[grivera]

Gotcha- is it tubbed?

I bought the Hotchkis 1.5” leafs and 2” coils. I removed one of the old 5 leaf-springs (d-side) and the arc is noticeably more pronounced than the Hotchkis spring. I hope the stiffness of the new springs are enough to make it sit a little higher.

In related news I have to sand the holes in the frame to accept the poly bushings- can’t get past go.

[JLMounce]

Stock tubs, slight trimming on 1/4 panel lip

I did a video on this subject that discusses the why and how of getting bigger rubber in these cars.

https://youtu.be/ebtYfydBU60

[grivera]

Great video with very helpful information

[grivera]

Update -

I ended up ordering and installing the Hotchkis 1.5 drop leafs kit which come with 1/2" u-bolts and new shackles - the poly bushings were a bear to install in the upper frame-rail holes!! Also installed the new Detroit Speed shock plates and Bilstein HD shocks in rear - it's firm!! https://www.jegs.com/i/Hotchkis/515/2407C/10002/-1

For the front I ordered the BMR upper and lower A-arms - caught a scratch and dent set for $698! Also ordered the Hotchkis 2" drop coil springs. The install will include all new linkage, Addco Industries 1" sway bar with poly bushings, Borgeson steering gear and Bilstein HD front shocks. https://bmrsuspension.com/index.cfm?...601&superpro=0

My front suspension is in terrible shape so I expect a dramatic difference - maybe a little firm?

I realize my tires and wheels are a bit dated being 15x7" wheels, 245 60 15 in rear (26.5 diameter) and 235 60 15 in front.

[JLMounce]

did the ride height change at all in the rear with the new leafs?

[grivera]

If I'm measuring correctly, I picked up an inch at the rocker panel. From ground to the lip at center of wheel opening I have just over 25". Measurement taken with an empty fuel tank though as I had to remove tank to get the bushings in. That being said it seems it will take lots of weight to get that back end to budge.

[grivera]

So comparing the new Hotchkis front springs 2” drop to the ones I removed there is a about a 5” difference. The old ones free length is about 17.25” and new ones about 12.25” which seems really short. Does this make sense? I won’t have them in the car for another week due to work and wagon the a-arms to arrive.

[grivera]

Here is the new stance - no drive time to settle suspension yet. Also, front shocks not bolted into bottom of control arms yet. I have the steering column out to paint it so won’t get to drive it for a bit. I like the stance and at top of wheel well I get 25” front, 25.5” in back. Not sure if front tires will run yet - I should be good though as they are only 235/60/15

For some reason the right coil spring has a clunk to it when bringing it down from lift. The BMR lower a-arms have a locator for spring which is what I used as opposed to the one in upper spring pocket or otherwise the spring would have been on top of the locating tag. Not sure if that’s why it clunks as it’s seated well inside the pocket - both sides look good in there.

[vertigto]

Stance looks great. Envious of the garage/lift...

[grivera]

Thanks! Long time dream! And a work in progress like the bird...

[JLMounce]

Looks good!

[grivera]

Thanks Jason. Is clunking coil spring common when newly installed?

[JLMounce]

First time down on the tires, or is it happening continuously?

It's not uncommon to get a clunk or two as the suspension takes a set with the weight of the car on it. It's typically ball joints, springs and shocks settling into their position where they want to be.

To an extent, this can happen every time you get the car in the air as the suspension droops past what it typically sees in driving use.

If it's clunking while you're moving or continues to do so more than just a first couple times after the swap, I'd have it back up in the air and make sure everything is seated properly.