Spring pad question.

[Aviator]

I have an old 84 325e and I bought some used Bilestien's and h&r race springs. I also bought new upper mounts from turner. My question is, will I need anything else to make these work? I live in a town with horrible roads so I don't want this car too low. But I don't want the front or rear lower than the other. Can I just leave the stock spring pads in?

[jlevie]

If the roads are really bad, not only should you leave the pads in but you should consider getting the optional thicker pads to raise the car. The car will be pretty darn low with H&R Race springs.

[Aviator]

Do spring pads go bad after 30 years? I guess the roads aren't horrible, but there are some rough areas. Highways are good and I want to take this on some twisty mountain roads. Someone told me on these early models you want to take the rear pads out because it looks like there's a rake when you leave them in with the early wheel arches.

[mulletman]

I'm not sure about an early model, but I know with later models like mine it's helpful to run a thicker pad with H&R's because otherwise it looks like the front of the car is higher than the back.

[Aviator]

Ah hell now I'm really confused. Just want the car to be level. Also I'm running 17x7 Asa's. Wonder if I'm going to have rubbing issues...

[Mr. Tasty]

early models have higher rear arches, giving the car a rake look. That is all they are saying. They are saying put a thicker rubber pad in the front, to make it appear more level.

[carfantiti]

weird why you buy race springs with those concerns should bought sports?

[Aviator]

Because the deal was for races. I was going to go with IE Stage 3's originally but was told they would be to low for rough roads. Forget I said the roads here were horrible, they just aren't smooth as CA roads or anything.

[Aviator]

I'm just wondering should I leave the front pads in and take the rear out to give it a more even look?

[Vivek]

I'm just wondering should I leave the front pads in and take the rear out to give it a more even look?

That's what I'd do. But honestly in my opinion race springs are not especially low or harsh. Roads suck everywhere, just be careful when driving and you'll be fine.

[CW325]

I have all of my pads in and the car sits even and I have an early model ith IE3 springs

[Aviator]

Huh ok, we'll I guess I'll just leave the pads in and go with it then. If it looks raked ill take out the rear. I should be able to use the original pads right? Do they go bad?

[jlevie]

Do spring pads go bad after 30 years? I guess the roads aren't horrible, but there are some rough areas. Highways are good and I want to take this on some twisty mountain roads. Someone told me on these early models you want to take the rear pads out because it looks like there's a rake when you leave them in with the early wheel arches.

Every time I check I find that I can't see the wheel gaps from the driver's seat. Which is all that really matters.

After 20 or more years the spring pads (along with every other rubber part in the suspension) need to be replaced.

[ForcedFirebird]

The early models can have even lowering and look even, the late models with lower arches tend to look like they are "sagging" in the back, but in reality the rocker panels will be level in both situations.

Every time I check I find that I can't see the wheel gaps from the driver's seat. Which is all that really matters.

Jim, you made me chuckle. Sebring is in 2 weeks! There's at least 5 confirmed SE30's, and tons of other e30's that are going to be there.

[SkiFree]

What part of Montana?

I concour with Jim. Rubber is not an eternally lasting material expesially if the car has spent time on winter roads there.