[PurelyGTO68]

I purchased reproduction grey spiral shocks from Ames for my 68 GTO and I think they might be too long. I was lifting the car this past weekend by the frame and the rear axle dropped enough so the rear coil springs came out of their locating perches. Seems like that should not happen if the shocks are installed.....correct?

[mrennie]

I could be out to lunch, but I think this may depend on whether you are running stock rear springs or the cargo coils which are stiffer but shorter in their relaxed state?

[68ragtop]

I have a new set of spirals in the box if you want me to measure them.
Also have a set of aftermarket std shocks too. Haven't measured either one, but I can......

[PurelyGTO68]

Originally Posted by 68ragtop

I have a new set of spirals in the box if you want me to measure them.
Also have a set of aftermarket std shocks too. Haven't measured either one, but I can......

Thanks. I would be interested to know what the fully extended measurement is.... when time allows. No rush.

[68ragtop]

I did it right away, or I might have forgot about it

Your right, they are longer. Now I am unsure how long they where originaly but maybe I can find that info in the assembly manual? seems like every other measurement is on there.

center to center on the pivot point the spiral is 22-3/8" long, the std gas shock I originaly installed (not sure of the brand) is 21-1/8. so 1-1/4 longer give or take.

I sure hope these new spirals do not let the rear end drop so far that the suspension mechanically binds & causes paint damage to the parts. I will not be happy about that.

All that said, I wonder how tall your springs are uninstalled? I have a few sets of those I could measure too. When I took my chassis apart (the second time) I was getting mechanical bind with the shocks removed & the springs were still not coming out. The did not come free until I removed the upper control arms.

[PurelyGTO68]

My original springs are right about 12" tall. I have replacement springs installed right now. Purchased from Ames....Firm Ride version. I think I remember checking them against the original springs and the uninstalled heights were the same. I will check that again just to be sure.



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[68ragtop]

I will check the springs I have when I get home today. The springs I was telling you about above came from coil spring specialties, Guessing they are taller than 12" as they where loose with the shocks removed, but would not come out.

[kk68]

Bought these spiral Delco shocks off eBay years ago. Supposed to be correct for 68 A body but I don’t remember if I verified the part numbers....3192813. The rears are 20.25” from pivot center lines fully extended.
Never swapped out for the new replacement black Monroe’s I decided to use.

[68ragtop]

I have to say I was less than impressed with the repop spirals I bought. The groves aren't even 1/2 of what the originals where. Hard to see that in the parts book images, but I noticed it right away when I took them out of the box.

[68ragtop]

Just got home & measured. My original rear springs & the replacements measure 13-3/4
I also have a set of rears that came from a lemans convertible, they are 13", but are a noticably thinner gauge wire. Not sure if my GTO's had a heavier spring, or if they are heavy duty? I am not sure how to tell.

[68ragtop]

Got my rear back in place this past weekend. with the shocks fully extended, my springs are still snugly in place.

[PurelyGTO68]

Thanks for the follow up. Interesting that your original and replacement springs are 13 3/4" while my originals and replacements are a little over 12". Both cars are convertible 4 speeds so I am not sure why the different springs. Possible the rear springs on my car are not the originals.....I guess I'll find out how it sits once I get it all reassembled and loaded down. ??

[68ragtop]

No doubt you have the rubber insulators in place? Not that they would make up much space anyway....... Hhmmmm.

[68ragtop]

Purely, What did you end up doing with your rear springs? I just ordered another set of rear springs with the hopes of dropping the rear just a fuzz. After doing some research I found the Moog 5401's have the same coil wire diameter as the springs I have installed now, however the 5901's are spec'd 1/2" shorter (uninstalled) height & I am hoping they will drop the rear some. I like the rockers about 1/4-1/2 higher in the rear than the front. I believe Orignal spec is about 1/2" higher in the front. Right now my car is about 3/4" higher in the rear.