[Cardo]

My springs are the TRW's if that's what you want. You can buy the shocks at Advance Auto Parts if you have one around, or order them off line. The shock part number comes up for a GTO w/o the heavy duty suspenson or a Pontiac big car also. KYB part number KG 5504 is often listed for a GTO but it is a shorter shock and will "top out" on bumps. ( I know from experience) So make sure that you order the KG 5507 shocks if you do this.

[Fullback66]

thanks cardo.
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I will get my springs from Eaton Detroit steel. They are close to home. No Shipping.
I am tired of shipping costs.

[kookykrispy]

I used to have sta-wag springs on my old 67 tempest beater. I ran SW rears with the hotchkiss front springs (1" drop) The raised ride height looked cool, I really liked the aggresive performance raked stance... but the springs were way too stiff to launch well at the dragstrip. I was getting lots of wheel hop every time and it was annoying as well as embarrasing. I suspected it was the waggy springs because I'd heard they were quite stiff. After I switched back to stock springs and it hooked up great, although the rear was lower. The stock rear springs are made to compress during launch and effectively plant the tires...
I'd say it really depends on what you want to do with your car.
The waggy springs were too stiff for what I wanted to do.. but if you don't drag then they should be fine for normal street use. The stance sure looks cool with the wag springs in.

a note on shocks: I have KYB gas-a-just shocks and I really like them for all-round use. I mail ordered them from SUmmit. They seemed long enough for the waggy springs too (for the short time I had them in). I don't remember ever noticing them "topping out" If I ever buy shocks again I will go with something adjustable.. Konis or other brand so I can set them to launch at the track and then back to normal for street cruising.
Good luck!

[Fullback66]

I have wheel hop now. I thought is was because my springs were shot. I do not race my car but do like to burn the tires once in a while.

Will I have to adjust the rear end, so the driveshaft will not be straight? (pinion angle)

Thanks for the information,
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[Fullback66]

Why do you get wheel hop? I have it bad.

My shocks, springs and bushings are all in bad shape. (no wonder why I have wheel hop)

Soft springs?
Bad shocks?

One more question: What kind of bushings are you using in the rear suspension? Rubber or poly?

I need new bushings also.
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[Tripower455]

Originally Posted by Fullback66

Why do you get wheel hop? I have it bad.

My shocks, springs and bushings are all in bad shape. (no wonder why I have wheel hop)

Soft springs?
Bad shocks?

One more question: What kind of bushings are you using in the rear suspension? Rubber or poly?

I need new bushings also.
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I'd start with the bushings and go from there. It's really a combination of all the parts being worn. As the tire grips, the rubber deflects a little, then the tires slip, then grab when the rubber deflects again and so on. IMHO, it's more a matter of bushings than springs.

I put poly in my GTO, and like it. The ride is probably a little harsher than rubber, but there is a lot less deflection on launch and cornering.

I get absolutely no wheelhop at all (no traction either!), but everything in my car is brand new, and I've also got a Moser rear (the upper control arm mounting ears are taller, acting like "stop hop" bars), adjustable uppers, air bags and boxed lowers.

BTW, here is a good picture of how the wagon springs look in my car. I am going to try convertible springs. I think it sits too high in the back!

[Shadowjack]

According to Jim Hand, you get wheel hop when you change the angles in the rear suspension components, such as when you jack up the rear to clear wider tires. I have this problem as well, but won't get it fixed until I get rims with deeper backspacing so I can drop the rear.

[Fullback66]

tripower455, You have s/w springs on your car in the picture? I like the way your car sits. I will not be racing my car.(Maybe at some lights) I really do not need to worry about launch.

Who sells good Poly or rubber bushings?

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[Tripower455]

Originally Posted by Fullback66

tripower455, You have s/w springs on your car in the picture? I like the way your car sits. I will not be racing my car.(Maybe at some lights) I really do not need to worry about launch.

Who sells good Poly or rubber bushings?

