximate and may vary from one car line to another. If vehicle is serviced with other than original-installed springs, check for proper bumper-to-ground height according to the specifications in the appropriate Car Shop Manual, Volume B, Section 47.

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: None
WARRANTY STATUS: "INFORMATION ONLY"