coil springs and shocks help needed

[bhclark]

Hey,
I'm shopping for new front and rear coil springs and shocks for my '59 Invicta.
Local parts places have front coil springs and rear shocks(intereting combo?), but can't get me a complete set.
I've got prices for the springs ranging from $65 a pair from ESPO up to $175 a pair from CARS!
What's the difference? How do I know I'm getting the right springs? I need to get it right the first time, cause I'm paying a shop to put them in.
Does anyone have GM specs for these/

Also looking to get shocks...preferable upgrade to Gas charged instead of the tube-type. Does anyone have info on these? Again, Cars looks like they want about a 300% markup over Monroe shocks...but I dont have a spec for the front shocks from anyone? Am I stuck overpaying for these components?

Thanks!

[DougB]

Kanter Auto Products carries Springs and shocks (800) 526-1096. Also Monroeshockabsorbers.com has a tech line to give OEM replacement part numbers and HD part numbers. '59 Shop Manual doesn't give specs on either.

Doug

[flynbuick]

Model 4639?

No Ac?

[wkillgs]

Look closely at your original springs for a number....my '66 springs had a stamping which showed a number that specified the rate and wire diameter. Or measure the diameter of the spring....that should give you the info you need to order the correct replacement spring.
ESPO is pretty good, but they did have incorrect info for my '66 GS Skylark GS..

[bhclark]

Model 4639?

No Ac?

Correct. No AC, No air ride.

Isn't it strange parts suppliers would spec front coils only and back shocks only?

Monroe only lists the rear shocks on their website and in the auto parts stores books.....

[bhclark]

Look closely at your original springs for a number....my '66 springs had a number which showed a number that specified the rate. Also measure the diameter of the spring....that should give you the info you need to order the correct replacement spring.
ESPO is pretty good, but they did have incorrect info for my '66 GS Skylark GS...pM me for details...

Uh, they're 45 years old, and even though the car is dry, the springs are still a bit coated in rust....not sure I could find a part number on there if it was molded on, much less stamped in!!!!!!!!!
But I'll look.

I've got GM part numbers now from another helpful site....where do I go to match these up?
GM part numbers are:
Front coil 1185808
rear coil 1188956 (1188957 for heavy loads)
front shock 5543743 (these would be the old tube type)
rear shock 5543744 (ditto tube type)

After looking at my front shocks...I THINK I can reuse them, they look very new, as long as the weak spring hasn't prematurely aged them. (only number I could find on them was 0455 stamped in them. They are solid black.)
Rear shocks arent' a problem....Monroe makes those...but I was kind of wanting a complete matching set to try to eliminate any variances and make sure everything comes out level.

Thanks for all your help!

[desertrat_1960]

[QUOTE=bhclark]Hey,

Also looking to get shocks...preferable upgrade to Gas charged instead of the tube-type. Does anyone have info on these? Again, Cars looks like they want about a 300% markup over Monroe shocks...but I dont have a spec for the front shocks from anyone? Am I stuck overpaying for these components?

Thanks![/QUOT

Hey try this site , http://www.classiccarsprings.com/coilspring.html

They didn't show Buick so I tried a 59 Impala w/348 ci . with/without A/C .here atr the Moog #'s and their prices ;

Front : Moog # 6004 w/AC $ 60.86
Moog # 6000 wo/AC $ 65.03

Rear: Moog # 661 $ 61.63 (These are Regular Service).
Moog # 6033 $ 63.72 ( HVY Duty)

Follow their site to Spring Specs , It will give you all specs /spring design .
Steve

[bhclark]

Kanter Auto Products carries Springs and shocks (800) 526-1096. Also Monroeshockabsorbers.com has a tech line to give OEM replacement part numbers and HD part numbers. '59 Shop Manual doesn't give specs on either.

Doug
Yeah, I checked Kanter..they're the highest priced on the springs and want $45 each for the shocks(which seem to be equivalent to the $15 monroes. (only difference is they will supply a set.....I just want to know what shock they are using in that set for the fronts!!!!!)

I need someone on the inside, willing to divulge the industry secret!!!

[bhclark]

[QUOTE=bhclark]Hey,

Also looking to get shocks...preferable upgrade to Gas charged instead of the tube-type. Does anyone have info on these? Again, Cars looks like they want about a 300% markup over Monroe shocks...but I dont have a spec for the front shocks from anyone? Am I stuck overpaying for these components?

Thanks![/QUOT

Hey try this site , http://www.classiccarsprings.com/coilspring.html

They didn't show Buick so I tried a 59 Impala w/348 ci . with/without A/C .here atr the Moog #'s and their prices ;

Front : Moog # 6004 w/AC $ 60.86
Moog # 6000 wo/AC $ 65.03

Rear: Moog # 661 $ 61.63 (These are Regular Service).
Moog # 6033 $ 63.72 ( HVY Duty)

Follow their site to Spring Specs , It will give you all specs /spring design .
Steve

Yeah, I tried that too!!
I'm guessing this is what I would get from ESPO, since it's the same price range.
According to Moog's website, these appear to be general use springs for cars of the same size/weight, as opposed to OEM spec.
i'm just wondering if it's worth the extra to pay for whatever it is that CARS and EATON are selling?

[desertrat_1960]

[QUOTE=desertrat_1960]

Yeah, I tried that too!!
I'm guessing this is what I would get from ESPO, since it's the same price range.
According to Moog's website, these appear to be general use springs for cars of the same size/weight, as opposed to OEM spec.
i'm just wondering if it's worth the extra to pay for whatever it is that CARS and EATON are selling?

I would not pay the Extra for these springs from anyone ! Moog is a Moog wherever you go . I tried the Impala / 348 just because I thought the weight would be in the "Ball Park" for your application . Hope it helped .
Steve

[flynbuick]

I've got GM part numbers now from another helpful site....where do I go to match these up?
GM part numbers are:
Front coil 1185808
rear coil 1188956 (1188957 for heavy loads)
front shock 5543743 (these would be the old tube type)
rear shock 5543744 (ditto tube type)



I show the same number for the rear--- 11888956.

For the front I show--- 1352761.