[Shiny]

I estimated the stiffness of my current "big-wire" springs (0.66" wire dia), assuming 8 active coils and an average diameter similar to 5401 and 5413. The guess is 179 lb/in. I also assumed a free height of 13.5"... just a guess.

Because the Moog specs effectively show an installed height at a "test load", a direct comparison of installed height in the same car doesn't jump off those pages.

So I assumed 800 lbs on each spring and calculated the installed height when compressed from the published free heights (free height - 800 x rate).

Here's the installed height ranking I came up with. All make-believe, but maybe useful for "relative" heights and at least feels better than nothing.



Mike

[Shiny]

I narrowed my options to cc501 and 5385 and will order the cc501.

They should sit pretty similar, the cc501 being variable rate vs the fixed rate of the 5385. I think both are pretty stiff... hopefully not too much as to ride like a truck.

Like many parts for these cars, it appears Moog has discontinued some of the a-body PNs, or at least no-one sells them. Unfortunately, this includes their 5413, which I think is a replacement for the "stock" HD or "Ride & Handling" spring.

The 5379 would lift the car a little but is soft, similar to the 6319 and 6321.

The UMI spring would probably be good for me, I just don't want to pay for it, at least for now. They told me the free length is 14.5", which would meet the goal of lifting a little over stock.

I still haven't figured out what I put in my car, but I think it must have been used in a wagon or some specialty application. I have to go rent a compressor to get them out because the free length is over 13.5" and it's STIFF.

Here's my updated chart for anyone interested.

[AG]

I have the CC501 coils in my '72 vert and I like them a lot. Good ride and not too stiff.

[Shiny]

Originally Posted by AG

I have the CC501 coils in my '72 vert and I like them a lot. Good ride and not too stiff.

Thanks!

Ordered.

[Shiny]

Two steps forward, one back.

The spring compressor made the job easy and I swapped springs yesterday.

I managed to mangle the washer on a shock mount so I have to fix that before I can see how it all worked out.

I was disappointed to find the Moog cc501 is quite a bit longer than what they published in their old catalog. It was listed at 12.6" free length but is now about 14". I am not the only one that noticed this:

Link to Discussion on a Chevelle forum

Could be a case of Moog, like other aftermarket parts suppliers, changing the manufacturer over the years and caring more about cost than quality. Nothing new here, but I honestly expected more from Moog. And yes, the box was labeled Moog and yes, made in China.

Hopefully those of you that shared images with cc501 used these same versions...

The cc501 is shorter than what I pulled out and the coil is thinner, so I went ahead and installed them. If they leave the rear too high I guess I can try another PN.

And I am part of the problem, as I don't care enough to spend 3X for custom-made springs.... I got what I paid for.

Mike

[propuckstopper]

Originally Posted by Shiny

Two steps forward, one back.

The spring compressor made the job easy and I swapped springs yesterday.

I managed to mangle the washer on a shock mount so I have to fix that before I can see how it all worked out.

I was disappointed to find the Moog cc501 is quite a bit longer than what they published in their old catalog. It was listed at 12.6" free length but is now about 14". I am not the only one that noticed this:

Link to Discussion on a Chevelle forum

Could be a case of Moog, like other aftermarket parts suppliers, changing the manufacturer over the years and caring more about cost than quality. Nothing new here, but I honestly expected more from Moog. And yes, the box was labeled Moog and yes, made in China.

Hopefully those of you that shared images with cc501 used these same versions...

The cc501 is shorter than what I pulled out and the coil is thinner, so I went ahead and installed them. If they leave the rear too high I guess I can try another PN.

And I am part of the problem, as I don't care enough to spend 3X for custom-made springs.... I got what I paid for.

Mike

This is exactly why I did not even look at Moog when doing my suspension. I do realize that Coil Spring Specialties stuff isn't cheap, but it is right the first time. The extra labor to remove them and do the job again is simply not worth the hassle to me. For me, it is one of those "buy once, cry once" scenarios. This is especially true on front coil springs, where the labor is tougher (and can be dangerous).

[Shiny]

Originally Posted by propuckstopper

This is exactly why I did not even look at Moog when doing my suspension. I do realize that Coil Spring Specialties stuff isn't cheap, but it is right the first time. The extra labor to remove them and do the job again is simply not worth the hassle to me. For me, it is one of those "buy once, cry once" scenarios. This is especially true on front coil springs, where the labor is tougher (and can be dangerous).

Thanks for sharing your experience with Coil Spring Specialties. I get it and don't argue any of it. I just chose to accept the risk to save a couple hundred bucks. Given my car has yet to see a road, is cosmetically-challenged, and not worth what I have in it, I just approach things with the smallest wallet I can get away with. If I decide another do-over is needed and worth the cost, I know where to shop.

I collected as many images of 70-72 with known springs as I could find, so I had some hope of matching others' outcome.

To me, the risk is being able to count on any part being what it was a few years ago, even if, like these springs, you buy a name brand and a PN that hasn't changed in 30? years. This is where the forum kicks butt. Having feedback on anything from a bolt to a spring is a gift.

Good news is it worked out well enough. The cc501 I bought dropped it low enough to not bother me and it will probably sag a little more. I'm not sure I could do any better without having springs custom-made.

I'm calling this project done and moving on to the next.

[Shiny]

Not as much drop as I expecteded, but I'm happy enough. Thanks to all who shared photos and experience!

As I bought it 22 years ago... I assume stock height:



A year later, I installed an unknown but too-stiff and too-tall spring:



Now with cc501:

[LKLusza]

Originally Posted by tjs72lemans

For my 72 I bought from Ames and they look stock like I wanted.

I did exactly that for my '70 GTO w/ standard base suspension. Worked perfectly.

[BN]

I've ordered new front and rear springs from Ames for three different cars now using the chart in their catalog and they've been perfect all three times.