C3 front springs

[Martyn T.]

I know there are many posts about front springs, but I'm looking for anyone that has had good luck with replacements from any particular vendor. My sb no/ac car sits 1" low ( before I put my 200lbs. in )on the drivers side which drives me nuts. I have read many articles in the archives that springs are usually ok. I now have the motor/tranny out for other reasons and that (driver) side really popped up. With the shocks removed I can see where the upper coils of the driver spring seem to have been rubbing/hitting against each other and do not see evidence of that on the pass side. Stab bar is also out.
Dumb question here, but can A arm bushings possibly cause this problem to that extent ? I was planing on replacing them with reg bushings, but figured I would do the springs while apart. Hate to do all this and it's still crooked.
Again, if buying springs, where do I go ? Eaton, CC, Paragon ? some are twice as much as others. Are there differences in quality ?
Thanks
Marty

[George D.]

Re: C3 front springs

Martyn,

I replaced the front springs on my 69 s/b with AC many years ago. I bought the TRW springs from the local auto parts store. When I did the replacement I had no intention of having the car flight judged. So you may want to go a different route if you plan on having the car judged. The TRW springs were shorter than the stock spings, but I think they were a heavier diameter spring material. The car rides at the correct height as shown in the service manual. The only point I've lost in judging is that I painted them and they should be the natural color when manufactured.

[Jim T.]

Re: C3 front springs

I replaced the front springs in my 70 SB that has PS and A/C because the originals had "settled" and some coils were touching each other. This was done over 20 years ago.

I bought from GM the "518" front coil springs that were used in the optional suspension.

The 518's are shorter than the originals installed in my 70. This made them very easy to install, however although the ride height was about the same, the suspension was stiffer in the front and I was satisfied with the improvement.

The 518's coils are of course larger in diameter.

The 518's were some of the last coil springs available from GM and I understand no longer available.

Your option, contact Vette Brakes to consider their optional spring for their performance suspensions.

I have a set of the Vette Brakes springs and when compared side by side with my GM 518 springs on the garage floor they are about the same spring.

Don't expect your C3 to sit higher than weak standard springs on the car using the shorter but stronger spring.

[Martyn T.]

Re: C3 front springs

Thanks for the replies. I was hoping there was a source of a definate correct replacement. I still don't know why some vendors are twice as much $ as others. Appreciate your input.
Marty

[Jim T.]

Re: C3 front springs

going directly to Eaton Detroit for your springs is a option.
They make the springs for a lot of cars.

http://www.eatonsprings.com/coil.htm

You could specify springs for an air conditioned car to get a little more stiffer/stronger spring.