I have replaced the front springs in my 65 coupe,327/300, but now I was reading the AIM and it said to put the the front springs with the close spaced coils toward the frame spring tower. I looked at my old springs and sure enough one side has slightly wider spaced coils. Now I am concerned because the new springs did not look any different, top or bottom. At least I hope they didn't, I bought the new springs from DR rebuld and I sure hope someone can reassure me that I didn't put the springs in upside down.
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Re: front springs
Mike,
You should be able to tell by the spacing of the coils with the car on the ground if you have the springs in correctly. You may have installed only one upside down....... Check side to side for any differences in the spacing. If they are both the same then measure the distance between 2 coils that you can see. I don't have an exact figure but I would estimate the distance to be about 1" or more. Possibly someone with a similiar setup could get that measurement for you and post it. Did you pay attention to the spring coil location relative to the "pocket" in the "A" frame when you assembled it??? -
Re: front springs
Yes, the springs are in the pocket OK, both sides are spaced the same between coils, the car seems to be be very hard to bounce up and down and it is still sitting on the upper rubber bumper on the upper A arm. This may be OK since the body is off, engine is installed in the chassis. I guess my question is, is late GM replacment springs coils spaced evenly, the 79 AIM that I have does not mention the spacing of the coils. I hope someone has had some experience with this and can helpComment
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Re: front springs
Mike-----
The original GM springs for your application have been discontinued for quite awhile, although they were among the last of the 53-82 springs to be discontinued. Many, if not all, of the current replacement springs are non-progressive rate springs (coils evenly spaced) in contrast to the original progressive rate springs (coils closer at one end). So, in all liklihood, the new ones that you installed are of the non-progressive rate variety. I can't say that for sure, though.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: front springs
Mike,
I just purchased a set of progressive rate springs built to original specs for my 67 big block. They are wound exactly like the originals with the same dia wire. I haven't installed them yet, but I am told the car will sit as stated in the AIM. I purchased them from Volunteer vettes. Had to pay a premium price, but wanted the correct height when complete.
SteveComment
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Re: front springs
Thanks Joe, these are OEM springs that I got from Dr Rebuild, I guess I will give them a call, I sure hate to have to take it apart again to be sure. Also can somebody tell me if the suspension sits on the upper A arm rubber bumper when at normal ride height? It is now but the body is off the carComment
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Re: front springs 65 small block
Hi Mike, Mine is sitting with the engine and drive train in, it is sitting on the upper A-frame bumper. I just went out and looked. Hope it should be. MikeComment
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Re: F 40 Springs proggressive??
Now you've got me thinking. I just looked at my 65 FI , F40 option springs. They look like non progressive springs. Is this correct?Comment
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Re: front springs
Murphy's Law.........It should be called Mike's law, they were both upside down. You would think that I would have at least one of them right. On GM springs there is a little notch on one end of the spring, that side goes down. I don't mind learning things the hard way once in a while......but changing springs is a big PAIN IN THE REAR! Thanks for the helpComment
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Re: F 40 Springs proggressive??
Jerry----
Yes, the F-40/F-41 springs are non-progressive rate.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: front springs
Mike,
After all that correspondence did the springs turn out to be progressive or non progressive???Comment
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Re: front springs
They were progressive and upside down.......and after an entire days work they are now correct. And it wasn't a lot of fun :-(Comment
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Re: front springs
Mike -
Hopefully you haven't torqued the upper and lower control arm bushing bolts yet - they shouldn't be torqued until the full weight of the assembled car is on them and the car is a normal ride height.Comment
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