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  • Lowering rear of a 1971 142s

Hi Guys,

The 142s is ending up being a simple project as it runs really well and has no rust. We are just going to repair the paint where it is a bit dodgy and try and keep the patina.

1) Rallye cluster, new old wheel
2) Replace dash pad
3) Possibly new Interior Kit
4) Lower it and run it on the original wheels (with new tyres)

I have been swapping emails with Ash but we are at a blank....whats the best way to lower the rear end of 142s?? Ash doesnt have any springs to spec so we either have to adapt something else, or have something made. Any wisdom out there that knows the way?!

Cheers Mark
I have a couple of different sets that could be copied if that helps? Otherwise the rear end takes 240 springs if memory serves. Actually, the 144 has kings in it that are lower than stock, they don't do them anymore?
William, is it just shock mounting that is different? We can source 240 springs, but if they'll suit the 140 then we are right to go.
I will get under and confirm on Monday bur pretty sure it is just the shock mounting that is different and even then you just swap the metal tubes from the shock bushings and they interchange.
egads;50853 wroteI will get under and confirm on Monday bur pretty sure it is just the shock mounting that is different and even then you just swap the metal tubes from the shock bushings and they interchange.
Cheers @egads (she/her)!
Can you email me some pics?


I thought later 140 rears are the same as the 240, but earlier ones can be converted over?@stretch had lowered 240 springs on his gold 164 for a while too. Maybe he can input?
Early 140 rear springs bolt in at both top & bottom, later ones, as per the 240's have the top hat & the 240 top hat bolts into all 140's just fine.









So it is different :-(
But the conversion is trivial and given all the springs I have to put into stuff aren't double pigtail I will need to do it too at some point.
That top mount is the same as the bottom one so conversion just involves bolting in 240 top by the looks of it.
volvodriverman;50871 wroteEarly 140 rear springs bolt in at both top & bottom, later ones, as per the 240's have the top hat & the 240 top hat bolts into all 140's just fine.
Wot 'e sed.
Tx for getting under a car on a sunday morning @egads!
Lowering springs are available from Aust distributors on ebay. Be careful I have one set that requires axle straps or they can fall out. Use the 145 wagon rubber bump stops, they are longer and take that nasty thud out if you do bottom out.
volstretch;51411 wroteLowering springs are available from Aust distributors on ebay. Be careful I have one set that requires axle straps or they can fall out. Use the 145 wagon rubber bump stops, they are longer and take that nasty thud out if you do bottom out.
You're better off using springs which have a double pigtail and are retained at each end - see the 140 Parts Manual - Group 4, Page 81, items 62, 63, and 64 to compare setups.
Yes I am already using them. All the 164E's have them.
140's are double pigtail til the swap to a 240 style rearend. I thought otherwise too but a bit of searching around and photo taking of the stuff in my driveway prompted by this thread showed it nicely.
What is the pound per inch rating and unloaded length of King Springs' 140 rears?
Only ones I have are on the 144 so can't tell you and sounds like they don't do them anymore if @ashdvs can't track them down.
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