[10bolt]

I have installed the springs and am finished with the rebuild. Even though my engine is out, the car is sitting really high and it feels really stiff! I was standing on the crossmember and the car wasn't going anywhere. How much does an engine weigh? Can't be that much more. Besides it was suppose to be an inch lower than what i HAD. Has anybody used these products and have had the same thing happen.
thanks
steve

 

[jpete]

A small block weighs in the neighborhood of 450-500lbs. Add 100 or more for a big block. So unless you are a really BIG boy, you won't get much movement. I think the Hotchkis front springs are something like 650lb/inch springs so again, it will be really stiff until you get everything on the car.

Jeff

 

[RAMBO]

You are having the same problem folks have who torque their upper and lower control arms when the car is in the air. You need to torque them down when they are fully loaded..

With the engine out of the car- that means that there was no load- that explains why it sits so high.

put the engine in- loosten the upper and lower control arm bolts and retorque with it on the ground and all the weight on it- It will come right down.

 

[USFATL]

Listen to Ben! I did the same thing and the front end sat 2"-3" higher than it sits now. I also used the PST super polygraphite front end rebuild kit. You can check out the stance of my '71 in my sig.

Regards,

 

[10bolt]

Thanks guys
Well I'm waiting for the engine to be finished at the shop right now. I'll loosen the ams up and drop the motor in and see what happens.
what kind of springs are you using on your 71? Thats where I would like my car to sit.
thanks
steve

 

[USFATL]

They are Hotchkis BB 1" drop springs.
I also have a PST 1 1/4" sway bar up front.

Regards,

 

[1966_L78]

Besides it was suppose to be an inch lower than what i HAD.

Only if you had NEW springs to begin with...

The Hotchkis are supposed to be about 1" lower that "stock", but springs will settle over time. Its likely that a 35+ year old spring may alread let the car sit more than 1-inch lower than it did when new. So don't be surprised if the car sits the same or higher...

I have also heard that new springs and suspension take a few months to "settle down". Not sure if this is true either, but that might add more height even with the motor installed...