67-454 Front Springs too High [Archive] - Chevelle Tech

: 67-454 Front Springs too High


Troy Harrison
Apr 25th, 05, 2:32 PM
I had new Big Block Moog 5244 springs installed (new bushings, etc. all in front end), tok to alignment place and they can't get it to align. It sits like 3" too high, and you can push or pull fornt end up.down and it stays(!). We loosened everythign up and tried to get it to settle, but nothing is working. My question is should I go for Small Block springs, or 3" lowered BB spring? to get it to settle and lower. There just seems to be too much pressure on front end right now and it sits real high (4-5 inches from top of wheel to fender well). Any thoughts on any of this welcome. I searched/read archives, but did not find anything appropriate. thank you.

1966_L78
Apr 25th, 05, 5:22 PM
Troy,
Several things come to mind:

Are the springs really "correct" for 67 BB? Or are they more of a general BB part number to cover several years/applications? I have no idea what the correct specs are for 67 BB...

There were often different springs for A/C, etc (although maybe not for BB). Moog might only make one set to cover all the applications, instead of multiple sets...

Are your tires smaller/shorter than "stock"? Again, I am not sure on the correct diameter for original Chevelles, but if your tire is smaller in diameter, and will make the fender-to-wheel spacing look larger than stock...

Have you tried comparing measurements to stock specifications? I know for 1966, the Assembly Manual (about $20 at resto suppliers) has listings of the different measurements for different equipment/options... Maybe its just looks really high, because you are used to seeing Chevelles usually lower...

Were the springs installed correctly? Sometimes there are notches in the frame for the end of the spring to fit in... If the spring isn't seated correctly, it could raise the car by 1"-1.5" (I had this happen once)...

When you loosened everything to let it settle, did you tighten everything with the weight on the wheels?

Just some thoughts...

Troy Harrison
Apr 25th, 05, 6:31 PM
Thanks. They are 67, no AC BB. Tires might be smaller, but nothing fancy, just "regular" tires. It sat a little low w/old original springs, so I had new put in. I'm not so much concerned with the height, just that it would align. It rides great actually, wheels just slant slightly in on top. We loosened everything and banged it around a little over curbs, etc. to try & loosen/free-up the bushings, but that only helped a little. It's still all loose. I ordered 3" lowered BB springs, going to try that. Thank you!

442 Ragtop
Apr 25th, 05, 6:57 PM
It it's going up/down, and staying put, there's some other problem than the springs. Regardless of what springs are in, if you push it down, it should rebound to the original position; likewise if you lift it up.

Troy Harrison
Apr 25th, 05, 7:42 PM
Hey thanks for all the input. Going to try new springs. Should I replace the A-Frame bushings or should they be OK? Is that where it's binding up? Th epart was from OPGI catalog. They basically have three types of springs: BB, w/AC, BB w/o AC & BB Low-Pro 2" or 3". I am going to try the 3". The springs on their now are NEW BB 67 springs. Are you saying lower & stiffer is no good? Thanks for al your help.

Troy Harrison
Apr 26th, 05, 6:19 AM
Oh man, just thought of something that wwoke me this AM. What if the 3" lowered spings are MORE than 3" lower than one I have in there now!? Crud. ANY INFO on why it might be sticking up/down would be much appreciated. Also, do I have to get new lowered shocks? Crud. Regards, T.

rthlc
Apr 27th, 05, 1:10 AM
I have a moog spring catalog and the 5244 is the only number listed for 67 BB chevelles so it should be the correct spring for your application and the springs should settle some however it sounds like they will still be higher than you would like.

I've posted this before but I put together a chart showing dimensions and spring rates for every srping I could find in the catalog which looked like it might work. I can't promise every one will fit because I haven't seen or tried them but according to the info available in the catalog they looked like they might.

http://www.hal-pc.org/~rthlc/64-67_front_springs.html

Incidentally here is the chart for 68-72 design springs..

http://www.hal-pc.org/~rthlc/68-72_front_springs.html

BTW, check your private messages Troy if you haven't already.

jaqazi
May 1st, 05, 10:19 AM
oh man, I wish I would have seen this earlier. A 3" drop spring is a pretty big drop. 2" is usually more than adequate. With that much of a drop you may have to change the back too. Hope it works out.

Oh, alignment issues may have other sources. Big block cars tend to have frame sag. The engine is so heavy that over 40 years, the cross member starts to cave in a bit. This can cause big problems with alignment.

My 67 sat pretty high in the front too. Springs are supposed to settle out over time, but mine was still pretty high after 3000 mi.

Hoovestol
May 6th, 05, 2:23 PM
Hey Troy,

I just lowered my 66 back on the tires last night after a full rebuild.

I went around and around and around with spring numbers and manufacturers and all the rest. Finally I just ordered all new springs from Coil Spring Specialties (www.coilsprings.com). They were really nice and my car looks perfect (in my humble opinion).

Anyway, I ordered them with a 1/2 inch drop from stock in the front and a 2 inch raise in the rear since I dislike the "saggy ass" look of original chevelles.

If your problem doesn't go away, you might want to give them a call. They can make any spring for any application you need.

-Curtis Hoovestol