Thread: Parrabolics on a 86"

I believe that the spring dimensions are the same from the 86 right through to the end of S3, so they should fit.

The major advantage of the parabolic springs is that the lack of interleaf friction gives a much better ride for the same spring rate. There have been some reports of broken leaves, which obviously are more serious when you only have two or three leaves, but they do not seem to be more common and also, as you would expect, are more common with the cheaper ones.

But in most cases the improvement seen is going from absolutely stuffed conventional springs to new parabolics, and the difference between the new parabolics and new conventional springs is probably much less. One problem with new conventional springs is that the thickness of spring steel used in the originals is no longer available, and any new (but not new old stock if you can find any) will have thicker leaves and hence will not perform the same as the originals. For this reason, if my springs needed to be replaced, I would be looking seriously at parabolics.

However, how bad are your existing springs? Many "rusted solid" springs respond well to being removed from the vehicle, disassembled, wirebrushed, painted and reassembled with lubricant between the leaves. And it will be a whole lot cheaper! (Cost - a few hours work, new bushes, new centrebolt, paint, graphite grease, a few wire wheels, and possibly new U-bolts and shacklepins.)

John

Hi,
I have recently fitted a set of Rocky Mt parabolics to my 1958 S1 88" soft top along with the correct shocks but now the ride is terrible--in fact the car is unuseable really. I also know some others have had similar issues needing to carry a lot of weight in the rear to soften the ride, yet others say they are great. I have carried two milk crates of bricks in the rear and then it is almost ok--but must solve this problem.

Have others had this problem and if so how was it solved--otherwise it will have to be back to normal springs but who has any good soft riding ones--the front seems fine, but the rear (2 leaf set only) is out of this world!

There is nothing wrong re the idea of parabolics and Santana used them for years instead of coils but maybe my car is too light for them. I have them on a S1 109 and they are great, likewise on my lightweight.
Alan

I agree with Alan - experiences seem to be hit and miss - often "heavy duty rears" and included which are really not needed for an 86/88. fronts are usually OK but it is the rears that are problematic - lots of discussion with the supplier before ordering is needed to ensure what you get is what you need.

Brand names seem to be better than others.

Garry

Had em on one of my s3 88's
They were awesome!
Can't comment on the loaded bit as I can't remember carrying anything heavy.
Used to hit speed humps a a speed that would have had you thrown over the screen with ellipticals and it was almost like coils!

I had 2 leaf RM parabolics front and rear on my 2a, worked really well. I swapped them with a mate who has now fitted them to his 1954 86", a lot smoother ride either loaded or unloaded. Wouldn't go back to standard leaf springs...

Of course they should be fitted with the recommended shocks to gain the full potential.

love mine but i would really love a 3 leaf set on the back instead of the 2 leaf set that struggle with the loads i push at times.

I am about to do the same and was told that as my front originals are fine that I should just do the rear.

It was then stated that they only really have an effect on the rear?

Is this sound advice from ones experience?

it affects both in my experience