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-   61-63 Tempest & LeMans TECH (https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=427)
-   -   Front Springs V8 (https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=724127)

JohnFromVentura 03-28-2013 03:49 PM

Front Springs V8
 
I have read most of the archives on front springs. My car has Kanter supplied springs (Eaton P/N MC1252). The car sits at 24" (ground to lip) ... way to low! I have talked with other forum members and a total of 3 cars with similar tires sit at 27" The springs they sent me are for a bland 66 Mustang and are over 2" shorter in free height with about 9% lower spring rates!
My question is:
Does anyone have access to a loose stock V8 front spring that they can measure the "free height" and coil wire size (if possible).
Any help appreciated ... John

Also, other spring vendors would be appreciated?

63Banshee 03-28-2013 04:34 PM

coilsprings.com

They will not screw it up and can adjust based on +/- stock weight and desired ride height.

thomasaburt 03-28-2013 06:21 PM

2 Attachment(s)
Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnFromVentura (Post 4889697)
I have read most of the archives on front springs. My car has Kanter supplied springs (Eaton P/N MC1252). The car sits at 24" (ground to lip) ... way to low! I have talked with other forum members and a total of 3 cars with similar tires sit at 27" The springs they sent me are for a bland 66 Mustang and are over 2" shorter in free height with about 9% lower spring rates!
My question is:
Does anyone have access to a loose stock V8 front spring that they can measure the "free height" and coil wire size (if possible).
Any help appreciated ... John

Also, other spring vendors would be appreciated?

Not sure if this will help, but I purchased a Moog Coil Spring set from Advanced Auto @ $92 for the pair, Part No 6320. (I believe that they were for a 71 Ventura and other GM vehicles) They gave the front end a nice lift.

I know that the springs were much shorter than the stock springs (unloaded) but due to the difference in the spring rate, they actually sit higher. I, unfortunately have the car on the lift w/o some of the FE components, so I can't measure ride height, but here is a photo of the car with the springs installed. Note that the car has pretty short 14" wheels on it and rear is extremely low as I have not installed the new rear springs yet. (the car sat level before I replaced the front springs, just an inch off of the ground though...) Kinda has the gasser look going on right now..:rolleyes:

Hope this helps.

beemergary 03-28-2013 09:46 PM

My 63 sits at around 26.5" with 25.5" tires with a 421. Probably added an 1"-1.5" to the highest rated spring. They have settled probably 1" in the last 9 yrs. Had Coil Spring Specialties make them and also a pair for my 61 wagon (421).

JohnFromVentura 03-29-2013 05:11 PM

Just had my 63 weighed at a truck stop.
Front: 1860#
Gross: 3160#
This should help the spring designer (gave up on Kanter)!

38932 03-30-2013 08:17 AM

V8 Springs
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnFromVentura (Post 4889697)
I have read most of the archives on front springs. My car has Kanter supplied springs (Eaton P/N MC1252). The car sits at 24" (ground to lip) ... way to low! I have talked with other forum members and a total of 3 cars with similar tires sit at 27" The springs they sent me are for a bland 66 Mustang and are over 2" shorter in free height with about 9% lower spring rates!
My question is:
Does anyone have access to a loose stock V8 front spring that they can measure the "free height" and coil wire size (if possible).
Any help appreciated ... John

Also, other spring vendors would be appreciated?

I did some research as I had the same issue. 1969 Camaro Z-28 no a/c works great for my '62 convertible with 428. The springs are shorter but have a higher spring rate. They were very easy to install due to the lower height.

Fast 69 09-17-2013 10:07 PM

Just a FYI. I used Autozone FCS638S springs (same as Moog 638) in my dads 63 LeMans. They are for a 69 big block Camaro. I cut 1-3/4 coil off so they were fairly easy to install. The car measures 29-1/2" to the point of the fender molding. Would be high for a street car but perfect for the old school A/FX look i wanted.

JohnFromVentura 09-18-2013 02:42 AM

Thanks, I finally got some Coil Springs Specialties installed. They are 290#/in and a real SB to install. one side is 27" and other 27 1/2". I'm going to put 500 miles on them and see if they need to drop a tad farther. I'm not in any hurry to replace them again!!! John
Quote:

Originally Posted by Fast 69 (Post 5023407)
Just a FYI. I used Autozone FCS638S springs (same as Moog 638) in my dads 63 LeMans. They are for a 69 big block Camaro. I cut 1-3/4 coil off so they were fairly easy to install. The car measures 29-1/2" to the point of the fender molding. Would be high for a street car but perfect for the old school A/FX look i wanted.


beemergary 09-18-2013 09:58 AM

The last set I installed: Set under my hoist to compress them-couple pcs. of cable and cable clamps-installed in car-removed cables-PIECE OF CAKE- A long threaded rod will work but a pain.

Transporter 09-18-2013 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnFromVentura (Post 5023526)
Thanks, I finally got some Coil Springs Specialties installed. They are 290#/in and a real SB to install. one side is 27" and other 27 1/2". I'm going to put 500 miles on them and see if they need to drop a tad farther. I'm not in any hurry to replace them again!!! John


If I was you John I would keep what you have, they WILL settle a bit over time.

JMHO,

Stan

JohnFromVentura 09-18-2013 08:01 PM

2 Attachment(s)
This is the spring compressor that I found works best ... Compresses 15" spring to 11" if needed & fits through the bottom opening.
The spring on the left is a stock one, center is the weak Kanter supplied who buys them from Eaton who in turn buys them from Moog. Spring on the right is Coil Spring Specialties ... notice how they are machined flat on the top like the stock spring. John


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