[alfa] Front spring orientation

[Jon Pike <jhpike@xxxxxxx>]

Hey all..

Getting about ready to put back in my springs,  and it occurred to me,  
is there any special orientation that they should go in?

I noticed that they seem to have a "set",  just standing on the concrete 
floor,  where they seem to lean to one side.  Should that "lean" go a 
certain way,  or should it even be there?

I know with the rubber pad and thin metal shim,  they kinda get 
leveled,  and the thick shim flattens the bottom of the spring pan, so 
they could go pretty much any which way,  but was wondering if there was 
a preffered way?  I'd guess with the "lean" inward to the center of the 
car...  or maybe if that lean isn't supposed to be there,  if I put them 
in with the lean out I might pick up a bit more spring strength?

The other question,  I have lengths from the 80's Spider shop manual 
stating 12.58" thereabouts for the free length,  how exactly should one 
measure for this?  With the open end design of the spring it's hard to 
say where the "ends" are.  My concern is trying to determine if they 
have sagged any,  and perhaps need replacement.

(PS the car has been on jackstands for months, and I don't remember the 
ground clearance before the suspension came off)

Thanks in advance,
Jon and Marcia (back under the car again)
77 Spider
Irvine CA
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