Hello

I have started driving the Fiero I purchased recently

https://www.fiero.nl/forum/A...0323-1-079530-9.html

The previous owner installed TFS drop springs and the car sits extremely low. He says he did not cut the springs, but I can't even get my hand between the fender and the wheel- so the ride is extremely rough

Those of you who have purchased TFS drop springs for an 88, can you tell me what approx spacing is between the wheel and fender? I do not have lowering ball joints in the car, but it just seems too low. When I press down on the fender, there is basically no suspension travel, so I will most likely have to replace the springs to lift the car a bit.

I don't like the stock ride height of the 88, but something in between would be nice. Any suggestions?

quote Originally posted by cam-a-lot: The previous owner installed TFS drop springs and the car sits extremely low. He says he did not cut the springs, but I can't even get my hand between the fender and the wheel- so the ride is extremely rough.

Is this how the current setup looks? What size are those wheels? Were the front bump stops shortened?

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 05-15-2018).]

Hi Patrick

yes, that is how the car currently looks. I believe the bump stops were replaced with urethane ones according to the build thread ? Trying to find out right now from the PO. Right now I can't even get my fingers between the tires and fender, so it is just too low. Looks great, but the ride is far too choppy.

Wheels are 18"

[This message has been edited by cam-a-lot (edited 05-15-2018).]

What size are the tires? This information will give us the overall OD of the tire.

I think he mentioned installing those springs around 2006, so they are 12 years old and might have settled some. WCF sells spring spacers that you could use to raise the front back up w/o replacing the springs.
https://westcoastfiero.com/...front-spring-spacers

[This message has been edited by fieroguru (edited 05-15-2018).]

Thanks Guru

the front tires are 225 40 18

Where do the spring spacers go? I would guess underneath the existing spring?

This is what my front suspension looks like when the car is on a drive-on hoist (suspension under load). To me it looks like there is no clearance at all for the bump stops.

Ball joints and tie rod ends seem tight, but is this much grease a concern?

thanks for any advice- I am not very mechanically inclined, so any tips/advice is greatly appreciated

[This message has been edited by cam-a-lot (edited 05-16-2018).]

That much grease just means that someone was over greasing the ball joints and tirerod ends. You can wipe it off, but don't use any water, as the seals had to have an opening for the grease to get out, which means water can get back in if much pressure is used.

Your 225/40/18 tires are 25.1" in diameter, so they are about 1/2" in diameter larger, 1/4" closer to the fender.

You car is riding on the bump stops. The springs and shocks are doing just about nothing, which also means it is way more than 1" lowered. Every historical picture of this car has had the front super low, so would suspect that when he purchased lowering springs, they sent him a set of 84-87 lowering springs vs. 88 ones. The 84-87 springs are about 1" shorter than the 88s, so if they send the wrong ones, it would be close to a 3" lowering vs. 1", which is about what you have.

I would buy a new set of 88 lowering springs, those should raise your car back up and get it off the bump stops. I would also get a new set of rubber bump stops and trim them to maximize wheel travel but still keep the tire from contacting the fender.

Thanks for the advice. I will order some new springs. I like the look of the car, but it is not worth the ridiculously rough ride- plus I can't imagine the jarring shock to the car is good for it every time I hit a bump.

Much appreciated

Peter