I have a 66 chevelle ss with big block and automatic. If you check out my signature you can see how low my front end is. Last year I order and installed big block with A/C front springs there was no spring rate listed with these springs from one of our chevelle catalogs. I noticed that they were 1 inch shorter than the springs I removed. I don't know if those I removed were original. I installed thinking that with newer tech that maybe they were a stiffer spring. 1 year later and about 2500 miles they have settled to low. My car sits driver side front 26.25 inches and passenger side 26.50 inches to bottom of wheelwell. I have 27 inch diameter tires. I want front to sit approx. 27.5 to 28 inches. I've looked at hours of threads about coil springs but have not found much, where people tell what they are using and the heights they produce. I've also looked at different spring sites trying to get spring rates. But there are so many to choose from.

I was able to find some specs on moog springs it looks like the moog 5244 will give a 2124 load, a 314 rate and 17.746 free height. (the springs I took off measured 17.75 and the new ones where 16.75 inches.) Then there is the moog 5234 which is 2025 load, 297 rate and 17.811 free height. They both have a 11 inch load height. On other posts some are using moog 5374 (317rate), 5536(487), 5450(450rate). I don't recall any free height being mentioned on those.

My question is which one of these will best get me to my desired height? Do I go with higher rate and shorter spring or lighter rate taller spring? So many to choose from and no pictures to look at where guys say this is what I'm running and here is a picture of my stance. PROBABLY NOT A BAD POST FOR SOMEONE TO GET STARTED. These things are too hard to keep changing to find a set I like. So any help would be greatly appreciated. Feel free to post pictures or your cars stance and what springs you are using. Sorry for the long post but I wanted to be as specific as I could for you guys to do your magic. Thank you in advance. Wayne

If you are happy with ride but not the height, you could try installing spacers above the coil if all else fails.
http://www.budzter.com/spacers.html#
Nice looking car BTW

Yes I have thought about spacers not the ones you posted but some used in dirt racing. I have heard good and bad about spacers. I do like the budzter spacer better than what I've been looking at prior. If all else fails I will have to go spacer route. I would though like to get it done with a spring. I know it can be done, I've seen many many cars on this site that have the front end up, I just need someone that has been there done that to let me know what they used or someone that knows springs to tell me what they would suggest. Thanks for your help. I will keep those spacers in mind. Thanks for the compliment on my car.
Wayne

I need to make a correction. The old springs measured from tip to tip approx. 18.75 inches. My new springs measured 17.75 inches. I have since found the box the new springs came in and they are moog 5244 which are 17.75 inches. Here are my options for moog srings.

spring Install height load rate(lbs) spring rate(lbs/in) free height
5244 (in car now) 11in 2124 315 17.75
5230 11 1884 251 18.25
5234 11 2025 297 17.81
6204 11 2015 265 18.61

I would like to know which of the other 3 choices will give me about 1 inch higher ride height? your help is badly needed. Thanks Wayne

Hi Wayne;I don't know if this will help you;But I have the 6204 springs in the front of my 66 w/o a/c and the rear springs are the stock springs for a wagon of the same year and model obviously.I for get the # for the rears but they are moog.I have 236-60r15 on front and 275-60-15 on rear.My car has about same stance as yours but picture wise mine sure looks like it sits higher.Measurements from ground to fenderlip are: front 26-3/4 and rear27-3/4.But I also have these little adjustable spacers in the front which give 1/2 -3/4 inch of additional height.Remember that i don't have air cond. and i also have headers instead of castiron ex.man.From those spring specs. you show; The springs you have on now should give the most Height. Hope this helps. Good luck. Tony

Wayne, have you been able to find the right springs?

WAYNE, MOOG#6204 WORKS GREAT WITH A 66' I OWN A COUPLE OF CHEVELLES ONE A 66' 427 S/T SITS AND IT RIDES GREAT,WE ALSO USED THEM ON 66' 396 A/T OWNER WAS HAPPY WITH RESULTS MOOG SPECS: #6204 TOTAL FREE HEIGHT IS 18.51 IN. LOAD 2015 LBS.# 5244 FREE HEIGHT 17.75 IN LOAD 2124 LBS /Bob Rizzi

Bob could you post some pictures?

Ron,i am an "old italian" 60 years old and i do not have digital pictures of my cars or a scanner but my 66' chevelle sits about the same as my 68' on the website rizzi's auto parts that was also a 427 which i raced in the late 1960's and early 1970's p.s my son's say that i should go back to school and learn about todays technology !!!!!!!!!

