suspension questions
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Orlando Florida
suspension questions
I just ordered a whole bunch of suspension parts from ecklers. I ordered the 360lb rear composite spring, the stage 2 sway bar kit, front top of the line coil springs, all new control arm bushing, ball joints, tie rods ect ect... ohh and i have a big block. the front springs are about 3 inches (uninstalled) shorter than the originals. also when trying to line up the coil in the control arm they dont fit in the grooves all the way... im afraid to cut them because they are already 3 inches shorter. in the description of the part it said these may cause a +1" lift to the front end?????? how is this with a 3 inch shorter spring???? also after rebuilding the rear... it seems to sit real high. i feel like i should have went to a bigger wheel or tire or both..ive got 17" torque thrust 2s with 245/45 17s but they seem way too small now... i havent fully assembled the front yet because the springs do not seat correctly. can i put this together like this or will i have to remove the one side and cut them 1/3 of a coil... i need help quick this thing needs to go back together tomorrow.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,340
Likes: 2
From: Moro IL
The aftermarket springs are a higher rate spring so even though they are shorter they won't compress as easily as the stockers. This sounds like the same kit as is on my 69. As far as getting the springs properly seated in their pockets, this is sometimes a trial and error proposition. Take your time and you'll get it. Don't worry about the height of the rear spring for a while, they do have to settle in before adjusting the ride height.
Pat Kunz
Pat Kunz
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 245
Likes: 2
From: Jersey shore NJ
I just finished the front end on my 76. I used 460 lb springs from vbp.they are also shorter than stock. the springs will not line up too good until you get a jack under the lower control arm and slowly jack it up. they should seat once the lower arm comes up a little.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Orlando Florida
Help
thanks for the info... ill let the rear go for now... but about the front springs... if you look where the coils end... (on the old coils) the new coils do not end in the same spots. so they wouldnt fit in the seats correctly. the coil wraps around about another 2 to 3 inches... should i cut or leave it sit where it is... and if i should let it sit... which is more important to have seated properly the upper control arm or the lower????????
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: Westminster MD
thanks for the info... ill let the rear go for now... but about the front springs... if you look where the coils end... (on the old coils) the new coils do not end in the same spots. so they wouldnt fit in the seats correctly. the coil wraps around about another 2 to 3 inches... should i cut or leave it sit where it is... and if i should let it sit... which is more important to have seated properly the upper control arm or the lower????????
Oh, to settle the car you need to move it back and forth so the tires can move outward, also bounce the suspension a few times between the moves, it makes a difference.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
From: NAPLES FLORIDA
i just did this to my car...the spring was a full 1/3 of a coil long....we decided to cut the spring to get it to seat correctly...did it with a cut wheel...
looks like to will make the car 1/2" lower than if id left it alone....
it is my understanding that the spring are shorter because so many people have a hard time compressing the taller ones....
looks like to will make the car 1/2" lower than if id left it alone....
it is my understanding that the spring are shorter because so many people have a hard time compressing the taller ones....
