68 front coil springs

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Old Dec 4, 2011 | 10:02 AM
  #1  
1968ragtop's Avatar
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68 front coil springs

I've read posts on hear about coil springs and I'm just more confused. I would like replacement front coil springs for a 68 442 convertible (stock 442 ride height and stiffer rate). Thanks for any help.
Old Dec 4, 2011 | 11:32 AM
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Shouldn't be a problem finding as there are several vendors producing springs. I like Moog parts, in the past they were made in America. I don't know if they still are but hope so. You should be able to tell a vendor you want the factory replacement spring rate. They'll probably ask if its an AC equipped car or not, I think that's the only variable they'll ask about for your car. If you have trouble finding a source let us know and members here can suggest places for you to check. John

I just read back through your thread, so you want the factory height but a stiffer rate, correct? Still shouldn't be a problem to find.
Old Dec 4, 2011 | 11:43 AM
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Yes, I want 442 ride height and 442 spring rate (which was already a stiffer rate) I've looked at Moog but depending on where you look there are probably 7 or 8 different part #s they will throw at you. My car does NOT have A.C.
Old Dec 5, 2011 | 12:50 PM
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Can anyone recomend a good web site to find the correct MOOG front coil springs? Thanks.
Old Dec 5, 2011 | 01:04 PM
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I thought it would be easy to located the right ones. But I've not looked at springs in a long time. Greg at Supercarsunlimited has been playing with and selling Oldsmobile stuff for decades. If you want to make sure you get the right parts I'd check with him. I don't know the manufacturer he uses but everything I've purchased from him has been good quality. John

http://www.supercarsunlimited.com/It...?CategoryID=19
Old Dec 5, 2011 | 06:56 PM
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Thanks for the info. In Canada I find shipping costs to be a little outrageous so I'd like to find something local. I might end up with the MOOG #5450 front springs, not sure yet.
Old Dec 5, 2011 | 07:45 PM
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I logged into Rockauto.com to see what brands they carried. They listed the Moog 5450 for the 1968 442, 400 engine with AC. Then for a non-AC application they listed Moog 5536. Here's the link to check it out. You'll still have to select Oldsmobile, 1968, etc. as you drill down to the parts your looking for.

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php


If you find a source for Moog springs up there you might check on this number too.
John
Old Dec 6, 2011 | 09:04 AM
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I saw both those springs
#5450 442 with A.C. spring rate 450
#5536 442 with no A.C. spring rate 487

The Non A.C. car (lighter car) has a heavier spring rate.

This is partly why its a little confusing, thanks for the info though.
Old Dec 6, 2011 | 10:38 AM
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Check this link, particularly the chart in the second post:
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...s-my-68-a.html

See what Rockauto lists for your car and make your own chart of your options. Pay attention to the ride heights and rates. Although you might think that an A/C spring on a non-A/C car may give a firmer ride, don't do it. The ride height of your car will end up being higher than stock instead.
Old Dec 6, 2011 | 11:53 AM
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well I might have to go for the #5536 then, cause I deffinately don't want the front end sitting any higher than stock! Thanks for the info guys!
Old Dec 16, 2011 | 08:56 AM
  #11  
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I'm considering the possibility of running eibach lowering springs front and rear. They are a 1.3"drop. I'd like some input on this, you can see my car in my signature, tell me what you think. Thanks
Old Dec 18, 2011 | 04:41 AM
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I like the stance of your car. Why would you want to change it?
Are you interested in raising the front from where it is now?
New stock 442 springs may do that.
I bought some Hotchkis (not sure on spelling) 1" drop units for my 68 conv.
I'm happy with how it sits.
Old Dec 18, 2011 | 07:58 PM
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68conv455 can you post some pics of your car so I can see what it looks like with a 1"drop. On my car the drivers side front spring is sagging and sits lower on that side. I figure the springs are old and tired. I'm not sure which springs I should go with yet!
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