Ok Mr. Bob, thanks.

Where do I find the specks or info on Moog springs? What kind of springs are the ones offered by Ground Up(67 big block with Ac). If I ordered some from my local parts store, they would surely be the wrong ones. Ok Mr. Bob, thanks.

Tony do you have any pictures of your 66 with the 6204 springs?

I didn't want to start another thread on this same subject, does anyone have a picture or info of, a 67 with a 454, with the tall stance? I would like to order the right ones first time around, and do it this weekend
:D

Hi everybody from France ! I have much problem with clearance and spring height !
I have just changed my front stock springs (malibu stock springs who were very used !) to new spring i bought on ebay motor !

But there are 2 inch drop and if it seem to have e very nice look, like à pro touring street machine...lol...my 66 chevelle is at the moment stop in the garage !
I can't drive it because it's too low ...look on the photo...front fender is seem to touch my front tire and when i push down my car, the tire touch the front fender !

SO i will buy th 6204 MOOG spring for my 350ci blower B&M 144, (i have 17 inch front wheels cragar 441 and 225/50/17 on front)

I order it tonight and when i will receive it and put it on my chevelle, i will take photo to show you if it can help someones !

Bye (Fabrice from France near Paris city)



http://img23.xooimage.com/files/7/c/5/imgp0028-14ca5b3.jpg (http://sancoinspassionmoteur.xooit.com/image/23/7/c/5/imgp0028-14ca5b3.jpg.htm)

http://img23.xooimage.com/files/f/9/d/imgp0030-14ca5ba.jpg (http://sancoinspassionmoteur.xooit.com/image/23/f/9/d/imgp0030-14ca5ba.jpg.htm)

http://img46.xooimage.com/files/1/6/e/imgp0033-14ca5bf.jpg (http://sancoinspassionmoteur.xooit.com/image/46/1/6/e/imgp0033-14ca5bf.jpg.htm)

http://img26.xooimage.com/files/7/3/6/imgp0035-14ca5c3.jpg (http://sancoinspassionmoteur.xooit.com/image/26/7/3/6/imgp0035-14ca5c3.jpg.htm)

http://img27.xooimage.com/files/e/0/f/imgp0038-14ca5c5.jpg (http://sancoinspassionmoteur.xooit.com/image/27/e/0/f/imgp0038-14ca5c5.jpg.htm)

AND JUST FOR FUN, The last movie i did with friend and à nice french vapor train build in 1913 !
I hope you will like this movie ! bye (Fabrice)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccgGhFLIx5Q

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CB364RuSA_c

I finally found the ride height I like. I went with the moog 5272. They are for 65-67 Oldsmobile Holiday Cutlass, F88,Vista Cruiser, and GTO. It sits perfect. This was my 3rd set of springs so lets just say that I'm glad they are right because there probably wouldn't have been a fourth attempt made. Pain in the !##. Wayne

Hi everybody from FRANCE.

I had mount my new coils (moog 6204)

http://img42.xooimage.com/files/2/b/6/ressort-avant-moog-6204-bb-14ca678.jpg

Here is the result of height of body and wheels.

http://img42.xooimage.com/files/a/2/3/imgp0012-15d1754.jpg
Here is a picture where you can see differences between 3 coils:
Left to right: 1) THE NEW MOOG, 2) THE OLDS where you can see under a part to complète use coil, and 3) NEW coils that was cut -2 inch (where mount 2 week ago and Front fender was touch the front tire !!!)

http://img24.xooimage.com/files/4/4/f/imgp0003-15d1750.jpg


http://img25.xooimage.com/files/2/6/0/imgp0013-15d175c.jpg

http://img48.xooimage.com/files/1/9/7/imgp0022-15d1767.jpg

I finally found the ride height I like. I went with the moog 5272. They are for 65-67 Oldsmobile Holiday Cutlass, F88,Vista Cruiser, and GTO. It sits perfect. This was my 3rd set of springs so lets just say that I'm glad they are right because there probably wouldn't have been a fourth attempt made. Pain in the !##. Wayne

Hi Wayne,

Glad to hear you finally found a spring you were happy with. I have a '67 Chevelle with a 396 and a tired set of springs. Could you post a picture of your car with the 5272 springs. Would love to see how it sits with these.

