Rear Spring Recommendation

Discussion in 'The whoa and the sway.' started by LARRY70GS, Jun 10, 2021.

  1. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    Wanted to increase my rear ride height by 1" over stock. Would like the center rear arch to be about 27 1/2" from ground. Right now, it's about 26 1/2" on one side and 25 3/4" on the other. The lower (Driver) side is rubbing on my 275/60's on an 8" wheel (4 1/2" BS). It only happens on moderate bumps. I think the added height will give me a better clearance. When I went to look at the springs, seems the previous owner used spacers, and the whole thing bolts together on the bottom of the spring. (See pictures) Obviously, the springs are wrong from the get go, so I was wondering if anyone had a spring recommendation for a Moog spring that would go in without a spacer and give me the a 1" higher than stock height.

    I have some Wheel Vintiques wheels on order with 1/2" more back spacing but everything is backed up and I won't see them until August if I am lucky.

    Spring2.jpg Spring1.jpg
     
  2. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    Looks like 5385 is the stock rear Moog Spring. Anybody know of a spring that will give me 1" higher?
     
  3. 12lives

    12lives Control the controllable, let the rest go

    I like my Moog Cargo springs. I'll measure my 70 when I get home today.
     
  4. Cutlass

    Cutlass Platinum Level Contributor

    Back when I had my '71 350 Custom I wanted the rear higher. I had the rear springs exchanged and the shop owner told me, that he used springs from the sportwagon. I do not recall, if it was 1" higher, but it was noticable.
    I just checked with Moog: Obviously they sell the 5385 for both, the GS and the Sportwagon, so that might not give you the 1" you are looking for.
     
  5. 73 Stage-1

    73 Stage-1 Dave

  6. 12lives

    12lives Control the controllable, let the rest go

    Nope - I'm only 25 1/2" sitting on 295 50R15. Its close though because my tire is 26.8" and yours is 28.1"
     
    Last edited: Jun 10, 2021
  7. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    Yes, I have 28"tires so I'm not really low, I just want another 1" that's all. I may try the 5379's or the CC501's.
     
  8. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    73 Stage-1 likes this.
  9. 436'd Skylark

    436'd Skylark Sweet Fancy Moses!!!!!

    I'd bet a cold beer Larry that you'll get what you're looking for with a fresh set of stock springs, especially if you leave those spacers in.
     
  10. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    I can order several sets from our club director via Autozone, and try them all. Then return the ones I don't want. I might try the 5385, 5379, and the CC501's and see which ones give me what I want. My aim is to not use any spacers.
     
    12lives likes this.
  11. 436'd Skylark

    436'd Skylark Sweet Fancy Moses!!!!!

    What kind of shape are your body mounts in?
     
  12. IlliniGSX

    IlliniGSX GSX #401

  13. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    Like new, they were replaced by the PO when he body off the framed it. Car has been garaged since then. Everything looks great.
     
  14. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    That's another option, but quite a bit more expensive. I might go that way if all else fails.:)
     
  15. Mart

    Mart Gold level member

    If you guys quit trying to stuff those 275's in there you could lower your car 1". :D
    I see many A bodies with 275's at the cruises that have rub marks. I just couldn't tolerate that...:D
     
  16. Redmanf1

    Redmanf1 Gold Level Contributor

    Good info^^
     
  17. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    275's are very doable. I just need a little more back spacing on one side. I would just replace that one 8" wheel on one side and be done with it, but everyone is having supply side issues, so it will be August until I can get the wheel.

    It's not like I am trying to stuff 295's or 315"s on a 10" wheel back there.:D

    I shouldn't need that huge spacer back there if the springs were right. I just want the right springs.
     
  18. 436'd Skylark

    436'd Skylark Sweet Fancy Moses!!!!!

    Have you checked the body/frame alignment holes?
     
  19. 12lives

    12lives Control the controllable, let the rest go

    Be sure and let them sit for a few weeks to settle. My 501's dropped about 1/2". The ride is much better than the air shocks I had!
     
    FirstBuickNut likes this.
  20. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    No I haven't Joe. Not really sure where to look. Where exactly are they? The pictures I have seen aren't exactly easy to follow.

    Does anyone have a clear picture showing exactly where they are?
     
    Last edited: Jun 11, 2021

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