[makilaak]

I got a set of new front springs when I bought the car. Unfortunately they don't look the same as the old ones. New springs are longer, thinner, the one end is flat...

What you think, should they still fit?

[gtohurstjudge]

The correct springs should look like your old ones. Buy a new set and use
Moog springs. The other brands out there are bad news. You can buy Moog from your local Auto supply, but you may need to get the correct part number for your application out of the OPGI catalog, as parts stores seem to have trouble coming up with the correct number to order. Tell me what specifically your car is...year model, hardtop or convertible, A/C or no A/c and I can give you the correct Moog part number to ask for.

[makilaak]

1969 GTO convertible, no AC, stock 400+TH400.
The problem might be that I am located in Finland and parts are not available in all stores...

[1969GTO]

I don't mean to but in, but since this is a spring issue, maybe the spring guy can help.
My 69 GTO [I have had for 13 yrs] [bought from 2nd owner and he had no answer] the rear springs look and must be shorter than normal because it looks like for some reason the spring locators [round part the spring sits on the axle] has been extended about 2 inches and the rear springs rest on them.
If I were to jack up the car, remove the rear shocks, the rear springs still won't come out, like normal if you did that.
Does this make sense? any ideas?

[Kenth]

Your old spring has one pigtail end and is wrong for your car.
Your new spring looks correct. What Part-#?

MOOG has a matched set for 1969 A-body, #5440. It contains 1 #5386 drivers side and 1 #5390 for passenger side.
#5386 is 3.63" inside dia., .656" bar dia., 334lbs/in spring rate and 17.00" free height.
#5390 is 3.63" inside dia., .656" bar dia., 336lbs/in spring rate and 16.63" free height.

They have one square end and the other end is tangential, just like the new spring on your pic.

[makilaak]

Many, many thanks! I just need to take measurements then! :-) I was rather sure that the springs were original as well all the bushings and ball joints....
I had option package for springs and shocks - does this matter?
Will that flat (square) side go upwards?

[Darth Menace]

Originally Posted by Kenth

Your old spring has one pigtail end and is wrong for your car.
Your new spring looks correct. What Part-#?

MOOG has a matched set for 1969 A-body, #5440. It contains 1 #5386 drivers side and 1 #5390 for passenger side.
#5386 is 3.63" inside dia., .656" bar dia., 334lbs/in spring rate and 17.00" free height.
#5390 is 3.63" inside dia., .656" bar dia., 336lbs/in spring rate and 16.63" free height.

They have one square end and the other end is tangential, just like the new spring on your pic.

Dammit, I used the Moog 5400 for mine, which was recommended to me by the store.

[gtohurstjudge]

The 5440 springs are for an A/C equipped car. The correct number
for your application is 5372

[Darth Menace]

Originally Posted by gtohurstjudge

The 5440 springs are for an A/C equipped car. The correct number
for your application is 5372

Wow...where does the Moog 5400 come into play? I have seen it listed for this application in a few places.

[Kenth]

#5400 is listed for many 1970-2 applications. They are 358lbs/in for somewhat heavier cars.

#5372 is 288,5lbs/in and too soft for a 1969 GTO w/ride and handling package option.

If a matched #5440 set is not needed for 1969 GTO, use two #5386 just like the 1968 GTO does, all applications exc. A/C.
(w/A/C use two #5390.)