Thanks,
Chris

Hey Chris, I will take a picture tomorrow and try to post a picture here. I've never posted pictures but have been instructed by a member. Give it a try. Worst case I will get your email and email it to you. Wayne

Here is a picture of stance with moog 5272 front springs. I have other pictures that I'm trying to post here. Haven't quite figured out this posting thing yet.

http://i807.photobucket.com/albums/yy358/66chevelle/002.jpg

Wayne

Here are the other pics. I finally figured this computer stuff out. I think I'd rather tear down a motor!!!!!!

http://i807.photobucket.com/albums/yy358/66chevelle/003.jpg
http://i807.photobucket.com/albums/yy358/66chevelle/004.jpg
http://i807.photobucket.com/albums/yy358/66chevelle/001.jpg

Wayne

Hi and thanks Wayne for these pictures...it seem to be the same height that my chevelle but mine is in 17 inch wheels so it more higher from the ground !
My rear wheel tires are 275/55/17 so i like the result of look !

Nice 66 chevelle you have...what is this modèle ? it seem to be an SS396 ? :yes:

Hey to you in France. Yes it is a SS 396. Click on my signature link and you can see some more pictures. They are old, I need to update them. About the only thing I have left to do is put it back to original colors. Marina blue with blue interior. Glad to see you got yours to the height you like. Sounds like you went through the same problems I did. Let's just say changing front springs is not at the top of my fun list. If I can be of help to you in future feel free to ask. You can private message also. Glad to help if I can. Wayne. What is your name?

Thanks Wayne for our last message...my name is Fabrice, 37 years old and on soon 5 years that like all musclecars...(he always work with me on my chevelle since his young years old !!!!

Your chevelle is very nice ith this color and i like very much intérior in red !!!
My chevelle is a malibu and i would to keep the front electric bench...so i ordered one years ago all kit to restore bench because on french tittle car, it's very rare to have à 2 doors sport car with 6 possible passenger on the title and i thought that it's à nice idea to conserve/keep this front bench than install for example on my stree machine sport bucket/seat...

Have à great day Wayne !

http://www.chevelle.fr/chevelle.fr/photo/Images_autos/Etapes_restoration/Restauration_Banquette/16.Jpg

http://www.chevelle.fr/chevelle.fr/photo/Images_autos/Etapes_restoration/Suite_et_fin_restauration_banquette_avant_Juillet_ 2008/08.JPG

http://www.chevelle.fr/chevelle.fr/photo/Images_autos/Etapes_restoration/Suite_et_fin_restauration_banquette_avant_Juillet_ 2008/35.JPG

http://www.chevelle.fr/chevelle.fr/photo/Photos_meetings/2009_Le_09_%28Septembre%29_20_photos_champs_ble/17.jpg

http://www.chevelle.fr/chevelle.fr/photo/Images_autos/Photos_detente/Rencontre_trains_uscars/57.jpg

http://www.chevelle.fr/chevelle.fr/photo/Images_autos/Photos_detente/Rencontre_trains_uscars/05.jpg

On this photo it's me in the train electric machine, my job is driving train on the suburb on PARIS and this day, i weared an old uniform with old accessory for FUN !!!! hope you will laught and spend à good time with watching this funny photos...!:yes:
http://www.chevelle.fr/chevelle.fr/photo/Images_autos/Photos_detente/Rencontre_trains_uscars/10.jpg

IF YOU WANT TO SEE ALL PHOTO OF THIS FUN MEETING WITH FRENCH TRAIN GO on this link:
CLICK HERE CLICK HERE (http://www.chevelle.fr/chevelle.fr/articles.php?lng=fr&pg=406)

OR HERE OTHER LINK WITH A WONDERFUL FRENCH VAPOR TRAIN DATE 1913 (http://www.chevelle.fr/chevelle.fr/articles.php?lng=fr&pg=411)
http://www.chevelle.fr/chevelle.fr/photo/Images_autos/Photos_detente/2009_Le_10_%28Octobre%29_03_Une_Machine_a_vapeur_a vec_nos_autos/50.jpg

http://www.chevelle.fr/chevelle.fr/photo/Images_autos/Photos_detente/2009_Le_10_%28Octobre%29_03_Une_Machine_a_vapeur_a vec_nos_autos/18.jpg

Cool Pics!

