Would like to ask before I buy... Looking to install new springs front and rear on my 70 GS 455. I want to stay with the stock height, and do not want to lower the car. Anyone have any suggestions on spring manufacturers or should I just go to the local NAPA and buy whatever they can get??????? o No: Thanks for the advice. Jeff
Any time I put new springs in anything, the front always came up higher than it was before. After a while they will settle, and it will come down a small bit. Just be prepared b/c it will likely end up somewhere near the higher end of the spec if you install them correctly........meaning make sure the ends are inbetween the 2 holes in the spring seat in the control arms. If you have shiny spots on the frame where the rubber bumpers on the lower control arm make contact, and your shocks are OK, the springs are prolly weak and bottoming out. As far as brands go, I don't think there is really any difference but that's just my opinion. When I used to do front end repairs for a living I just used whatever came in the box and never had a problem. If you do decide to do this job, remember safety first.......don't use a cheep spring compressor, get the strongest one you can find. :bglasses:
I've always had good results with these guys http://www.eatonsprings.com/ and they are very helpful. Bill
I installed a set of the GSCA springs in mine and was very satisfied with the ride and handling. The rear springs are a variable rate.
Based on recommendations here, I contacted www.espo.com and received MOOG springs - Front 5450 $90 Rear CC501 $60 Ride height is stock - <img src="http://www.v8buick.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=31713">
RockAuto and Summit have the 5450 for $85. Summit and Advance Auto have the CC501 for $48. Summit has the CC509 TRW version for $46, which has almost identical specs to the 501 (180 vs 175 lb/in rate).
ok guys!!!!! Now I am confused!!!!! I have a 71 GS455 without air condition what Moog or TRW front and rear springs. Of course I want them HD Type and also stock height!!!! Front Springs Moog 5536 are also for 70/72 BB Chevelle Moog 5450 was noted above for air condition w/455 Moog 5374 are for 70/72 BB Chevelle w/o Air I am soooooo confused!!!! Going to the parts stores are usually no help. The help I need is on this message board. Please explain all the differ type of front springs. I am no stupid and understand the difference between BB and SB and air and no air they I believe are the only different!!! HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hello 71gs3504sp (what's your name?) While I cannot directly answer your spring question above, Here is an informative website on MOOG spring rates for you to compare different part numbers. I've looked through my 1970 chassis manual for the original engineering/design specifications with regard to spring rates and recommended load, but I could not find the proper factory rates.
You don't want 5374, spring rate is too soft at 317 lbs.in. The 5450 and 5536 will differ in ride height by only 0.2" (5536 is 11" at 1984 lbs load and the 5450 will be 11.2 at 1984 lbs.) . 5536 will have slightly firmer handling as it is a stiffer spring (487 lbs/in vs 450 for the 5450). Since you have no A/C, I would recommend the 5536. You can always trim the spring if it doesn't sit correectly.
Moog only offers about 12 different front springs for all a-bodies. Originally there were probably 100 different springs. On my 72 Stage 1 conv. with a/c I installed a set of the GSCA springs, and the part number for the front springs was # 5450. The rear springs were a variable rate and did not have a number stamped on them. I was very satisfied with the springs, although the car does have a slightly higher ride height which will probably settle down in time. Spring manufacturers use the same numbering system, as they build them to the specs for that particular number, similar to the way bearing manufacturers do. For your car without a/c you probably should go with the 5536 front springs as the 5450 may make the car sit too high.
Thank's for easing my concerns Tim - I was starting to think ESPO gave me the wrong springs for my GS.
I pulled this off another website a few years back. It shows the different springs, height, diameter, sprint rate, load, etc... I hope it loads, if not I can email it to you. Lon
>>....a set of the GSCA springs, and the part number for the front springs was # 5450..... How much did you pay for these $85 springs ??
I'm a little confused as to which front springs to use. Heres some info about the car. Its a 72 GS with a 455. It had A/C, but I took the whole A/C system off. Its got Stage 1 aluminum heads. TA SP1 intake. Aluminum radiator. Small starter. Shorty headers. The front end is definitely lightened up compared to a stock non-a/c GS. According to the Carquest catalogue the 5536 is a heavy duty spring which kind of concerns me. I would like to be at a stock ride height up front and still have a decent, but not harsh ride. I sometimes think I could use the front springs they used on the 350 Skylarks. I'm probaly around there weight wise. Did they use the 5374 springs? If I have to give up some handling for a better ride then so be it. Thanks
Scott, The numbers stamped on springs are used by nearly all the spring manufacturers, not just TRW or Moog. Whoever makes the springs sold by the GSCA use a forged tapered top coil on the front spring. The TRW, Moog, and Eaton springs have a "full round " or untapered top coil. After I received my GSCA springs I ordered a set of Moog springs from CarQuest just to compare the two. The surface finish of the Moog springs was also much different and looked like a cheaper grade wire. I paid $245 plus UPS for the set of 4 springs. The variable rate rear springs did not have a number on them and were different specs than anything listed in the Moog catalog.
