Front Coil Spring questions
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,634
Likes: 4
From: Northern NJ
St. Jude Donor '04 & '05
Front Coil Spring questions
Greetings,
I'm in the middle of a complete front end rebuild on my non AC 75 coupe. I decided that while it was all apart and most everything else was being changed, might as well change the springs too. I ordered a set of Moog 5758 springs, the catalog part for a non-AC 75. When we removed the old ones, we discovered that they were approx 15" tall unloaded, while the Moogs were only about 12.5". So I then ordered a set of Moog 5762 springs, the w/AC version. These appear exactly the same as the 5758's, both in coil number and material diameter, and are also only approx 12.5" tall.
So next I figure what I have must be "big block" springs. However looking up springs for earlier year big blocks again calls for Moog 5762. So I'm trying to figure out what springs Bubba used and why?
The car did have a slight tire rub on the inner wheel well at full lock on one side only w/the tall springs in it. Now w/it sitting approx 1.5" lower (haven't driven it yet) I'm pretty sure I'm going to have clearance issues if left as is.
We did find a part number of 346939 AH on one of the "original" tall springs. Does anyone have any reference as to what these might be from? Or for that matter any input or thoughts on this matter. Any help would be much appreciated.
TIA.
I'm in the middle of a complete front end rebuild on my non AC 75 coupe. I decided that while it was all apart and most everything else was being changed, might as well change the springs too. I ordered a set of Moog 5758 springs, the catalog part for a non-AC 75. When we removed the old ones, we discovered that they were approx 15" tall unloaded, while the Moogs were only about 12.5". So I then ordered a set of Moog 5762 springs, the w/AC version. These appear exactly the same as the 5758's, both in coil number and material diameter, and are also only approx 12.5" tall.
So next I figure what I have must be "big block" springs. However looking up springs for earlier year big blocks again calls for Moog 5762. So I'm trying to figure out what springs Bubba used and why?
The car did have a slight tire rub on the inner wheel well at full lock on one side only w/the tall springs in it. Now w/it sitting approx 1.5" lower (haven't driven it yet) I'm pretty sure I'm going to have clearance issues if left as is.
We did find a part number of 346939 AH on one of the "original" tall springs. Does anyone have any reference as to what these might be from? Or for that matter any input or thoughts on this matter. Any help would be much appreciated.
TIA.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 15,161
Likes: 17
From: coffee
I know that the higher rate aftermarket springs are considerably shorter uncompressed than the stockers. I have mine out right now and am about to replace them with a set fom Zip's. They claim that there should be no change in ride height, although sitting side by side, the new springs are probably a good 2" shorter, but the diameter of the steel is much thicker, so it will not compress nearly as easily.
http://www.zip-products.com/Zip/prod...C9517C3CD4E62F
http://www.zip-products.com/Zip/prod...C9517C3CD4E62F
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,117
Likes: 104
From: charlotte north carolina
the after maket springs are shorter, but the compressed ride height will be the same. if you want to lower the front end, this is the time to do it. there's many threads on this topic. but if you cut the springs down, do it 1/4 coil at a time.
jeff
jeff
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 182,997
Likes: 88
From: Lakeland, FL
Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
stock small block no AC springs were about 280 lbs/inch springs. Those aren't available anymore since the 70's.. All the so called replacement springs are shorter because they have a higher spring rate of about 500 lbs/inch. Stiffer springs are shorter with thicker coils. They will fit and give you the correct ride height (factory ride height and not ride height with worn out springs)
The replacement springs will give you better handling but worse traction as they reduce weight transfer on your front suspension. Weight transfer is important for good traction for straight line acceleration..
The replacement springs will give you better handling but worse traction as they reduce weight transfer on your front suspension. Weight transfer is important for good traction for straight line acceleration..
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,634
Likes: 4
From: Northern NJ
St. Jude Donor '04 & '05
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,634
Likes: 4
From: Northern NJ
St. Jude Donor '04 & '05
I'm curious what others have experienced using the shorter higher rate springs w/o cutting them. Has the ride height changed or stayed the same?
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 182,997
Likes: 88
From: Lakeland, FL
Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
I understand but that's not what I'm seeing so far. With the front end 1/2 rebuilt, the left side w/the aftermarket spring is sitting approx 1 - 1.5" lower than the yet to be rebuilt right side and I'm a bit concerned about tire clearance.
I'm curious what others have experienced using the shorter higher rate springs w/o cutting them. Has the ride height changed or stayed the same?
I'm curious what others have experienced using the shorter higher rate springs w/o cutting them. Has the ride height changed or stayed the same?
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,634
Likes: 4
From: Northern NJ
St. Jude Donor '04 & '05
Well, I guess that it depends on who the manufactorer of the replacement springs is. The ones that I've seen restored factory ride height but there are several manufactorers. The spring rate is DEFINETELY much stiffer on all the replacement springs and therefore they are shorter. Unfortunately, nobody makes springs with the stock spring rate anymore..
I guess I'll just have to wait and see where the car sits after I get the right side finished. If it doesn't work w/what I have, I can always swap them out then.
Thanks for you input!
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
I got Moog replacement springs for my 68 through Advance Auto Parts and they were a couple inches shorter but they were real easy putting back in and the ride height is a little bit higher than my old springs, which I needed because my stock springs were weak. The ride is a lot better.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,634
Likes: 4
From: Northern NJ
St. Jude Donor '04 & '05
I got Moog replacement springs for my 68 through Advance Auto Parts and they were a couple inches shorter but they were real easy putting back in and the ride height is a little bit higher than my old springs, which I needed because my stock springs were weak. The ride is a lot better.
Thanks for your input.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 182,997
Likes: 88
From: Lakeland, FL
Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
If you don't like the ride height, you could use spacers to get the ride height that you want.. Those aren't awfully expensive..
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/New-R...spagenameZWDVW
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/New-R...spagenameZWDVW
