I am about to rebuild the front suspension of my '68 big block L36 and the rear suspension will soon follow. I have owned the car for the last 23 years. I last rebuilt both front and rear suspensions about 20 years ago. When I last did the rebuild I replaced the springs both front and rear. The car has been a weekend driver since I have owned it. Should I replace my front and rear springs or just put them back in since they have seen so few miles (under 2000 miles per year)? I am sure I will be able to tell from the arc of the rear spring but I am not sure I can "eye" the fronts and determine if they're worn. Any suggestions? One of my concerns is ride height. The ride height on my car is fine both front and rear but I have heard/read stories of ride height issues after replacing springs. If I do replace them I will use stock springs. Thanks for any replies.
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Re: Repl ace springs or not
Keep the springs , my 55 has the original springs , looks and rides just fine. 90% of the time the rears go first. -
Re: Repl ace springs or not
I agree with Roy. If you used GM springs when you last rebuilt the suspension and the ride height is still within specs today, I definitely wouldn't replace any springs. One problem is the fact that the correct GM springs are no longer available and of the reproductions I've seen so far, none will give you the correct ride height.
Springs don't typically loose dimension for no reason. However, if they are bathed in salt for several years, the rust will definitely weaken the spring and reduce ride height.
Another problem is caused by improper installation. If someone has to use a large hammer to force a spring into position while it's under some compression, it will automatically reduce some of the spring energy/efficiency.Comment
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Re: That's what I was thinking. Thanks. EOM *NM*
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Re: Repl ace springs or not
Keep 'em....I replaced my front springs with some very expensive "exact repros" and had nothing but problems. Like the ride height...keep the springs.Comment
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