Front springs for a 66 BB

[David Miller]

The front springs on my 66 BB are sagging. I've finally decided to replace them. In the past I ordered rear leaf springs for my 62 from Eaton but I was not satisfied with their product. They assured me they were "correct" but when I received them they were not and I also had problems with the liners being different. I called Eaton concerning springs for my 66 and they naturally said their spring was correct in every way. I know Eaton is the major player when it comes to springs but I would like to hear from anyone that has had good luck ordering from any other manufacturer.

David Miller in Oklahoma

[Joe L.]

Re: Front springs for a 66 BB

David----

Rear springs are a product that I have extensively researched. I, too, have had a bad experience with Eaton. The first "exact reproduction" of GM #3850839 9 leaf rear spring which I got from them was absolutely atrocious. I sent it back and, several months later, I received a much better product. It was, by NO MEANS, an "exact reproduction", but, with a lot of work, it can be made to be close. Functionally, it is ok. As marginal as it is, though, I'm afraid that I would have to tell you that it is the best product out there right now. Every other replacement spring that I have inspected has been far less correct than the Eaton offering. Furthermore, many of these cause the cars to exhibit an incorrect ride height.

As far as front springs are concerned, as you have done, I can only surmise that the Eaton product will be marginal, at best. Relative to front springs, I have not done a lot of research. That's because I laid in a lifetime supply of front springs for my '69 before GM discontinued them, so I'm all set as far as front springs go.

For your '66 BB, the original spring was GM #3888250. This spring was discontinued several years ago. However, you still have some genuine GM spring options. The small block spring for 64-67 was GM #3851100. This spring was also used for '65 BB cars and GM #3851100 is still available. Also, the F-41 HD suspension front spring, GM #3832518, is also still available.

[clark]

Re: Front spring concerns for a 67 BB

I also need front springs for a 67 BB conv. I've seen springs in Ecklers.The cost is'nt too bad, but what about the quality? I'm trying to do a good frame off so I don't to make to many errors.

[David Miller]

Re: Front spring concerns for a 67 BB

I believe the Ecklers spring is a GM '64 thru '67 SB spring #3851100 although I was told by a Chigago Corvette man that it was an Eaton spring. The same GM spring that Joe refered to. If you have a good relationship with your local GM parts man, you can get the the spring there somewhat cheaper. I believe the same applies to the F-41 HD spring.

[Brandon K.]

Re: Front spring concerns for a 67 BB

If one was to use the 3851100 spring on a big block with air conditioning, would the ride height be correct, or is the spring too weak for that application? TIA

Brandon Korman

[Joe L.]

Re: Front spring concerns for a 67 BB

Brandon----

I don't know that I would recommend the use of the 3851100 spring for a 67 BB w/AC application. Although that spring was used on 65 BBs, there was no AC option available for that engine. The '67 BB w/AC spring was GM # 3888251, which has been discontinued. You might be ok with the 3851100 spring; it would take a response from someone who has actually used this spring in your application to know for sure.

[Chester]

Re: Front spring concerns for a 68 BB

As many of you know i have the 68 BB with ps pb and no air My shop neer me is having a huge garage sale, well there are a set of 68- some year BB with air front coil springs for $45 plus my discount, very!! slightly used,--installed once, to long, taken out. Will these work? Not effect ride heigth? It's late.