Replacing front end bushings, replace springs ?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 889
Likes: 13
From: Jax/St. Augustine FL
Replacing front end bushings, replace springs ?
I'm doing a poly bushing kit on front end...81 with auto TH350...87k miles
My ride height looks and feels fine...so as the title states....do I put new springs in or not.."this is a "while I'm at it" moment lol
My ride height looks and feels fine...so as the title states....do I put new springs in or not.."this is a "while I'm at it" moment lol
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 893
Likes: 7
From: Orange Park Florida
Now is the perfect time!!!!!!!
Also a good time to do a little undercarriage repairs/cleanup/painting. Find an industrial powdercoating company and have your a-arms coated. Some will coat small parts along with large orders and the cost is minimal.
Good luck.
Also a good time to do a little undercarriage repairs/cleanup/painting. Find an industrial powdercoating company and have your a-arms coated. Some will coat small parts along with large orders and the cost is minimal.
Good luck.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 484
Likes: 43
From: NJ
Why replace the springs if everything is riding and handling fine. 
The springs can be replaced at any time. A little bit of a pain in the butt, but not a big job.
Why fix it if it's not broke.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 54
Likes: 2
From: Milwaukee WI
If they haven't been replaced at all, they might be worn out, but if your ride height is OK, the existing ones are probably fine. On the other hand the springs need to be pulled either way, and the replace is a fairly inexpensive one. If you are asking the question it usually means you should just do it. I always take advantage of cheap peace of mind.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 889
Likes: 13
From: Jax/St. Augustine FL
If they haven't been replaced at all, they might be worn out, but if your ride height is OK, the existing ones are probably fine. On the other hand the springs need to be pulled either way, and the replace is a fairly inexpensive one. If you are asking the question it usually means you should just do it. I always take advantage of cheap peace of mind.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,156
Likes: 273
From: Dunedin NZ.
Hi Brians1, if the car in question is the one in your avatar it looks to be riding a little lower than standard, so assuming it has original springs and they have not been cut I would say there is a good chance they have sagged a little. I had the same issue with my 70 and when I pulled the springs I found that even though they were a lot longer than the heavier 430lb springs I fitted they rode a good inch or more lower. The original springs are progressively wound at the top and I could see where the coils had rubbed together so I figured they were getting sacked out. You might find that if you change the springs you wont like the cars new stance but it will ride better. While you are at it what are the shocks like?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
If you have cause, then yes, now would be the best time.
That said, if they're not sagging adversely and your intentions don't include increasing the spring rate and/or changing ride heights, then IMCO there isn't much cause.
That said, if they're not sagging adversely and your intentions don't include increasing the spring rate and/or changing ride heights, then IMCO there isn't much cause.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,839
Likes: 45
From: nassau co. new york
i did the front bushing job,used rubber,and resisted the,"while you are in there bug",and i have done that for my entire project.i do not regret this as $ was well spent on worn out parts instead.i just painted mine black and put them back.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 889
Likes: 13
From: Jax/St. Augustine FL
Thanks for all the great feed back gents...this form is the best
I went ahead and ordered the springs...if I don't like for whatever reason..I'll put old back on
I will take measurements of before and after ride height ..I'm still running the stock 15's my 81 came with
I went ahead and ordered the springs...if I don't like for whatever reason..I'll put old back on
I will take measurements of before and after ride height ..I'm still running the stock 15's my 81 came with