I installed new springs in my 70 and it sits way to low, I put in HD small block w/ air springs on the advice of a friend. I questioned it because it has a 396 w/ air , but I was told it would sit way to high with BB w/ air springs. Any idea what I can put in it so it sits like it would of new?
Coil spring questions
sparky1698
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I installed new springs in my 70 and it sits way to low, I put in HD small block w/ air springs on the advice of a friend. I questioned it because it has a 396 w/ air , but I was told it would sit way to high with BB w/ air springs. Any idea what I can put in it so it sits like it would of new?
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Jon I have a small block in my 72 and when I installed the sb w/air springs it also sits to low. I think BB springs might solve our problem. It is just such a PIA to change them.
The factory ride height of our cars was quite high by todays standards, it is a look I like and want tohave on my car. The only concern I have in using the BB springs is the ride.
The factory ride height of our cars was quite high by todays standards, it is a look I like and want tohave on my car. The only concern I have in using the BB springs is the ride.
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The problem I have been running into is when you look up springs at various suppliers the part # always seem to be the same for bb air and sb air. Maybe somebody will chime in with a actual part # and maybe a picture of how their car sits. It looks good low put I want it to sit like it would of from the Factory.
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Are they TRW or Moog springs you are using? Take a measurement of your front end at the wheel opening, then use a floor jack and lift the front end to get the desired height. Post
back with current part # and the two different measurements and I may be able to help out.
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Phil, it seems that NAPA lists 6 cyl. a/c springs and small block a/c springs under the same NCP 2771981 part number. I would suggest a TRW/Moog part # CS5382. This particular spring in my opinion gives a 68-72 big block car that just above stock look with the 14"/F70 wheel tire combo. So with your small block and 15' wheel you will stand to gain that little extra I believe you are looking for. Now if you want to go all out sky is the limit I would recommend the CS5400 '70 el camino BB spring, the nice part about this spring is you can cut and tailor it to your liking, will take some extra effort and patience but in the end it is exact to your requirement. FWIW my '69 has CS5382 spring and has the following; big block, no a/c, auto. trans. and a 4 row stock radiator. Measures 27 1/8, measurement taken at center of wheel from ground to the bottom of the wheel house trim and is outfitted with 14' rims and F70 tires. I should also mention that the spring rate on these particular springs isn't crazy and you should be able to maintain a decent ride.
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Ok, after some measuring mine sits at 23 3/4 inches and I jacked it up to 27 inches and it looks good. I checked in the assembly manual and from the ground to the bottom of the rocker should be 9.70 + or - .38 and mine is right at 10 inches. The springs I ordered from Ground Up, but I dont have the box anymore so I called them and they told me the SB springs should be Moog 5390 and the BB w/ air should be Moog 5400. After some checking I think Moog 5450 would work, maybe. Let me know what you all think. Thanks
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Phil, the CS5382 should get you where you want to be, just keep in mind the car will settle down about 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch after installation, then have the alignment shop reset your camber.
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Jon, fairly certain the CS5450 will work fine as I believe they are the '70 big block HD replacement spring for your application. The CS5400 is listed as a '70 El Camino spring and as I stated in a previous post they will get the nose up, maybe too much, lots of variables. FWIW if you ever decide to go with the 14" stock wheel tire combo. you may not be happy with the CS5400 (too much gap with the smaller tire). That said if you are planning on running a 15" wheel with lets say 27" tall tire and considering your car has a/c you can probably pull it off. It really boils down to how much gap between the fender and tire is unreasonable to you. One thing is for certain the stance on any vehicle is the first thing people notice on a car, long before they get close enough to see the paint or any detail.:yes:
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Im running stock SS wheels and 225-70-14 Radial Ta's which I think is the same as a F-70-14. Thanks for the info:thumbsup:
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So far it appears Summit may have the best price on the CS5382. I'l will get them ordered so they will be here and ready to go in when I get the engine back together. I'll post back and let you know how they did for me.
Okay, this question may have been asked before, but please indulge me. I plan on replacing my Chevelle LS-6 (obviously, with no A/C) front springs that are as close to the original ones that came from the factory. I'm doing so because of the age of the original springs. Can anyone steer me in the right direction as to the Brand, Part number and a supplier?
I'm unable to determine the distance between the top of the original F70-14 tire and the fender, because the fenders are off the car. I plan on using a tire compatable to the original F70-14's, such as the 225-70-14 Radial's, due to their age as well. I am also using new repop GM spiral shocks all the way around.
The engine is the original 454-450 hp, LS-6, with the original cast exhaust manifolds and no modifications with the exception of a HEI distributor. It should be noted that I'm unsure I will run the smog pump with all it's plumbling. (concerning front end weight).
Thanks in advance.
Respectfully,
John R.
I'm unable to determine the distance between the top of the original F70-14 tire and the fender, because the fenders are off the car. I plan on using a tire compatable to the original F70-14's, such as the 225-70-14 Radial's, due to their age as well. I am also using new repop GM spiral shocks all the way around.
The engine is the original 454-450 hp, LS-6, with the original cast exhaust manifolds and no modifications with the exception of a HEI distributor. It should be noted that I'm unsure I will run the smog pump with all it's plumbling. (concerning front end weight).
Thanks in advance.
Respectfully,
John R.
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After alot of advice from John and alot of research I ended up ordering Moog #5450 from Summit Racing, good price and free shipping. The listing shows they are for a 454 car. I have them at the Powdercoaters now. I will let you know how it sits when I get them in.
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This post was going in a great direction. Right up till no one bothered posting results. :sad:
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