Fabrice, Awesome pictures. There are cars there that people here would love to have. Great to see American muscle being enjoyed by others around the world. I noticed you are missing the passenger fender eyebrow molding. They are available if you need one. Team chevelle sponsor ground up has them as well as ebay and other chevelle parts catalogs. Keep cruisin.
Wayne

Wayne,
It sounds like I found many of the same dead end streets you were on. I am sort of in the same boat but have drop spindles and want to stop rubbing the front tires when I turn. I need another 1/2" but want a full inch.

I'm glad you found the springs that make your car sit up where it belongs but how does it ride?
It looks like when you compare the spec 5272 to the 5244 it is a bit stiffer 327 rate, only a 1/4" taller and bigger wire. What worries me is the load rating of 2279 vs. 2124.

How stiff is the car compared to the 5244 springs?

Here are my options for moog srings.

spring Install height load rate(lbs) spring rate(lbs/in) free height
5244 (in car now) 11in 2124 315 17.75
5230 11 1884 251 18.25
5234 11 2025 297 17.81
6204 11 2015 265 18.61

I would like to know which of the other 3 choices will give me about 1 inch higher ride height? your help is badly needed. Thanks Wayne

I finally found the ride height I like. I went with the moog 5272. They are for 65-67 Oldsmobile Holiday Cutlass, F88,Vista Cruiser, and GTO. It sits perfect. This was my 3rd set of springs so lets just say that I'm glad they are right because there probably wouldn't have been a fourth attempt made. Pain in the !##. Wayne

If anyone else come with a similar problem here is the math:

Ride height difference = 1.7 X [ 2 + ( SR old X 2 + LR old - LR new ) / SR new ]

SR = Spring Rate (lb/in)
LR = Load Rate (lb)
1.7 = Approx front Installation Ratio for Chevelle (For rear = 1)
2 = Approx compression of old spring under car weight (in) (For rear = 3.5 in)

So taking the numbers (from this source (http://www.classiccarsprings.com/coil-spring-specifications.html)):

spring Install height load rate(lbs) spring rate(lbs/in) free height
5244 (in car now) 11in 2124 315 17.75
5272 11in 2279 327 17.99

Ride height difference = 1.7 X [ 2 + ( 315 X 2 + 2124 - 2279 ) / 327 ]
Ride height difference = 0.93 in

Similarly for the other springs compare to 5244:

5230 Ride height difference = -2.49 in
5234 Ride height difference = -0.77 in
6204 Ride height difference = -1.34 in

So all these springs would lower the vehicle because of the negative sign.

Math trial and error is easier and cheaper than parts trial and error!

It looks like when you compare the spec 5272 to the 5244 it is a bit stiffer 327 rate, only a 1/4" taller and bigger wire. What worries me is the load rating of 2279 vs. 2124.

How stiff is the car compared to the 5244 springs?

The load rating is not really important, it is the spring rate that matters more. In this case, 327 vs 315 is pretty close. It is actually about 1.9% stiffer (You take the square root of 327 / 315 which equals 1.019 or 101.9%)

Wayne, if you're still out there.... the pic in your signature where there are blue buildings in the back ground, which front springs were in your car at the time of that pic? (I agree, it sat too low) My 66 396, no A/C with 235/60/15's on 15x8 ralleys up front rub the inner fender wells as I'm cruising at speed and hit a dip in the road. I'm trying to decide what front spring to install. I have no idea what is currently installed in my car. I love the way your new stance looks.

Great stuff Fabrice!! Wasn't aware of any American classics in France too. Great looking cars you guys have!! Just dont park them so close to the railroad tracks!! :D

Jack, thanks for the spring info. Saved all of it.

Mark and Scott, sorry I haven't been on the site in a while. Scott, the car rides awsome. This past october I took a road trip to Watkins Glenn race track, it's a road course and took 3 laps behind pace car at speeds of 60 to 110mph and the car handled above expectations. I was able to stay with the pace car even in the corners with stock suspention. Was very happy even under extreme braking enter the corners. No rubs at all. It also rides great when just cruising. I don't see any noticable difference in the stiffness.

Mark, that picture was taken when It had the original shocks in it. I can't tell you what they were. I then changed those springs out with new 5244 which is what is called for big block with air. They raised the front up some but still not where I liked it. Still had too much rake. The bottom of the fender was just above the top of the tire. If it's not too late, I would recommend the 5272. Of course every car is different but I think you will be happy.
Driver side front fendr height is 27 1/2
Passenger side front is 27 1/2. I run 225/70/15 tires with 27 in diameter.

Again guys, sorry I was gone so long and took so long to answer back.

Hope I was able to help you.
Wayne