My '65 Cutlass still has the original springs and aftermarket shocks (not sure what brand). The driver side rear spring has one of those spacer blocks in it. I got the car that way so I'm thinking that spring was sagging and that was how the previous owner "fixed" it. The shocks aren't leaking but all the rubber bushings are cracked so I'm thinking they're old enough to warrant replacing.

I would like to replace the springs and shocks. I'm not looking to do anything crazy but I would like to bring the ride height up a bit. Maybe new "stock" type would do the trick as the current ones are probably tired but I'm not sure. Would 442 springs ride higher than the Cutlass springs?

What would you fellas suggest for me as far as replacements?

Thanks.

 

I used the stock replacement Moog springs and a set of KYB silver shocks on my 65 they restored the ride height and the shocks added a lot to the cornering and didn't destroy the ride. I'd also check all the control arm bushing and rear control arm bushings, my car only had 55'000 on it and they where total shot and the ones that looked good where like wood when I removed them.

 

Thanks for the reply and info...I plan to "go through" the whole suspension as well. I'm starting to see that my 57,000 mile '65 is mostly original underneath so I'm expecting to replace many if not all bushings.

Do you have a picture of your '65 with the Moog springs installed?

 

Just go to my public profile there is a photo of it sitting it my driveway.

 

Just checked it out and the height and stance is perfect...car looks great all around!


My car did not come with A/C and they list the front springs as two different part numbers for with and without A/C. I wonder if I put the A/C front springs in my car if it would make the ride height higher than the non A/C springs which my car calls for.

 

I don't recall the springs we got for my friends '65, we put them in 20 years ago but I replaced the shocks with KYB Gas Adjust and it made a real nice difference, drives sooo much nicer now, much more controlled.

 

I'm sure it would the air system must weigh a couple hundred pounds all to gather .