The only problem with this point "Premature breakage only on certain production runs. No problem with mine and many thousands of others." is when buying from a wrecker, how do you know for certain? Do you want to go to the trouble of installing used springs and have to redo the job when they fail shortly thereafter? Stuff sitting around in a junkyard does not age gracefully.

Also, when Ford did the SVT they went to softer springs, (compared to early SE's) and smaller sway bars. As I understand it, the struts were basically the same damping. This is the "European" ride/handling philosophy.

Redcoat Raceworks. Performance parts and custom fabricating for Contours, Mystiques and Cougars. Specializing in chassis and suspension parts. Custom end links, control arms, strut tower bars, engine torque braces, etc.