I am looking at tweaking the ride height on my 80 cutlass. I’m pretty sure it has the original springs in it now and I would like to raise it up an 1 1/2 or so . Most of what I read says a new pair of factory springs will raise the height a bit given the fact that the old springs have just sagged . The moog 5379 are I believe the factory size springs for my application . Will old vs new actually raise the rear ? My rear coils now are kind of soft but I’m having a hard time believing they can sag a couple inches .I haven’t been able to figure out the actual ride height of these cars when new.

 

A bit, but what they really will do is firm up the ride. Assuming your current springs are worn out. Going by the pic you posted she looks to sit close to factory height...

Summit Racing Equipment, may have what you need. Tech support is very helpful from my experience. I raised the rear of my car about 2 inches between the sag and taller height request. With new springs.

 

Some added info : I pulled the old springs and get an overall unloaded height of exactly 15 inches. I’m pissed at myself for not getting under there and getting a height with the car sitting on them! The height of the car from the wheel opening to the ground is 26.5 on the driver side and 27 on the passenger side.

 

thanks I may just call summit on this .It very well could be close to the original ride height but I’m looking for a little more.stiffening the ride in the rear would be helpful for sure.

 

This is how we jacked up the *** end in the old days 😂

 

I had a similar difference that was equalized once the new springs were installed.

​​​​​That was my main motivation as well. 69 Cutlasses sit too low in the rear IMHO, when factory correct. 1978-1980s Calais look to have a better stance, but body style may somewhat hide the truth... Regardless I understand your desire.

Below is your ride as well as factory ads and a 69s ad thrown in for good measure, not very scientific but it'll give you a peek into original stance... (Assuming your tires are factory height, for comparison.)

 

If I remember right I ordered springs from Jamco. They are the only place to get lowering springs for my 56. I told them what I had and what I wanted and they looked up the original specs and made me a set of spring for my desired ride height. They are in Ohio or Indiana I cant recall. Made in USA and reasonably priced.

 

I got a chance to install the moog 5379s . The overall height was right at 14.75 a quarter inch shorter than the old ones I took out but still brought the car up about 3/4 not the height I was hoping for but better and firmed up the ride so overall worth it . And it did take out the drivers side sag .