I got some new coil springs off a malibu station wagon that a friend gave to me. He says I can put those on and do away with my air shocks completely. They are about 1/2 taller and the coils are much thicker. Has anyone ever done this or knows if it will work? He also gave me a sway bar for the rear. Will that help my car also?

It's a '69 Malibu with a small block.

They should be almost 2" taller and they will give you some incredible wheel hop - Stay away from them!

The wheel-hop comes from the angle of the control arms with the suspension at that height. If you have air-shocks, you've probably already experienced this.

If you really feel the need to make your car handle poorly, wheel-hop excessively, and look about 30 years out of style, the springs are a better option than the air-shocks, as shock-mounts are not built to support the weight of the car. I've seen a lot of shock mounts broken off of otherwise good axle-housings because they weight is all on the shocks, rather than the springs, which are meant to support it.

There is plenty of room for a 12" wide tire to fit inside the wheel-well if you get the proper offset, so there is really no reason to raise the car up.

I got a 27" tire and when I get on it hard without any air in the shocks, the wheel bottoms out in the inside of the fender well. I got a new set of regular springs also, just haven't changed them. I don't want it jacked up, I just don't want it sinking so low in the back. Maybe my stock springs are just that worn. What about the sway bar, would it help?


With no air in the shocks, my tire is even with the top of the wheel opening.

I got a 27" tire and when I get on it hard without any air in the shocks, the wheel bottoms out in the inside of the fender well. I got a new set of regular springs also, just haven't changed them. I don't want it jacked up, I just don't want it sinking so low in the back. Maybe my stock springs are just that worn. What about the sway bar, would it help?


With no air in the shocks, my tire is even with the top of the wheel opening.

I found that the rear coils is off a '78 wagon or something to that extent. Might explain why they are only half inch longer that stock??? My whole car is "too soft" My front springs have them twist lifters in them and they are still too low. I guess they are just completely sacked. I want to get my ride level and still keep it from sinking the tire into the top of the wheel well. Is stock replacement springs all that is needed for the front? And, do I need to add that rear sway bar?

Will the stock LCA's out of a '78 Elcamino be the same as the LCA's on the '69 Chevelle??