My spring pad confusion
06-09-2011, 12:48 PM
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2001 CLK55,2003 CL55AMG
My spring pad confusion
After an exhaustive search through the threads on this forum I'm actually more confused then when I started and I guess just need someone to tell me what to do..
I have a 2001 CLK55 with 17" rims from a newer AMG and the standard sized tires..225/45f-245/40r. I just ordered the H&R springs with Bilstein sport shocks..I know that the ride will be lowered according to the H&R site and feel that I need to get spring pads as well.. but which ones???
I want a specific look without slamming the car to the ground. I like the look of the car lower but don't want the wheels tucked under the fender and maybe a tiny bit higher in the rear. So, if anyone could help me out and suggest a spring pad set up id really appreciate it.
Ive seen many looks so far and all have larger rims, so i cant really judge how my car would look with what ever pad is being used .. Id hate to have to do this job twice, especially since ill be paying someone to do it..
I have a 2001 CLK55 with 17" rims from a newer AMG and the standard sized tires..225/45f-245/40r. I just ordered the H&R springs with Bilstein sport shocks..I know that the ride will be lowered according to the H&R site and feel that I need to get spring pads as well.. but which ones???
I want a specific look without slamming the car to the ground. I like the look of the car lower but don't want the wheels tucked under the fender and maybe a tiny bit higher in the rear. So, if anyone could help me out and suggest a spring pad set up id really appreciate it.
Ive seen many looks so far and all have larger rims, so i cant really judge how my car would look with what ever pad is being used .. Id hate to have to do this job twice, especially since ill be paying someone to do it..
06-09-2011, 02:09 PM
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2013 FIAT Abarth 500
The best answer anyone can give you is: find out for yourself. Make sure you buy W210 pads as they're a little shorter than W208s and can get you a little lower.
I don't think there's a magical spring pad setup -- every car is different and putting aftermarket springs on only makes height deviations more possible. FWIW, I'm on Eibachs with #1 W210 pads all around with 18" wheels. I have about a finger gap up front and two in the back. I'm in no way slammed or even close to tucking tire.
So I would start with #1 pad front and #2 in the back. I say #2 for the rear because if I recall correctly, H&R lowers the back by a tenth of an inch more than the front. Assuming you had equal spring pads on all corners, H&Rs would probably make you level. If you want to get slightly raked, put #2s or possibly #3s on the back.
I don't think there's a magical spring pad setup -- every car is different and putting aftermarket springs on only makes height deviations more possible. FWIW, I'm on Eibachs with #1 W210 pads all around with 18" wheels. I have about a finger gap up front and two in the back. I'm in no way slammed or even close to tucking tire.
So I would start with #1 pad front and #2 in the back. I say #2 for the rear because if I recall correctly, H&R lowers the back by a tenth of an inch more than the front. Assuming you had equal spring pads on all corners, H&Rs would probably make you level. If you want to get slightly raked, put #2s or possibly #3s on the back.
06-09-2011, 02:21 PM
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2001 CLK55,2003 CL55AMG
The best answer anyone can give you is: find out for yourself. Make sure you buy W210 pads as they're a little shorter than W208s and can get you a little lower.
I don't think there's a magical spring pad setup -- every car is different and putting aftermarket springs on only makes height deviations more possible. FWIW, I'm on Eibachs with #1 W210 pads all around with 18" wheels. I have about a finger gap up front and two in the back. I'm in no way slammed or even close to tucking tire.
So I would start with #1 pad front and #2 in the back. I say #2 for the rear because if I recall correctly, H&R lowers the back by a tenth of an inch more than the front. Assuming you had equal spring pads on all corners, H&Rs would probably make you level. If you want to get slightly raked, put #2s or possibly #3s on the back.
I don't think there's a magical spring pad setup -- every car is different and putting aftermarket springs on only makes height deviations more possible. FWIW, I'm on Eibachs with #1 W210 pads all around with 18" wheels. I have about a finger gap up front and two in the back. I'm in no way slammed or even close to tucking tire.
So I would start with #1 pad front and #2 in the back. I say #2 for the rear because if I recall correctly, H&R lowers the back by a tenth of an inch more than the front. Assuming you had equal spring pads on all corners, H&Rs would probably make you level. If you want to get slightly raked, put #2s or possibly #3s on the back.
06-09-2011, 06:59 PM
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99CLK320,
I just put Vogtland springs and Bilstein Sport shocks on mine and, the oem pads were #5 in front and #3 in rear. I have been advised by those that have done this before not to do anything with the pads until the car settles. You may get the look you want without changing the pads. Vs springs were definitely shorter than the oem springs but when I was finished the car was actually higher than before. Its coming down bit by bit so I am going to wait till they have settled to deal with pads.
