pcard

This seems like a topic that comes up all the time, but I cannot seem to find any empirical information.


I was hoping that anyone who has put in new springs (front, back, both)could post their results as follows:
Car year, model, engine, AC/no AC, tires
New ride heights measured as per the CSM (see attached for A bodies) remember to measure on a flat surface.
New springs used: make, model, rate, free height
New shocks used: make, model


If you did a modification of the suspension, for example used non oem control arms, please note that also.


See attached the results updated as new information comes in.

Fun71

I can't answer all of your questions but here's what I have:

1971 Cutlass Supreme convertible, 350, AC, 245-60-14 tires on 14x7 SSII wheels.

Never measured the ride height. I see in your CSM picture that the trunk needs to be empty - that's too much work.

Moog springs
Front:
> 5536
> 442 small block - AC - heavy duty, 442 big block - no AC - heavy duty
> wire diameter = 0.690"
> load height = 11.000"
> load = 1984 pounds
> rate per inch = 488 pounds
> free height = 15.063"

Rear:
> 5409
>All 442 applications
> wire diameter = 0.554"
> load height = 7.50"
> load = 847 pounds
> rate per inch = 143 pounds
> free height = 13.44"

Shocks: Monroe-Matic from Sears, unknown part numbers (I could crawl under and look if it's important to you).

This is how the car looks:

P2250124.jpg

pcard

Thanks Kenneth, that is a nice looking car!
If you can measure with the spare in the trunk that is better than nothing. I am really trying to get some data on the ride height.

Fun71

You're in luck. I just filled up yesterday on the way home from work, so that part is covered. I'll try to get some measurements in the next couple of days.

pcard

I am so jealous you get to drive that car all the time!!!

starfire

Said the guy in BERMUDA...

Fun71

Well, I don't drive it during the summer any more as it's just too darned hot for me - I need something with a modern air conditioner.

The wife snapped this pic in her car this past summer:

120degrees2.jpg

pcard

Weather is better here than in Michigan, but the roads are too small. A Cutlass is too large to license in Bermuda so I have to keep it in RI and only get to see it a few times a year.
120 * - yikes.

starfire

You need a `75 - `80 Starfire with a 4-speed then.

Macadoo

Subscribing to this thread. I hope you get more replies.

Fun71

I just measured, but without removing anything from the trunk. Yeah, I'm lazy.

Front = 8 1/2"
Rear = 9 3/8"

And my car sits perfectly level from side to side. How about that.

Remember my car does not have factory size tires, so these measurements won't match the CSM even if the springs are the correct height.

edit: trunk has a spare, jumper cables, Sears scissor jack, a gallon jug of water, a car cover, and manila folder with some car show papers.
Prolly not enough weight to make any difference.

pcard

Thanks Kenneth, yes - your tires are shorter - about 25.5 inches. So to put it all together:

1971 Cutlass Supreme convertible, 350, AC, 245-60-14 tires on 14x7 SSII
Moog springs
Front:
> 5536 - 442 small block - AC HD 442 big block - no AC - HD
> wire diameter = 0.690"
> load height = 11.000"
> load = 1984 pounds
> rate per inch = 488 pounds
> free height = 15.063"

Rear:
> 5409 - All 442 applications
> wire diameter = 0.554"
> load height = 7.50"
> load = 847 pounds
> rate per inch = 143 pounds
> free height = 13.44"

Shocks: Monroe-Matic from Sears


Ride Height: front 8 1/2 (P&D), rear 9 3/8 (P&D) (measured with 100lbs in trunk)
P&D = Passenger and Driver side

pcard

Hey - I would like to put a spreadsheet up on the first post that I will update as replies come in. Is that possible? If so how to do it?


Never mind - figured it out.

Fun71

That's what the BFG info says, but I measured them and they are closer to 24" tall. I remember reading years ago that the manufacturer's tire height is based on a revolving tire at some speed, so the inertial forces cause it to be a larger diameter than when sitting still. I don't know how true that is, but it's hard for me to believe that I lost 1.5 inches of tire height in worn down tread.

oldcutlass

1967 Cutlass Holiday Coupe - BBC/T400 - I wanted to raise my car and picked springs off the Moog Chart based on rates and physical size.

http://www.moog-suspension-parts.com...il_Springs.asp

Moog springs
Front:
> 5272
> inside diameter = 3.63"
> wire diameter = 0.656"
> load height = 11.000"
> load = 2279 pounds
> rate per inch = 327 pounds
> free height = 17.99"
> Tangential both ends
> cost = $98.79 @ Rockauto
> tire = P225-70-15

Rear:
> CC507
> wire diameter = 0.612"
> load height = 10"
> load = 849 pounds
> rate per inch = 158 pounds
> free height = 15.38"
> Pigtail both ends
> cost = $84.99 @ O'Rielleys
> tire = P275-60-15

Ride Height has settled since install to: front 12 1/8 (stock I believe is 9.5ish), rear 12 5/8 (stock I believe is 9 3/4 - 10)(with spare, small hyd jack, some folding chairs - maybe 100#'s)

Monroe Sensatrac shocks front and rear.

pcard

I have added a doc file to the first post with results so far. First ten people to respond get an atta-boy.