Alright, I e-mailed Tein, talking about how the Eibachs have problems with the spring perch, and they said it was possible that the S-Techs may have the same problems concerning the ES model. So, this is what I need: You vendors, or people who have already worked on the ES, or whatever, I need the measurement on the inside of the OEM springs so that I can either verify the fault with Tein, like the Eibachs, or make it known that this part will work. Also, it is possible that this may lead to a new product specifically for the ES. Help. It's looking like I should have just opted for the OZ, dammit.

It's not the spring perch that's the problem it's the actual strut and spring combination itself. The strut spring combo is narrower, hence making the perch itself narrower. I'm assuming RMR's ability to have the spring/strut combo they're selling stems from their ability quickly swap in OZ parts into the ES chassis, thus, creating a proper fit. Time to dig up my posts about it. *begins rummaging through digital data*

I stand corrected. In any case, would the OEM springs differ from the two different models? If not, wouldn't that suggest that there is not a problem?

Rob's reply to my initial question on the subject, my own words in ():

For some lame reason, Mitsubishi fitted the ES with a different front strut. It uses a narrower diameter spring. It is around an inch narrower. I think it was decided in early production that they use some existing strut they had from another model maybe. (My guess the Mirage) That is what I know. Unfortunately guys like Eibach were not informed of this by Mitsubishi [the great communicators that they are] it took customers to figure it out. Hope that helps. Note new struts are probably the parts RMR are talking about.

Rob's reply to me asking if simply replacing the struts is satisfactory and what is the difference between the models:

I think the diameter of the spring perch. So if you get a new one such as Ralliart , they are probably for the OZ and LS. Therefore only part you need is the upper cap for the spring [larger diameter also].

just buy some struts and spring mounts for the Oz and swap them out.

or I can get you some super street dampers :-)

Jeff

Hm...good point, but at over 1k, that's a tad steep. They do come with with the upper mount correct?

Contents of damper kit
Adjustable shock absorber x4, Main spring x4
Lower spring seat x4, Seat lock x4, Thrust washer x4
Bump rubber x4, Dust cover x4
Hook spanner x2, Instruction manual

*Strut suspension comes with upper spring seat.

^ contents of the kit, and I'm gonna assume the "upper spring seat" is the upper mount, that oh so mischevious part causing the problem?

for the struts, YES.

actually one of your fellow lancer owners just bought a set of SS dampers for his OZ mabye you could talk him out of his stock stuff.

Jeff

Well, any chance of the actual measurements for the OZ and ES springs to be posted, and after that is done, a possibility of the Mirage guys being able to compare notes.

As for the stock OZ "bracket" purchase... unless it's a charity deal, I'm screwed.