Technical 500R Springs

[Fatcatvera]

The query about 1969 F rear springs has prompted my question:-

I'm putting back together my 1972 500R. I'm thinking I might want to to sit a bit lower than standard as it will be fitted with Fiat 126 4" rims and 135 tyres.

When looking at springs on the Ricambio website there are specific standard rear springs listed for the 500R that are 190mm, whereas the rear springs for the N/D/F/L are 220mm. As far as I'm aware (and I could be very wrong!) the position where the springs sit on the body is the same for R and N/D/F/L and also the rear suspension arm is the same for all cars (or at least the new arms are listed as fitting all models).
So as standard does an R sit lower at the rear than the earlier cars or are the arms/bodyshell different or is the spring rate different?

Also, Ricambio list Fiat 126 springs:- 'STD' is 215mm, 'lowered' is 190mm.

For the standard front spring Ricambio list only 1 spec of part that is universal for all models N/D/F/L/R & 126.

Bear in mind the car has never been in one piece in my ownership so I have no idea how it would currently sit when on it's wheels....though what I currently have is what looks like a standard front spring (downturned eyes) and standard rear springs (that were very rusty and had the plastic sheath still in place at one end - though I haven't measured the free length of the rear springs).

Does anybody know the answer?!

Thanks

 

[Ant Knox]

Just be aware that 145's can rub on the arch inner lip on the rear without additional 'Abarth' style flaring of the arches. I had to swap back to 125's for this reason, and that was on standard height springs. Perhaps standard springs are softer and have more travel under compression, but it was a nightmare on speedbumps, sharp turns and fast road undulations.

 

[Fatcatvera]

Just be aware that 145's can rub on the arch inner lip on the rear without additional 'Abarth' style flaring of the arches. I had to swap back to 125's for this reason, and that was on standard height springs. Perhaps standard springs are softer and have more travel under compression, but it was a nightmare on speedbumps, sharp turns and fast road undulations.

Typo - I'm actually fitting 135 tyres on the 4" rims (now corrected in my original post above). I'm planning to test fit the suspension and wheels/tyres before the body is painted to check for clearance, but you've made a good point...