I just finished my body mount bushing project (Wow!! what a PITA!!) and my car rides pretty good now! I have no major noise in the rear. I do have a concern. The driver side rear sits about 3/4 to 1 inch lower than the passenger side in which I thought that the body bushings would take care of that. I was wondering if I was in need of new springs and if so, what style should I purchase, heavy duty or stock? I am very interested in having my car sit at a nice raked hot rod stance (just a little high in the rear). For the individuals who were in this situation before, how did you correct it??

 

Before jumping on heavy duty springs, check the spring rates on what you have vs replacement rates.
I got heavy duty but they make the back end a little jittery. Come to find out the std springs had the same rate as the 442 "special" springs. So I bought them and just need to get them installed. I prefer a smooth ride as I am a long distance cruiser. If you are a corner carver, then heavy duty ones will help control body roll.

 

Ok I understand. The heavy duty springs are for a stiff ride. They wont help with lifting the rear correct???

 

if your current springs and the HD springs are the same length when unloaded/ laying on the ground then yes the HD springs should hold it up a little higher, due to the bigger rate.

 

not the best but you can always add spring spacer for added height. I personally don't like or use them.

 

Ok, My main concern is lifting the rear just a bit to give me that mean raked hot rod stance. What spring or combination of parts will give me that type of result?? I ddid not want to purchase anything until I hear it from the pro's. (all of you guys! LOL!!)

 

For the same application, no they will not. Heavy duty springs will be a bit shorter with no load.
I think some have used the Moog "Cargo Coils" and got a slightly raised rear that you are after.

Now given the same spring rate, rear springs made for a four door or convertible will be longer due to those model's higher weights. Putting those in a 2 door will result in around a 1/2" increase in height.

All of this has been said with reference to the Moog spring spec chart.

 

Your rear spring should be a moog 5231, look at the link and find a spring with the same ends with a higher load rating and wire diameter.

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

Maybe the moog 5235

 

Keep in mind that the original springs may be sagging quite a bit, which makes the vehicle sit below the original ride height. Installing new springs should bring the ride height back to factory specs, which may be high enough to give the stance you are looking for. It's hard to know how much a 40+ year old spring has sagged.

 

Very true!
When i installed all new springs on mine, the whole car was llifted about 3/4" which made it seem quite high at the back. However, it is about 1/4" higher than GM specs but close enough.