67 Sagging Front Springs, Replace or Spacers or ?

[Gary C.]

I have a 67 427 with A/C. The front end is about one inch lower than it should be and I am sure the springs are original and a little tired.

Are the current replacement springs the same as it always was, ie the car will sit too high? Any experiences with the currently available replacement springs?

Does anyone have any experience using spacers for this problem?

Thanks

Gary

[Michael H.]

Re: 67 Sagging Front Springs, Replace or Spacers or ?

I have a 67 427 with A/C. The front end is about one inch lower than it should be Thanks

Gary

Gary,

Big block 66 and 67's were a bit lower in the front than small blocks, even though they had a unique coil spring that was supposed to keep the nose a bit closer to level.
Personally, I would much rather have the nose a bit too low instead of sticking up in the air as a result of reproduction springs that are not made accurately.

[Peter J.]

Re: 67 Sagging Front Springs, Replace or Spacers or ?

I agree with Mike, my 66 small block looks like a duck trying to take flight. I have a set of used springs to back in when I get to it.

[Stephen L.]

Re: 67 Sagging Front Springs, Replace or Spacers or ?

my 67 BB 390 had a similiar problem...front sag. I replaced the springs with correct replacements and the front stayed up for about 6 months. Eventually it returned to the sag. That is just the nature of the beast.

[Joe L.]

Re: 67 Sagging Front Springs, Replace or Spacers or ?

I have a 67 427 with A/C. The front end is about one inch lower than it should be and I am sure the springs are original and a little tired.

Are the current replacement springs the same as it always was, ie the car will sit too high? Any experiences with the currently available replacement springs?

Does anyone have any experience using spacers for this problem?

Thanks

Gary

Gary-------


I would not even consider using spacers to correct the problem. However, I'd check something else before I did anything. Even though it's pretty difficult to see much of the coil springs on a C2 or C3 Corvette, I would try to inspect them closely as possible. If they have only surface rust with no real evidence of pitting type corrosion damage, then I really doubt that they've lost very much. The main problem that causes springs to sag significantly is deep, pitting type corrosion damage.

If the springs do evidence this kind of corrosion damage, then I'd replace them. If not, I wouldn't be concerned about them.

I replaced the front springs on my 1969 years ago with GM replacements because "I was just sure the front springs were shot" at 100,000+ miles. Turned out there was not much difference in ride height with the new springs versus the old. There wasn't much difference in the free length of the new springs versus the old, either.

[Wayne W.]

Re: 67 Sagging Front Springs, Replace or Spacers or ?

My 67-390 with AC had rubber spacers on each end of the spring. I always thought they were original, and I still believe them to be, as it had only 39900 miles when I got it in 1978. If I was going to use any type of spacer, that is what I would use. I actually opted for F-41 front springs which have a nice height and much better handling.

[Joe L.]

Re: 67 Sagging Front Springs, Replace or Spacers or ?

My 67-390 with AC had rubber spacers on each end of the spring. I always thought they were original, and I still believe them to be, as it had only 39900 miles when I got it in 1978. If I was going to use any type of spacer, that is what I would use. I actually opted for F-41 front springs which have a nice height and much better handling.

Wayne------


Like these? If I were going to use spacers, this is the only type I'd use. In my previous post I was referring to the "between-the-coil" type, "twist-in" spacers which are the most common. I'd NEVER use or recommend those.

As far as the hard rubber type are concerned, I don't know where I got this one. I do not think it was from GM. In any event, I've never come up with a GM part number for this type of spacer and there is certainly no GM part number embossed on this piece. I have no idea where this type could be obtained. Perhaps an automotive coil spring supplier might have them.

[Larry M.]

Re: 67 Sagging Front Springs, Replace or Spacers or ?

Wayne------


Like these? If I were going to use spacers, this is the only type I'd use. In my previous post I was referring to the "between-the-coil" type, "twist-in" spacers which are the most common. I'd NEVER use or recommend those.

As far as the hard rubber type are concerned, I don't know where I got this one. I do not think it was from GM. In any event, I've never come up with a GM part number for this type of spacer and there is certainly no GM part number embossed on this piece. I have no idea where this type could be obtained. Perhaps an automotive coil spring supplier might have them.

