I was checking around for coil springs for my '61 Olds 98, and I came across Eaton Detroit Spring I would like to have all 4 coil springs replaced on the vehicle. There are a few different options for the springs. You can get heavy duty, extra heavy duty, and you can increase the ride height. Is there any reason to stray away from the stock coil springs? I tend to haul a few people around in the summer for Back to the 50's, with a trunk full of gear and the Olds dips quite a bit when cruising around, especially going over bumps or dips in the road. What do you guys think? Keep the coil springs stock? Extra heavy duty? Increase ride height in the rear? Just looking for some input. (I am also having my local shop replace upper and lower control arm bushings, as those are rotted and disintegrated.)

Thanks guys.

 

If you're carrying extra heavy loads, then extra heavy springs may be a good move.
I wouldn't change the ride height.
You may find that the ride height increases slightly with a new set of springs.
The originals have probably sagged somewhat from holding that big old 98 up for 65 years.

 

Maybe this will help you. I can give you more information if needed.


Here is a pg from the Moog Spring catalog showing the rear springs for your car. Now look at further information from the same catalog in picture 2.



In this picture you can see that the springs (5033) in your car has multiple applications. In the other applications they also list (5043). Looking over the specifications for the springs the(5043) appears to be a lighter weight springs. Here where it get interesting in looking up some of the other applications they list a (CC-611) CC= Cargo Carrier Springs which is a variable rate spring.

 

Finally got the 2nd pic not showing up in my previous post. For the front springs you have

Here you can see the springs that are available for your front suspension. Also note that the same springs were use in otheryears as well so you may have a few options there as well.