1957 ride height

[Mike Gray]

My 1957 appears to sit too high in the front and is not level from side to side. Measuring from the ground to the center of the headlight; passenger side is 29 7/16 " and driver side is 28.5. On page 200 of Noland Adams restoration book there is a diagram showing that this measurement should be 27.5". There is a 3/4 inch difference in the rear side to side as well. Based on a visual inspection as well as several measurements there is no apparent damage to any of the front suspension components. We removed the coil springs and they are identical in all respects, i.e. number of coils, thickness of material and overall length. Their part number is 3756540-E.

Can anyone shed some light on this? Is the 27.5 inch figure a good one? Are these the wrong springs? Does anyone know of a shop in Southern California where I could have these coil springs altered as that appears to us to be the only way to solve this situation?

[Roy Braatz]

Re: 1957 ride height

Mike have you done any work on the two rear springs? Like useing may be springs or parts from another vett?

[Robert Willis]

Re: 1957 ride height

Has the spindle support been changed on one side of the car ? I just walked out and measured my 57 , I got a measurement of 28 and 1/4 inchs from the floor to the centre of the sealed beam on both sides of the car.

[James F.]

Re: 1957 ride height

Mike,
Check the archives, I (think) I recall previous discussions. Regards,

[Richard P.]

Re: 1957 ride height

Another possibility might be the front mount for the rear springs. On my 1956 I found an early hanger on one side and a correct hanger on the other. Since the car was used for drag racing at one time I suspect it was done in the interest of weight transfer. Just my $.02
Good luck
Rick

[Mike Gray]

1957 ride height

I had the rears re-arced and new liners installed.

[Calvin M.]

Re: 1957 ride height

Mike --
My 57 is 27 3/4" both sides, with radials. The coil spring no. on mine is 3709497.
Cal

[Mike Gray]

1957 ride height

I see that you have a different number, this might lead me to an answer. Was this number engraved on the inside and top of the coil? Do you think I am correct in calling this number a part number?

[Calvin M.]

Re: 1957 ride height

Mike -
The no. is on the springs but I don't recall the exact position. (I recorded all the numbers when I disassembled the car, but that was many moons ago.) My reference books don't show your spring no. (mine either) but I'm sure someone out there can reference 3756540-E in Group No. 7.412, front springs. Could it be the HD version, available from 57-59 perhaps?
Cal

[Mike Gray]

1957 ride height

I didn't understand your reference to Group No. 7.412. I am new to this forum. Could you educate me to what you were referring to?

By the way thanks for your input on all of this. I think you may have lead me in the right direction. If possible I would be interested in the length of your coil spring as is sits in the car. If you had the time and interest to pass that on I would sure appreciate that as well.

Mike Gray

[Mike H.]

Re: 1957 ride height

My P&A (30B Feb. '71) shows the 3756540 application to be: 53-59 (exc. H.D Brake/Susp) 60-62 all (dot of black paint on 2nd coil from (wr.end) (13 3/4" free height) (1235 lbs). Hope this helps.
Mike

[Mike Gray]

1957 ride height

Yes it is helpful and I appreciate the data you supplied. I also heard back from Eaton Spring and they show 3756540 as the correct part number as well. I don't what if any the "-E" suffix I see on my spring means, do you?

[Calvin M.]

Re: 1957 ride height

Mike G. -
So Mike H's post indicates you have the right springs, so the issue is probably elsewhere. I'd check the archives on this board under "ride height" and similar for good advice on where to look next. E-mail me direct if you want if I can help with anything else.
GM categorizes parts by Group No. They range from 0.000 Engine-Clutch to 15.000 Rear Trim-Mats Yardage. Group 7.000 is Frame-Springs-Bumper and includes front springs at 7.412, wherein car year and models are linked to specific part nos., eg your 3756540. The "E" may indicate Eaton as the manufacturer.
Cal

[James F.]

E does indicate Eaton *NM*