[79firebird_99TA]

I've got to tear down the front end and replace ball joints and a-arm bushings. Everything else is done. My question is - should I replace the springs? The car originally was a 301 and I've got a 400 now. Ride height seems ok .. but it's a bit bouncy ...despite changing the shocks recently.

[77 TRASHCAN]

My front spring swap experiences have never been good. I often read about folks using some special brand, I'm not familiar with any, myself...
If it was my car, I'd run the 301 springs, see how it goes, not sure about your bouncy description....

[79firebird_99TA]

That was kind of my thought. I probably just need to slap some Bilsteins or Konis in there.

[77 TRASHCAN]

My T/A is still riding on its second set of shocks, which are Gabriel gas shocks, they were so much better than the originals.
There's a lot of opinions on shocks Bilsteins seem to have a lot of favor, but might be in the higher price range.
I plan to update mine someday soon. I want good handling, but without the log wagon ride....
Will be waiting to see how your deal goes !

[ta6point6]

I would especially since you have the front torn down. I put some heavy duty coil springs on my TA and was worried that after installed they would be to high or stiff neither was the case. Make sure the rubber isolators are in good shape or get new ones. Also be careful when removing springs they are under a lot of pressure and they fit in lower perch just one way. If it is bouncing then I would bet springs are shot and no shock is going to change that.

[Grand73Am]

I would also replace the springs since you'll have it apart. Buy some springs that are rated for your present situation with a 400, and whether you have air conditioning or not, since the weight does make a difference.

They're sometimes in worse condition than you think too. I took my 79 apart and the left spring had a broken coil in the spring pocket which I didn't know about.

[ladytata]

Transcan, did your car have spiral shocks? i just pulled these off a 81.

[FrankieT/A]

I wouldn't change the springs unless you have a ride height problem. The difference in weight from a 301 and a 400 isn't much. If your ride height is good I would at least try it. When springs are changed more often than not it becomes trial and error. Rare the first springs you try are dead on. Look at how many cars get full restoration and don't sit right. JMO.

[Bill Boyle]

Sorry I'm late to this parade but thought I'd jump in. I'm doing a full restoration on my 79 TA which I've owned since new.

The car still has the original ball joints, front springs and rear leaf springs in place. All things rubber were changed in the front end. The car has 48K original miles on it but at 30K the OEM shocks were replaced all the way around with Monroe gas.

With a mere 18k on the Monroe's, I decided to change the shocks during the restoration with KYB's. With so few miles on the car, I decided to leave the front springs as is but will eventually replace the rear leaf springs because of a slight height imbalance. The passenger side sits a tad higher than the driver's side--not really a surprise.

During the restoration, I've been mindful of aftermarket parts and their inability to duplicate the OEM part. As a result, I've focused on keeping as much as possible, refurbishing the part, if possible. Bottom line: if it "ain't broke (or worn out) clean it up and reuse. That would apply with this topic. If the front springs are not doing the job, replace them. If ride height remains good and the front doesn't drop too far under hard braking, stick with them. Good affordable shocks last for many years on our classic cars and they are parts that typically fit perfectly.

[autobahn]

Did my suspension about 8 years ago, changed all the springs front and back (Eaton), and YES there is a difference you can feel it right off the bat, I used KYB gas adjust shocks,and as far as changing the front springs they are NOT that bad, get the car up on stands at least 8" off the floor,put a floor jack under the lower control arm, and if you can't figure out what to do next you shouldn't try it