1993-1997 Chrysler LH-Platform Coil Spring Guide: Decoding Firm Feel & Sport Suspension

Symptoms of Failing Coil Springs

Coil springs are durable, but they can wear out, sag, or even break after decades of use. When a coil spring fails on your Concorde, Intrepid, Vision, LHS, or New Yorker, the symptoms are often noticeable. Ignoring them can lead to poor handling, accelerated wear on other suspension parts, and an unsafe driving condition.

• Vehicle Sagging: The most common symptom is a visibly lower ride height on one corner or one side of the car. Park on a level surface and look at the gap between the top of the tires and the wheel arches. If one corner is significantly lower than the others, you likely have a sagging or broken spring.
• Clunking or Popping Noises: A broken or loose spring can make loud clunking, popping, or metallic grinding sounds, especially when driving over bumps or turning the steering wheel at low speeds. This may indicate the broken end of the spring is shifting or contacting other suspension components.
• Excessive Bouncing and Poor Handling: Worn springs lose their ability to properly support the vehicle's weight and control suspension movement. This can cause the car to bounce excessively after hitting a bump, feel unstable in turns, or sway from side to side.
• Uneven Tire Wear: A sagging spring alters the vehicle's wheel alignment geometry. This can cause tires to wear out prematurely or show unusual wear patterns, such as excessive wear on the inner or outer edge.
• Vehicle Bottoming Out: If you hear a loud bang or feel a harsh impact when going over bumps you used to clear easily, the suspension may be "bottoming out." This happens when the weakened spring allows the suspension to compress completely, causing the frame to hit the suspension components.

Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs

While there are no widespread recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for coil spring failure on these specific models, there is a related recall to be aware of.

• NHTSA Campaign ID Number 99V343000: This recall affects some 1993-1995 models and concerns the lower control arm attaching brackets on the engine cradle, which could crack. While not a spring failure itself, if this bracket fails, it can cause a loss of vehicle control. A thorough underbody inspection should be performed if you are working on the suspension.

No other suspension-specific recalls were found for the 1993-1997 Chrysler Concorde, Dodge Intrepid, Eagle Vision, Chrysler LHS, or Chrysler New Yorker.

Suspension Variants: Firm Feel (SDC) vs. Sport (SDE)

This is the most critical factor when buying a replacement coil spring. Chrysler offered several suspension packages on the LH platform, and using the wrong spring will result in incorrect ride height and poor handling. The two main performance options were:

• Firm Feel Suspension (Code SDC): This was a common upgrade that provided a more controlled ride than the base suspension.
• Special Sport Suspension (Code SDE): This was a more aggressive setup, often found on models like the Eagle Vision TSi, offering the firmest ride and sportiest handling.

These suspension packages used different coil springs with unique spring rates and part numbers. For example, Mopar parts catalogs list different rear coil springs for vehicles with SDC suspension versus those with SDE suspension. Within these packages, there were even more specific "Spring Groups" identified by three-letter codes (e.g., ZAR, ZAS, ZER) that corresponded to minor variations.

Buying a Used Coil Spring: What to Check

Because new OEM springs are likely discontinued and cheap aftermarket springs can alter the vehicle's ride quality, a good used OEM spring is often the best choice. It allows you to maintain the original handling characteristics of your Concorde, Intrepid, LHS, New Yorker, or Vision, provided you get an exact match.

1. Physical Inspection

Before purchasing, inspect the used spring carefully:

• Check for Cracks: Meticulously inspect the entire length of the coil, especially at the very top and bottom where it sits in the perch. Even a small hairline crack is cause for rejection.
• Look for Severe Rust or Pitting: Surface rust is normal, but deep pitting or heavy, flaking rust weakens the metal and can lead to failure. Avoid springs that are heavily corroded.
• Measure Free Length: If possible, compare the uncompressed length of the used spring to its partner from the same vehicle. A significant difference in height indicates one has sagged more than the other.
• Examine the Protective Coating: Original springs have a coating to resist corrosion. If it's mostly intact, the spring is likely in good shape.
• Check the Isolators: Inspect the rubber isolators (pads) that sit at the top and bottom of the spring. If they are cracked, rotted, or compressed, they should be replaced.

2. Verify the Spring Rate and Part Number

This is non-negotiable for LH-platform cars. Do not buy a used spring without confirming it's the correct one for your vehicle's suspension package. The best way to do this is to find the original part tag or paint markings on the spring itself and match them to your old spring or the vehicle's build information.

Cost of Coil Spring Replacement

The cost to replace coil springs can vary significantly based on the parts you choose and who performs the labor.

Replacement Difficulty & Procedure

• Difficulty: 5 out of 5 (Expert)
• DIY Feasible: Not Recommended for Beginners
• Estimated Time: 3-5 hours

Replacing a bare coil spring is a dangerous job if you are not experienced. The spring is held under thousands of pounds of pressure, and a faulty spring compressor or improper procedure can cause the spring to release violently, leading to serious injury or death. For most DIY mechanics, replacing the entire strut and spring assembly as a single unit is a much safer and easier option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

OEM Part Numbers

The following is a partial list of known OEM part numbers for the rear coil springs on these vehicles. Note how different numbers correspond to different suspension options. Always verify the correct part number for your specific vehicle's VIN and options before purchasing.

This list is based on available parts catalog data and may not be exhaustive. The part number 4616504 was also listed for Dodge and Eagle models.