Recommend parts...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 276
Likes: 0
Recommend parts...
I have a 76, L-48 SB, just rebuilt the front suspension with poly bushings and new 550# springs.
I need a recommendation for a rear spring that will give me a low/average ride height (let me know if you want more info) and some shocks for the front and back. I prefer an average to stiff ride. This is a daily driver.
I'd prefer adjustable shocks as I am not too knowledgable about ride harshness and would like to adjust it to suit once the parts are on the car.
I am fully aware of the 'discussions' about the rear springs on this board, I just need a recommendation from someone on something they have on their car that works.
Thanks in advance.
-Don
I need a recommendation for a rear spring that will give me a low/average ride height (let me know if you want more info) and some shocks for the front and back. I prefer an average to stiff ride. This is a daily driver.
I'd prefer adjustable shocks as I am not too knowledgable about ride harshness and would like to adjust it to suit once the parts are on the car.
I am fully aware of the 'discussions' about the rear springs on this board, I just need a recommendation from someone on something they have on their car that works.
Thanks in advance.
-Don
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 306
Likes: 0
From: WAY SOUTH OF HEAVEN inebriated
the spring recommended for your application would be a 360 the best match for 550 coils check ecklers .com i just purchased the 360 and 550 coils.you cant beat the composite spring i couldnt believe how heavy the steal leaf was compaired to the 8 pound monoleaf. 
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 276
Likes: 0
Cool. So the composite from ecklers? I'll check it out.
Can you folks recommend a set of 4 shocks to go with it as well?
Also, I heard somewhere that the non-metal springs could chip and cause a failure? Is this true?
Thanks again!
Can you folks recommend a set of 4 shocks to go with it as well?
Also, I heard somewhere that the non-metal springs could chip and cause a failure? Is this true?
Thanks again!
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
Originally Posted by DonBecker
I heard somewhere that the non-metal springs could chip and cause a failure? Is this true?
Thanks again!
Thanks again!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 276
Likes: 0
So you're saying it's a heat problem, not a chipping problem?
Taking that into account, could I prevent the problem by wrapping the exhaust at that point?
Also, you said you had the 7 leaf steel spring, are you happy with it? What kind of shocks do you have? Do you know the lb. rating of your spring? What lb. front coils are you running?
It seems from what I've read, the shocks really need to match the springs, and I'd like to only buy one set of shocks...
Taking that into account, could I prevent the problem by wrapping the exhaust at that point?
Also, you said you had the 7 leaf steel spring, are you happy with it? What kind of shocks do you have? Do you know the lb. rating of your spring? What lb. front coils are you running?
It seems from what I've read, the shocks really need to match the springs, and I'd like to only buy one set of shocks...
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Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
my 68 is a factory BB 427, came with the mandatory F41 suspension package, stiffer front coils, 7 leaf spring and the bigger f41 shocks...this was way back in 68, since then I've saved my rear shocks, and replaced front and rear with GM's equivalent in 2001.
If I'm not mistaken, the front coils are rated at 460#. Am I happy with this setup? other than the weight of the 7 leaf, yes, extremely...I replaced the suspension bushings with GM's stock rubber, and the 68 handles as well as the day I bought it in April, 1969.
If I'm not mistaken, the front coils are rated at 460#. Am I happy with this setup? other than the weight of the 7 leaf, yes, extremely...I replaced the suspension bushings with GM's stock rubber, and the 68 handles as well as the day I bought it in April, 1969.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
I go against the grain of most folks when it comes to modifying their rides...I sticks with what's tried and true, and I don't feel like re-inventing the wheel, hence my use of rubber control arm bushings, and factory front coils, and steel rear spring.
Car goes through corners like a slot car, what more can I ask?
Car goes through corners like a slot car, what more can I ask?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 16
From: absecon nj
I have the #450 fronts with a 1 1/2 coils removed 1 1/8 front sway bar #360 rear composite spring with bilstien shocks all the way around with 3/4 rear bar.Its a stiff ride but handles great and no sway.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
The front and the rear springs are matched from the factory. ie: 460 coils and 7 leaf rear for the streets, or 550 coils and 7 leaf for track only. Lighter front coils with 9 leaf for softer ride
I think its crucial that the front springs be a match with the glass rear spring, and more important, tye type of shocks to use...wrong shocks will make the ride pulsate...I would call one of the suspension supporting vendors for options and recommendation
I think its crucial that the front springs be a match with the glass rear spring, and more important, tye type of shocks to use...wrong shocks will make the ride pulsate...I would call one of the suspension supporting vendors for options and recommendation
Last edited by GDaina; Apr 16, 2005 at 09:45 AM.