I feel like the back of my '64 Dynamic 88 is low, but I also think it's supposed to be low. I'm considering replacing the rear springs, and maybe all 4 springs, so I'm curious if other people here have replaced the springs on their car. Do coil springs wear out, such that 60 year old springs should be replaced, or is that actually rare? I can buy springs that are 1" taller than factory, but if the car is sagging, I might just need factory height- hence the question. Is it common to replace the springs on a 60 year old car, or do they generally last forever?

 

New springs should definitely help. I'd keep my expectations low, though. They may be spec'd somewhat soft. A while-you're-in-there is the shocks. While visually, it may not have considerable impact, it should handle better.

 

I find it odd that I can buy front shocks pretty much anywhere, but rear shocks are mostly unavailable, outside of specialty shops.

 

If you have the 1964 Oldsmobile Shop Manual(s)?
If you do, it should show suspension height specs along with the proper places to measure it.
The car should be on an absolutely flat and level surface.
All extraneous material should be removed from the car when measured.
If the springs have "sagged" more than an inch then consider replacing them.
Coil springs seem not to "sag" very much over 60 , 70, or even 80 years.
As long they weren't overloaded.

 

The rear of my 1970 Supreme was sagging back in the late 1980s, so I imagine an additional 30-ish years would cause even more sagging.

 

I went and did it, and I'm quite happy with the results. The rear springs and shocks have been replaced, and I took a few pictures along the way. I did the drivers side front spring and shock today. I have to do the right side front tomorrow. It's a bit of a project, but if people are interested, I'll take pictures and provide an overview of the process I went through to complete the job. Hit me back if you want to see- otherwise, I usually just plug away until I'm done. It saves time, not trying to photograph every little step- but I'll do it for you guys if you want to see.