Front Coil Spring question

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Jun 16, 2007 | 06:59 PM

1atti2d

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Instructor

Joined: Jun 2005

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From: Cedar Rapids Iowa

Front Coil Spring question

My front right is sagging and causing tire rub to the fender. 255/60/15
I am pretty sure the spring has collapsed. What is your opinion on springs for the following set-up. Going to be adding a 1 1/4 front sway bar and 7/8 in the rear. The shocks are pretty much stock, KYB's. The rear spring is a stock rebuilt 9 leaf. I have built a 406 for this car and once in awhile do a autocross. Added a Mcleod bellhousing, extra weigh but for safety. With most of the rest of the suspension being stock, I was going to go with 460lb Grand Touring from VBP. Any feedback?

Also wanted to add, the Spreader bar has really gotten tight due to the spring sag. Most likely I will have to remove it, add new springs, align it and replace the spreader bar as normal.

Jun 16, 2007 | 08:26 PM

texaswilkins

Drifting

Joined: Sep 2004

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From: Celeste Texas

I've got the 460's in the front of my mostly stock 82 and they work just fine. With the big block and other extra weight I think you'll be happier with the heavier springs.

My .02, your mileage may vary.

Bill

Last edited by texaswilkins; Jun 16, 2007 at 08:29 PM.

Jun 17, 2007 | 07:19 AM

1atti2d

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Jun 2005

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From: Cedar Rapids Iowa

What will the springs have to do with mileage? The 406 is a SBC and my right front has alot to do with mileage in my opinion

thankyou

Jun 17, 2007 | 10:02 AM

Fevre

Race Director

Joined: Mar 2001

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From: Living in the Hartland

Have the 460's and had to cut 3/4 coil (if I remember right) with all the alum parts I have up front- rad, intake, heads, water pump, master cyl, etc

pic below is with the stock springs which where where in horrible shape so replaced when I rebuilt front end, now rides about an 1" lower up front; before I cut the 460's the inner front tires where not touching the ground it was so high

Last edited by Fevre; Jun 17, 2007 at 10:05 AM.

Jun 17, 2007 | 06:55 PM

texaswilkins

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From: Celeste Texas

Sorry, I guess it was just a bad joke. Seemed funny to me.

I thought the 406 was a big block and the extra weight you already have up front would want the heavier springs.

Bill :o

Jun 17, 2007 | 08:43 PM

Restorod '79

Pro

Joined: Dec 2005

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First off, check your A-arm bushings and ball joints. Second, 255s have been known to rub on front of many cars. Are these new??
If it is your springs, any NEW springs will fix the problem. Selecting what rate is up to you and the ride you want. 460 with KYBs will be very firm. 1 1/4" bar will give you a great deal of stability.

I run 550s, cut one coil, with KYB Gas-a-justs, and a 1 1/4'" bar tight. I have sacrificed all creature comforts for handling. You may not want that. At times a Cadillac ride would be nice. Hopefully others will chime in with some other combos.

Last edited by Restorod '79; Jun 17, 2007 at 08:47 PM.

Jun 17, 2007 | 10:03 PM

dfolse62

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Joined: May 2005

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From: Shreveport Louisiana LSU

Just how stiff are the 550's? Could they work on a driver?

Jun 19, 2007 | 11:36 PM

happiedazs

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Joined: Apr 2006

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From: Norwalk CT and Boynton Beach FL

Last year I replaced my fronts with 460's and used a rear mono spring rated at 330. The grand touring package came with KYB's which are terrible and much worse than the delco's I replaced with them. If I had it to do all over again, I'd get a stiffer rear spring (360 lbs because sometimes I bottm out with the 330"s)) and go with the Bilstein shocks. Whatever you do, DON'T buy the KYB's, they give a very rough ride and don't stop the up-down bounce on rough roads.

I'm replacing my KYB's with Bilsteins next week --- MY KYB's have about 500 miles on them and I can't stand them anymore