Hi everyone,
I will try not to ask the questions that have been asked 1000 times before! I have searched threads but looking for input from anyone with the knowledge.
I am changing the front springs from what I believe are standard height (on the right) to Lovells lowered which are approx 275mm free length. I have verified both springs on other threads as being typical options for the LX. The lovells are 2-3mm thicker diameter and have 8 full coils compared to the standard springs with 8.5 coils (approximately). Why? because the front end has always been very soft (as well as low) and it dives under brakes. I am hoping the Lovells stiffen it up, which i bought at a good price.
1) Anyway, I am using the opportunity to clean up the front end and noticed the K-frame (spring tower?) looks to have been modified with a corner piece cut out and re-welded, based on how the paint has been removed and the welding around the rectangular plate. Can anyone shed some light on this as to whether it is a typical modification?
2) Also, the subframe c-channel (just underneath the O2 sensor in the above picture) appears to have been boxed in just forward of where the sway-bar mounts. Is this square welded plate standard or is this a mod to strengthen the frame?
3) Has the upper control are been trimmed around the outer edge or do they just look like that?
4) Fourth and final, I have noticed in a number of forum threads that people have highlighted the need to ensure the front springs are "seated" properly although there is nothing to seat the springs into, either in the K-frame spring tower, or the lower control arm. They both seem to have a flat surface and nothing to match the spring profile. I am asking this because the standard springs I removed have both ends "cut" whereas the Lovells springs have one end tapered off so they stand flat and vertical on the ground. I assume the tapered flat end sits on the lower control arm and not up in the K-frame?
Thanks in advance for any input!