If I may jump in here, the original posting concerned differences between WS6 and non-WS6 ride heights. I remember an article in Hot Rod magazine from 1979, I believe, called "One Good Turn". A two part series concerning the WS6 option. They put the parts on a stock '77, and I remember the major components being rear springs, with a 25 pound higher rating, rear stabilizer bar and bushings, rear spring shackle bushings, steering box, 8 inch wide Snowflakes with 225 70R-15 Goodyears, polyurathane front stabilizer bar link grommets, and very importantly, the specially valved shock absorbers. No changes were called for regarding front coil springs, stabilizer bar, etc. Even when I checked the Pontiac parts book way back then, the same front springs were shown as applicable with or without "Special Performance Pkg." But, like others have said, I noticed the WS6 cars around here at the time had a different ride height that non WS6 cars. In most cases, the WS6 cars were slightly nose high. I only remember one being lower in the front, and that was corrected when the broken coil was replaced.
When I needed to replace the rear springs in my '79 6.6 Litre car, the only choices in the Pontiac Parts book were with or without "Special Performance Pkg." Interestingly enough, the same springs were called for in older cars with "Trailer Towing Pkg." The replacement springs were identical to what came originally on the car, and when compared to non WS6 springs, the only visual clue was the bottom leaf extending further forward. This would have made the spring less prone to wind-up. I never checked the leaf dimensions with calipers or for length to see where that extra 25 pound rating came from. A very important feature of the rear suspension was the inclusion of the harder shackle bushings. These were only available separately, and did not come with any shackle kits. Shackle kits were supplied with the softest bushings I have ever seen, and if the person doing the spring swap didn't know, or more likely didn't care, the handling deteriorated tremendously.
Regarding front springs, I have no experience there. My fading memory tells me that the 6.6 Litre (403) cars sat higher in front than the T/A 6.6 cars. The later T/A 4.9 and 5.0 Litre cars all seemed to sit level, and at a lower height than the 6.6 Litre cars. A friends '81 4.9 Turbo, with every available option, sat even with my '79 6.6 Litre car, with only WS6, rear defroster, deluxe interior, and radio delete.
One final note, when the special WS6 shock absorbers were discontinued, I never was able to find an affordable, suitable replacement. I do remember the shocks were very soft on compression, and ungodly stiff on rebound. Most replacement shocks, even Delcos, are much stiffer on compression, and much softer on rebound; almost to a 50/50 ratio Now, I know that adjustable shocks are out there, but I like things to look stock. Has anyone ever found the engineering specs on these shock absorbers?
I think that's enough for now. Lets all digest and discuss this for now. If positively received, I'll continue later; if not, I'll shut-up
Regards
Don
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