I'm in the process of getting my '72 Skylark back on the road. Among the first projects is front brakes (disc conversion) and front suspension. In searching the forum and shopping around I see a number of options for lowered ride height. My problem is that I don't have a reference point. My car's suspension is original apart from the shocks (I've owned the car since 1975). Those tired springs have the frame sitting pretty low already. I have searched around and have not stock height information. Can someone please provide some stock height information? Alternatively, what is the chassis height with a 1" or 2" drop? I don't want to go through the process of restoring to stock only to then learn that I would have preferred a drop. I'm not looking for a performance package, but I would like a firmer, more responsive ride than stock. I see that changing out the steering box is deemed to be good bang for the buck.
There's a thread here, with the name "Show me your dropped 70-72" ( I think ) In there you can see different drops
All that information and more is in the 1972 Buick Chassis manual. Here is one on Ebay, https://www.ebay.com/itm/1972-Buick...ash=item4b2d6f47ac:g:Z20AAOSwY7pZryEs&vxp=mtr
Thanks. I've got the '70 Olds chassis manual, which I thought could be helpful, but it doesn't have a chart like the one above. I'd better get the appropriate chassis manual.
Jim - That information is perfect. It confirms that everything has sunk 1.0-1.5". I think I'll aim for stock height.
Rather than start a new thread, let me follow up with a spring question. I first looked to factory parts and found that AC Delco lists two different front spring pairs and three different rear spring pairs for this car. I understand that one difference can be whether the car is equipped with A/C (mine is). Nothing in the descriptions helps me understand which part is correct, nor could three different rear spring pairs be explained by A/C. Moreover, in shopping for aftermarket parts, I haven't seen a distinction made with regard to A/C. I'm putting together a parts list and am planning to go stock with the addition of sway bars, which my car lacks. I will be going through the front suspension, steering and brakes. I'm a bit overwhelmed with the variety of parts and choices available.
They probably have different spring rates. I would say that they would all result in the same ride height, but the car would handle ride differently. The higher rate springs would have a shorter free standing height. Google the part numbers and see what the specs are.