Miata Mailing List: October 1994, Message #181
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   From: Eric Fancher <75230.1445@compuserve.com>
Subject: Re: Springs, wires and plugs oh my!
   Date: Tue, 11 Oct 1994 13:36:13 -0400

Replacing front springs/shocks:

My experience for replacing front shocks involved disconnecting the spindle 
from the lower control arm and not at the ball-joint.  I tried disconnecting 
it at the ball joint but it would not budge.  I did not want to risk damaging 
it or the dust boot.  I used an assortment of tools ranging from Craftsman's 
largest slotted screwdriver to 1/2 inch drive sockets and breaker bar to 
complete the job.  It was not all that difficult once I studied the exploded 
drawing in the service manual.  Once apart, insert the largest screwdriver 
into the hole on the back side (toward the rear of the car) wedging it against
the side of the control arm and step on it to lower the control arm enough to 
remove the shock/spring assembly.  (be sure the car is very firmly supported 
on reliable jackstands and have a competent friend help. (it is possible to do
yourself with minor difficulty but then who would you cuss at?)

When I later adjusted the ride height (Koni's), I did not even try the 
ball-joint and was able to complete the entire front end in just under an 
hour. (including beer break)

Wires and plugs:

I went with Splitfires after switching back and forth (it may be in my head, 
but I think I'm faster at autocrosses with Splitfires).

As far as wires go, I was very disappointed in the fit of the NGK wires.  They
will not fit over Spitfires properly causing the hard plastic in the boot to 
split.  Also, this is a common cause for water in the spark plug well.  The 
wire of choice, although too expensive, (both in my opinion) is the Ultra 
Wire.  They are just plain better built and will fit over the Splitfires 
without sticking (in my experience).

Anyone in the Austin area:

Tejas Miatas meeting Tuesday (tonight), 7 p.m. at the Mr Gattis on MLK

Eric Fancher
CS 192
Tejas Miatas
Austin, Texas