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Yeah, I have wagon springs in the back, but I negelcted to mention that my front is quite a bit lower than stock, due to the Hotchkis uppers/Fbody spindles, so it aggravates the issue. Another guy here in town has a '66 with stock front springs, and wagon rears, and the car sits perfectly, IMHO.....

I got my polygraphite bushings from PY about 8 years ago, but they are avaiable all over the place. You just have to determine whether you have round or oval bushings in you front lowers before ordering. Mine were oval, FWIW.....

[Fullback66]

This is what I want for my 66 gto.

I have 255/60 BFGoodrich tires on 15x8 cragar ss rims with 5" backspacing.

I WANT to get s/w springs from Eaton.

I will need taller shocks beacuse of the springs.

I will also need new bushings (I have not decided on poly or rubber)

The front will be upgraded but not really in height.(next project)

Question:
Will I need to change my pinion angle with this setup?

How do I do this to eliminate wheel hop?

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p.s. Shadowbox, are there any GTO clubs in Nebraska?

[Shadowjack]

No GTO-only club. Got a POCI chapter in Omaha that's pretty good, although I'm not a member. Don't think there are any out-state, but that's wilderness ;^).
http://www.geocities.com/poay2k/POA.html

[Uncle Judge]

Hello Fullback 66. I just saw your post regarding the 3" spacers under your springs. Those probably are stock since you seem to think that the springs are original. You may want to look at your PHS docs or a build sheet if you have one. Your car may have had the "Super-lift" suspension option. This package included factory air shocks, spring spacers under the springs, as well as different lower shock mounts. I had a 66 trip 4 speed car with this option. Pretty rare and a neat option.
By the way Cardo, Your 66 has a great stance! The rear springs are for an "A" body wagon? Are the front springs for a different application as well?

[Fullback66]

Uncle judge,
I need to find my PHS sheet and see if this was an option.
If it is, I will keep all the parts. I will still put in new suspension parts for a better ride and reduce wheel hop. Thanks for the insite. I will write back when I find out the information.
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[Fullback66]

Found the PHS sheet. It says I have option 62/1 Ride and Handling Pkg. (spring shocks & stabilizer bar). Not sure what that means?

I do not have the Super-Lift Shock Absorber-rear only option. (Option 63/4)
Is this the option you was talking about?

Thanks,
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[Cardo]

Yes the rear springs are for a 66 Tempest wagon, and the front springs are for a 66 GTO with a/c but my car does not have a/c. It rides great... a nice taught ride doesn't roll at all and not harsh at all either. My dad had a 66 back in the day and he told me to do that. He and his buddies all did that to their GTO's back then even. No wheel hop either.

[Fullback66]

I just called Eaton Detroit Springs and asked them about 66 tempest station wagon springs.
The lady said, it will not raise the rear end and might lower the rear.

Is this right?

I am so confussed now............

I need to go there tomorrow and talk to someone there....

HHHEEELLLPPP!!!!!!

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[Cardo]

You're dealing with a different brand of springs.... I can't vouch for them one way or another. If your'e going for the stance of my car buy the TRW's and put them in. Just about any parts store carries them and will probably have them in a day or so. What you see is what you'll get if you use the part numbers i gave you. Good luck!

[winbub]

FB66-
I too have spoken with Eaton about custom rear springs for my '66 GTO. They will put as much as a 2" rise in the rear springs. So, my plan was to order the convertible '66 rear springs with a 2" rise.

I know this is yet another combo for you to consider. Is it possible to drive your car to Eaton tomorrow and ask them for an opinion and options?

Just a thought...good luck and let us know how it turns out.

Jeff

[gtoguy389]

I installed Moog springs from a 64 Chevelle Wagon in my 66 GTO hardtop when I redid the suspension (in 1991). I worked in a parts store back then way before Ames and PY had springs available. Moog never listed anything for 66 GTO springs even then and I forgot the part # to the wagon springs but they fit fine and the ride height was great.

[Fullback66]

I am thinking I might go with the convertible springs and add the 2 extra inches.

I need to go down there and talk to them.

Or I might go to a part store and get the TRW springs. It may be easier.

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