I've always thought my car kind of sagged in the rear, compared to some of the photos I've seen on here. Particularly worse with someone in the backseat. I thought I had replaced the rear springs when I had my car apart, but couldn't locate a receipt for them in my collection. I found a receipt for new Moog front springs. So, thought I'd try some new Moog cargo coils, part #CC501. While I was at it, I installed new front and rear shocks. The 25+ year old Sears Steadirider shocks had given up the ghost on the front. Surprisingly, the rears still had a gas charge in them. Also installed new spring insulators on the rear springs. The new NAPA insulators are a hard plastic, not rubber like the originals. I should note, my car has P235/60R-15's all the way around. Hey, they were free!p Some P245's would probably help more. New springs (CC501) were purchased off Amazon for $59.59 with free shipping. New front shocks (NAPA #5804) were $54.00 for a pair. New rear shocks (NAPA #5802) were $47.40 for a pair. Insulators (NAPA #274-9140) were $6.98 for a pair. The service manual specs for a 1970 GS455 are: Point A (center of front fenderwell) 26 1/2" Point B (front of rocker panel) 9 11/16" Point C ( rear of rocker panel) 9 3/8" Point D (center of rear fenderwell) 24 5/16" I thought it was interesting that the specs for a base Skylark were higher. So before and after results with a few crappy pictures coming up. ---------- Post added at 03:39 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:34 PM ---------- Here's the before. Measurements are approximate. Point A- 25 7/8" Point B- 9 3/8" Point C- 9 1/2" Point D- 24 5/8" ---------- Post added at 03:44 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:39 PM ---------- Here's the after: Point A- 26" Point B- 9 5/8" Point C- 9 3/4" Point D- 25" ---------- Post added at 03:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:44 PM ---------- Here's old vs. new parts. I wanted to mention that the new NAPA shocks are stamped with "MADE IN USA" on them. Gained about 3/8"-1/2" on the rear. The results aren't spectacular, but I hope it holds up better with a passenger in the rear seat, or some junk in the trunk. I hope this little pic essay helps someone out. I haven't taken the car for a ride yet, so I might update this later.
Mine has a similar spring setup as it used to be a tow truck for a 5000# boat. It is very firm out back.
Brad, what did you use for a hitch? I guess I'm asking if it was a hitch from the 70's or something newer?
I read awhile back that replacing the springs on an old car is one of the best bang for you buck investments. First thing I did when I bought the Riv.
Dwayne, It was an original owner setup from the 70s and had been removed prior to my possession. There are some small pads still welded to the frame out at the back bumper. Your pictures inspired me to go take a measurement. Got 26 inches to the center ridge on the stainless molding; my 295x15R50tires are roughly 26.5 inches tall. It all fits clean but tight in the wheelwell with no rubbing. After seeing your springs I crawled under mine and saw similar if not the same springs. I had never seen a new set for comparison.
Another option if you need more lift is the rear springs I just installed on my '72 ragtop - Moog 5415. Good for about 1" above stock and gives the car a slight musclecar rake. I'm running 255-15 in the rear so that accounts for some of that but still probably providing just a bit more height than the CC's. Don't forget new springs typically settle a bit with time so you may find your gain diminish at some point. The Moog 5415 springs are a full coil higher than the stock height Moog 5385 springs were. Fun to get in but worth every bruised knuckle :grin:
Thanks everyone for the info and comments. Yes, I expect them to settle a bit. I was afraid I wouldn't like the ride with a taller/stouter spring. We'll see how these go then decide if I would need/like something different. I'm thinking some 245's or the repro G60's might go on, when these dry rot or wear out, before any other spring change.
i have cargo coils in my '72 gs. installed in 2002. u will that the rear is a bit higher, but the car will ride a little harder in the rear.
