4200 / GS springs

[Delmonte]

Will probably change my springs for new. They're a bit corroded (MOT advisory) and obvs near 20 Yr old, and I I usually find that new springs are a nice thing to do.

So 4200 and GS springs are same part.
Mines a late 4200 with a few GS features like Grille and wheels.
Thinking of doing the lowered ride height of the GS by having the springs pre loaded a la GS.
How do they do this though? Am assuming they just squash the springs a bit but how are they held in place to stop them springing back to full height?
Some sort of clamp involved?

 

[Mr.Cambio]

They do have a tool, which looks like a clamp, it pushes the end, so that it'll give you the ease to screw/unscrew.
I have a set of springs with only 20000 miles if you like going the used way.

 

[3hcp]

I’ve changed mine but be careful because nobody likes the ride quality of the GS. It not easy to adjust with the springs on the car so get it right first time. I’ve settled on a mid point between 2003 and gransport at 175mm rear and 160 front. I tried 150 front and was too crashy. There’s no pre load just a spring platform height. On the rear I have a height of 68cm from floor to underside of wheel arch

 

[conaero]

I think the GS and late type 4200 springs are the same, the early 4200 and 3200 are different.

The adjuster spanner you refer to is called a C spanner.

Problem is you will never move them in situ without putting spring clamps on them and taking the pressure off them,

Also, clean the treads with solvent and them copper slip then to help.

Cheap eBay C spanner’s are next to useless, spend the money and get branded ones. This is from real world experience.

Think ours are Eibach ones

 

[Delmonte]

So there's something on the damper that holds the spring to correct squashiness, for the desired height, is that right?

 

[3hcp]

No, if you look at the picture above, the shock body is threaded with 2 large locking washers setting the height for the spring which is then compressed by the weight of the body. The skyhook system adjusts the resistance.
true Coilovers are multi adjustable as you suggested.

 

[Delmonte]

Thanks all. I get it now, cheers

 

[3hcp]

They do have a tool, which looks like a clamp, it pushes the end, so that it'll give you the ease to screw/unscrew.
I have a set of springs with only 20000 miles if you like going the used way.

Are they from post 2003, if so I’m interested. How much?