Front springs : A/C vs non A/C ?

On my skylark cust conv after a complete stock suspension rebuild , my drivers side front is sitting aprox 1" higher than the pass side. Going through my receipts ,I double checked part numbers and found my front springs ( a/c delco ) are listed for " non- a/c vehicle. Would this account for uneven front end ? Purchased springs from rock and did it through a cust service rep. Can't return them but at least Ill know what my problem is. Double checked and springs are seated correctly

 

What year?

The chassis service manual for my 71' shows that shims can be used in the front to even out side to side differences. 1" difference is a lot. The manual says 1" and above cannot be fixed by shimming, and to check to see if they are seated properly (you said you did this). Seated means the 3 tangs on top are inside the spring. If that's good, make sure they are also clocked correctly. There is a small slot in your lower control arm, make sure the end of your spring is within the chassis manual recommended spec (1/4" from end of spring to slot).

I had the same problem. I made some shims at work from 304SS plate (1/16", 3/16" and 1/4") I ended up using the 3/16" and it got me even enough. I had about a 3/8"-1/2" difference side to side. I read somewhere (probably here) that whatever thickness shim you use, it approximately doubles the height of that shim. That seemed to be the case when I did mine.

The thing I noticed, and didn't like, was when I used the shim it lessened (obviously) the engagement of the 3 tangs into the center of the spring at the top. The chassis manual shows 1/4" shims and recommends not using any more than two, so 1/2" total. I don't see how the upper spring would even stay in place with 1/2" of shim there.

 

How much time has passed since the work? They will take some time for them to settle.

Was the suspension tightened after it was back on the ground?

 

Some years, according to the parts books, had different springs left and right for a/c cars.
This was to counteract the extra weight of the a/c equipment.
A lot of work, but you could try swapping the springs left/right or shim like mentioned above.

 

Been 9 months since installed, was 2" for first 3 months settled to 1". Rear suspension done as well, double checked to be sure but frame is straight & true.Had someone else check install & all is good. Thinking maybe the non a/c springs might not be able to handle the xtra weight ?

 

Measure from each front frame horn to the ground on a level surface and see how far off they are from each other.
If they're close, then you may have a body bushing problem making it look like the car is not level. o No:

 

You didn't say what year it is.

Are there rubber/neoprene isolators on top of the springs?

 

1968 skylark cust conv no isolators

 

If the springs are seated and clocked correctly, the next thing would be what Jim asked. Were the control arms tightened up after it was set on the ground? If they were tightened while up in the air, you're going to have problems like unevenness and tearing up the bushings.

I would get under there, loosen the bolts and bounce it a few times, then re-tighten. See if that changes any of your measurements.

 

Will try loosening/retightening the shafts

 

After reading more about coil springs than I thought was possible in one lifetime, I'm getting used to the idea that the springs are incorrect for my application and the front suspension is coming out again. My springs AC/DELCO part # 45H0045 are Moog's by all account. Reading through some of the threads here it sounds like the left & right springs could be different but I didn't see any makings on them. I'm going to call Eaton Springs after hearing their name come up frequently, and get their take on my " dilemma . Keep you posted

 

After a couple weeks of picking brains & searching any relevant posts going to do it over again. The springs I ordered where w/AC & non- AC springs are what I received and installed. I'm not a pro at this so going to eat up better part of the wkd but HOPEFULLY since it's less than yr old, nothing should be stuck. Afterwards can finally get this car aligned & try out the new 15" rally's and tires at last!

 

Keep us posted. I am interested in how it goes.

 

I had a similar problem and found the lower control arm bushing on passenger side was worn and let the control arm move outward. I couldn't see it until I took the control arms off to do the bushings. Not sure if you replaced all the bushings and ball joints, but it might be in one of these areas.

Once I replaced the bushings etc., my car is now within 1/4" side to side.

 

Changed every front end part there is, bushings, bj', centerlink etc you can change Mike . Everything was torqued to spec and I tightened the shafts after car was let down off the lift. Springs were seated correctly, just chalked it up as a learning experience . When dealing w/ real people on the phone not just pointing & clicking, mistakes will still be made.

 

Wow, bummer Rich. I hope you get this mystery figured out. I was going to mention checking the rear springs because that also caused part of my problem. But I re-read your posts and saw that you rebuilt the rear too. I'm out of ideas.

 

just a follow up on the issue with front springs I've been having.Front end reinstalled (again) and all seems good. Measurements show less than 1/4" height difference between both sides. Thats close enough for me with old 14' tire/rim combo and no alignment yet. Now for the 15" Rally"s and tires and alignment and all will be well in the world-at least until the next project !

 

So did you find anything that told what the problem was or just reinstalled everything and it straightened out? o No:

 

I was given the wrong springs from the seller. I purposely spoke with a real person and reviewed my order when done for accuracy and still the incorrect springs were received. My bad for not going over the shipping papers which stated " w/o air " when I stated (twice) with air. The difference between the two springs due to the weight of the a/c ,raised the height of the car 1" on the drivers side. My lessons learned are 1) you can never review your order with someone enough 2) The parts arrived appeared correct but maybe if I would have read the papers' I would have picked up on the wrong part sooner. The plus side of all this is I learned more about front end installation ,thanks to the Board, than I knew before.

 

Glad you got it straightened out!

My car doesn't have A/C so my problem wasn't the springs. Could you see a difference in the L&R springs that are for A/C cars? I'm just curious and want to learn what I can from your experience.

1/4" difference side to side is pretty acceptable in my opinion. Good job!