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Old 01-23-2021, 12:18 PM
davidgto davidgto is offline
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Default spring question

Springs on my 65 GTO are sagging. What would you fellows replace them with? Also shocks?

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Old 01-23-2021, 12:51 PM
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The Champ The Champ is offline
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For basic stock replacements, I'd go with our host for springs. But stock springs will have you sitting lower in the rear. I initially went with stock springs back in the mid 90's, but didn't like the tail dragging look. Ultimately replaced the rear springs with custom rear spring from Coil Spring Specialties (.75" over stock height).

I now have Koni coil overs up front for front height adjustability and went with Koni rear shocks to match. I'd consider Bilstein also.

I did run Monroe's at one time. They aren't anything special.

Under no circumstances go with air shocks in the rear.

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Old 01-23-2021, 07:15 PM
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I replaced the front springs on my 1965 Lemans conv with springs from Eaton.
I ordered a/c springs and they give a nice front end height.

Good luck, James Q

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Old 01-23-2021, 09:51 PM
davidgto davidgto is offline
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Default xxxxxxxxx

Thanks. Any other suggestions

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Old 01-23-2021, 11:16 PM
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Station wagon springs in the back is a fairly popular option. I've done it in 2 cars now.

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Old 01-24-2021, 10:52 AM
rohrt rohrt is offline
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I have not tried them myself but was thinking of using SPC springs in the future. I'm told they are more consistent with their rate.

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Old 01-25-2021, 04:04 PM
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Dick Boneske Dick Boneske is offline
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Air shocks work the best. You have adjustable ride height and the ability to set the rear at any height you want, without the harsh ride often seen with stiff springs. The story that they put undue stress on the rear suspension is not true. Pontiac offered Superride shocks as an option on '64 and later GTO's. I've used them on at least six Pontiac since originally using them on my '64 GTO when it was only a few months old. I ran individual air lines so I could preload the right rear as needed to get the car off the starting line evenly.

I have yet to see or hear of a specific case where air shocks resulted in damage to the rear suspension. How do these stories get legs?

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Old 01-25-2021, 04:42 PM
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+1 on the Superlift shocks, got them on my 1966 GTO from factory (replaced by new Delco Superlift in 1994).
As for springs i like MOOG/TRW and 1965 GTO would use #5237 for std replacement or #5231 for a stiffer ride.

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Old 01-25-2021, 07:02 PM
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Dick/Kenth

My comment about air shocks is based on personal experience using them and having the ride go to hell in a hand basket (1977), not related to the undue stress they put on the rear suspension points.

I'd put air bags inside the rear springs before putting air shocks on.

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Old 01-25-2021, 08:18 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cardo View Post
Station wagon springs in the back is a fairly popular option. I've done it in 2 cars now.
Did this and it worked well for me.

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