Joe:

I believe that MR GASKET sold them in the late 1960's and early 1970's. Others may have also....including OEMs. Drag racers used them to change front end height and weight transfer. I know that some (or all) of the 52 George Hurst prepared Super Stock C AMX's had them installed. I planned to do the same for my AMX at the time.

They were readily available and marketed during the 69-72 period. You can probably still find them around if you search.

Larry

[Gary C.]

Re: 67 Sagging Front Springs, Replace or Spacers or ?

Yes, I was referring to the end of spring type spacers. IIRC Doc Rebuild offers them in two thicknesses. I think they are referred to as GM parts. I seem to recall someone else offering them as well.

The replies do not seem to offer much encouragement. I like the way the car look with the low front end and all but it is just not "right". Maybe I will just continue to live with it as it does not sound like the options are so great.

[Wayne W.]

Re: 67 Sagging Front Springs, Replace or Spacers or ?

Wayne------


Like these? If I were going to use spacers, this is the only type I'd use. In my previous post I was referring to the "between-the-coil" type, "twist-in" spacers which are the most common. I'd NEVER use or recommend those.

As far as the hard rubber type are concerned, I don't know where I got this one. I do not think it was from GM. In any event, I've never come up with a GM part number for this type of spacer and there is certainly no GM part number embossed on this piece. I have no idea where this type could be obtained. Perhaps an automotive coil spring supplier might have them.

Yes, That is the type, but they were not as thick and were rounded on the ends to fit the spring socket.

[Keith G.]

Re: 67 Sagging Front Springs, Replace or Spacers or ?

Bought a 390hp with ac that saged, put a new set in that was suppost to be right, one end of the spring did not fit in the socket. Car sat about 1 and half inchs to high, took them out again and cut them to fit. Car looked good. Good luck.

[Joe L.]

Re: 67 Sagging Front Springs, Replace or Spacers or ?

Yes, I was referring to the end of spring type spacers. IIRC Doc Rebuild offers them in two thicknesses. I think they are referred to as GM parts. I seem to recall someone else offering them as well.

The replies do not seem to offer much encouragement. I like the way the car look with the low front end and all but it is just not "right". Maybe I will just continue to live with it as it does not sound like the options are so great.

Gary------


The Doc must have "ferreted out" the GM part number before these were discontinued and laid in a stock. I've never been able to find a GM part number for them, either in Corvette P&A Catalogs or, even, other model catalogs. But, they may have been hidden somewhere in one of the catalogs. I strongly doubt that they're available from GM anymore. For C1, C2, and C3 applications, GM has long-since discontinued just about everything related to chassis springs.

[Joe L.]

Re: 67 Sagging Front Springs, Replace or Spacers or ?

Yes, That is the type, but they were not as thick and were rounded on the ends to fit the spring socket.

Wayne------

Yes, that's exactly the main thing I don't like about these spacers---they are "cupped" on BOTH sides, and I don't think that would index well in the lower a-arm spring pockets and frame spring towers. Rounded on one side would simulate the spring and, presumably, index well.

[Bill C.]

Re: 67 Sagging Front Springs, Replace or Spacers or ?

Yes, That is the type, but they were not as thick and were rounded on the ends to fit the spring socket.

Wayne,
I found those under two BB a/c cars, still have them. They were only "cupped" on the side against the spring and were not very thick, a very hard durometer. I have been meaning to bring them with me on a trip to the Doc's to compare. The very similar type in different thickness's are available in those "HELP" branded products shrink wrapped in the cardboard and hung on racks in most chain type stores, or Summit, Jegs, etc.

Those are cupped on both sides but are softer and can easily be trimmed to eliminate the "cup" on one side, I have done it.

I am fairly certain there was a bulletin on these being installed at the dealer if an owner complained. If anyone has a copy maybe they can post it?
Bill Caldwell

[John H.]

Re: 67 Sagging Front Springs, Replace or Spacers or ?

I am fairly certain there was a bulletin on these being installed at the dealer if an owner complained. If anyone has a copy maybe they can post it?
Bill Caldwell

Bill -

I remember that from years ago, but don't have a copy of it; it had the part number for the hard rubber spacer rings, too. They were never used in production. May have been a short-term purchase just for '63-'67 TSB application - spring part numbers exploded in 1968 with computer-selection for the new federal bumper height requirements.