Hey!, I have a 1971 buick skylark custom 350-4. I have some slight mods like intake, carb, headers, shift kit, done to it but now I'm ready to get rid of the old "sagging buick" look and give the car a meaner stance. I have the original coil springs all around and they seem fine but the backs should be replaced as they are leaning a tad now to the drivers side. Anyways I'm looking to add a little bit of rake to the rear end. I was wondering if I should use spacers, new coils, or larger tires in the rear? All will work but I was wondering what the best combo is. Thanks! -Preston
Most people find that a 275/60-15 will fit on a factory Buick 7" rim under the rear. That's a pretty tall tire. I'd avoid spacers unless you just want to get an idea what it would look like temporarily. New springs aren't that expensive and would certainly get your rear up a bit as well. How raked do you want it?
I would like about 2-3 inches of rake. not a ton but enough for that "look". Right now I have 14'' rally wheels and id like to get 15''s for the back but with something like a 8.5''in width. If I bought new springs they would not lift the car as much as id like so are there any aftermarket springs that will raise the car? there are tons of lowering springs but none to raise the rear end.
If you were to buy a set for a Skylark wagon, they would be taller and stiffer. I did that for many years. The wheel well cleared the entire tire.
That would be great! I'm also looking to get 275/60/15 tire/ wheel combo in the rear with the stock 14s in the front. Would that tire combo with the wagon springs in the rear be to much? or would they compliment each other??
Preston. Call Eaton Springs, tell them what car you have, how much stiffer you would like the springs to be beyond stock, and how higher you would like the car over stock. I custom order all my springs from them and they hit the nail on the head every time. Call me if you want more info or help. Kooch 717-634-4001 East coast time
I put taller rear springs in and got a nice 4" rake, now I have the problem that the front hasn't been done and sits to low. All the springs I find are for lowering, I don't think I need custom springs I just need to find a set of stock springs for a 455. any ideas?
This rake really hurts the handling of a street car. It is something best reserved for strip cars. Also if it is leaning to one side, be sure to check for a collapsed body bushing or rust in the frame where the body bushings sit.
What would be an acceptable amount of rake for a street car then, with out affecting performance. I have not noticed any difference in handling yet but have not driven it long distance either.
I think our cars look good with a 28" tall tire in the back and 26 in the front. My Global West front end dropped the front a little too much so had to put a spring spacer under the front springs to bring it back up a bit. Like to have 4" under the front crossmember. Tuned the back with air bags,shocks, and spacers. This allowed the rear springs to be on the soft side.
If you want a seriously cool look get some 15x10 rear wheels and put 295/50/15 tires on the rear. Run stock 15x7 on the front (WG if you can get them. This sets the tires out just a little bit more than stock.) with 245/60/15 tires this will be very very close to level and look stock from the side. Your car will look mean from the rear when people see the meat under the wheel wheels. I agree with Jim put a rake on it and it will ride bad also with this combo if you have a flat you can run the spare and not mess anything up as its stock height.
REAR SPRING HEIGHT (MOOG) * 5385 is a cargo spring and rather firm. * 5379 is a softer spring and helps traction on take off. If you go any taller than these, you will have wheel hop problems and poor handling. TIRE DIAMETERS * Use a smaller front tire and larger rear tire. AIR BAGS * Add air bags and you can go higher and lower when you want. Smooth ride. AIR SHOCKS - How high?...The sky is the limit * Air shocks are hard ridin' and wheel hoppin' SOB'S, but they'll sure raise and lower that ass. WHEEL ALIGHNMENT * Do this last and consider the variables of raising or lowering the air rides.
I looked up the front springs for a 455 thinking they would be higher and they are not. so they must be stiffer for the extra weight. I know my front springs are shot and a new set will naturally raise the car up. I just do not know how much, would it be wise just to order the springs for the big block since thats what I am upgrading to?
Moog 5450 on front with P235-60-15 Moog CC507 on rear with P255-60-15 This pic was taken with an almost full gas tank. Hope this helps. Take Care
Nothing says mean like a set of 325/50R15's on the back. 15x10 wheel with 5.625" BS. And I have 225/60R15's on the front.
Thats how she looks now with 14's , I want to keep this look or go an 1nch or two higher in the front.
