Advice on lowering options I've shortlisted

[ant0]

My puma is standard ride height and I'd like to lower it a tad... not way way low, just to a nicer more sporty stance (and so slightly firmer ride). Initially thought of coilovers as a bit less work/hassle to fit but really don't want to shell out that much right now to be honest (even at £420 for AP's). So I've decided to go for shorter springs and fit them myself (not a stranger to spannering on bikes and cars, but this will be my first 'spring job').

I might also fit new top mount rubbers while I'm at it, not decided yet.

After a lot of reading/searching here and online shops/ebay I've now come up with a choice of 2 branded quality springs and also a 3rd option of springs/shocks but of unknown quality.

1. 35mm drop Apex springs (Part 40-2010) - £89 - ebay incl postage
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/APEX-Lowering-Springs-FORD-Puma-1997-/310297152055" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

2. 30mm drop Eibach Pro Spring Kit - £150 - FordPartsUK incl postage
http://www.fordpartsuk.com/shop/ford_puma_eibach_pro_spring_kit_328.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

3. 40mm drop "Unbranded" Sport Suspension Kit (springs + shocks) - £219 - ebay incl postage
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Sport-Suspension-lowering-kit-Ford-Puma-ECT-96-2003-/270702911933" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

If springs only then I'm favouring the Apex springs on the basis of being £60 cheaper than the Eibach which would pay for new top mount rubbers all round. I could stretch to Option 3 maybe and take advantage of new shocks, but not sure on quality, plus I'd rather to for 30/35mm.

Your guys thoughts/comments welcome.

Cheers
Ant.

PS: Spent 4 hours today washing, tcutting and waxing... but worth it, what a difference!

 

[Scotty1.7]

going for lowering springs is a cheaper option but it would depend for me on the condition of the damper( shock absorber) if there original then they may need changing shortly after you fit the uprated springs. I wouldn't go unbranded. I'd suggest looking at a full set from the likes of g-max/spax etc. The springs while cheaper may need new shocks later so negating the saving. Thats just my view, i went stright to coilovers.

 

[ant0]

Yeah, on reflection I'm not going to touch unbranded with a bargepole, and given that I've now found an equivalent branded 30mm kit* for only £236 incl postage, I'm now thinking I might just stretch and go for that kit to be safe.

*Gmax Supersport Suspension Kit - Demon Tweeks
http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/Performance/Suspension/Suspension_Kits/Gmax_Supersport_Suspension_Kit/339/0/151217/29088" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[Scotty1.7]

be carefull cause i know vix's had a long wait for her kit.

 

[crispy1980]

it just so happens that i have recently removed a full spax kit from my milly. it has been on for about 6 months so is basically like new. its the vsx kit. the only small thing is that the allen key hole on the top of the strut had rounded off so i tapped in a t25 torx bit which cut a new shape and is fine for holding it whilst you tighten the nut.

here is a link to the kit

http://www.europerformance.co.uk/pages/products/category_results.mhtml?category=spaxvsxsuspensionkitsnonadj;car=fordpuma;manufacturer=spax;sub_category=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

let me know if you are interested

 

[ant0]

let me know if you are interested

Yeah... post or PM me an idea of what you'd be looking for incl postage and I'll weigh it up against the brand new, but lower spec, Gmax kit at £236. Cheers.