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Canadian Poncho Homepage -> Canadian Poncho -> 65-70 Full Size Chassis Tech Forum -> Front coil springs question
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Canadian Poncho


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Front coil springs question
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I'm going to be replacing the ball joints and control arm bushings on the Laurentian soon. It would make sense to replace the springs with big block springs at the same time. However, my plan was to drive the car this summer until the big block was ready and then do the swap over a couple of weekends. The front end really needs to be done before I drive it as the tires that were on the car when I bought it were bald on the outside edges. I don't want to risk doing this to the new redlines (I really shouldn't have been driving it last summer this way). My question is:
How "nose up" will the car be with the BB springs and the small block? Should I leave the small block springs in, install the BB and see how low the car sits? Will the BB springs with the small block affect alignment readings?
confuse

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73SC


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Not sure if this will help at all but when I put the aluminum intake on my small block and got rid of the smog pump and pulleys and what not my nose is up to the point where I need to cut the coils a bit, so I think the BB springs will have a similar effect on your car with the small block in it. I'd say that was probably a difference 50 - 75pounds of dead weight shed over the springs and it is noticeable to me. Car handles and drives fine though.

PS. I agree with Carl. I am sure you can get enough hands down to your place to help do the job.

-- Edited by 73SC at 21:35, 2009-03-11

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Canadian Poncho


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I was going to tear down the front end starting either this weekend or next. I'm nowhere near ready for the big block. I still need mounts, rad (yours wont work after all Carl) , headers, etc etc. Even if I go manifolds I'll still have to spring for front pipes. I also need to get ahold of an engine crane to get the 454 onto a stand.



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4SPEED427


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I would advise against putting in the springs ahead of time. Years ago I pulled the 427 out of a 68 Caprice and sold the body to friend of mine. He put a 307 in it. That car sat way too high in the front and rode like a tank.

My 2 cents Todd.

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1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles 

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2drpost


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todd, stick with the 327/350 ac coils. i put b/blk coils in the front of the bel air when i first bought it, it sat way too high even with b/blk rear coils in it. i put the sm/blk coils in the front when i did the frame swap, it sits good now, slightly higher in the front than rear.
past experience, i've found replacement coils are usually thicker and taller than the originals.

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davelacourse


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69Laurentian wrote:

I also need to get ahold of an engine crane to get the 454 onto a stand.


I think your local auto parts store (Advance, Pep Boys, AutoZone, or whatever is similar in Canada) should have one for rent, you could at least stop by sometime when it is convenient and ask them.

Or if you have someplace like Harbor Freight or Northern Tool (sorry I do not know the equivalent in Canada) nearby, they should have a fold-up (so it doesn't take up so much space in the grage when it is not beig used) engine crane very reasonably priced, I bought mine for about $150US. Maybe justify it as an investment in shop equipment that will serve you for many years and cars to come?  That's what I did smile.gif You don't want to buy mail order, the freight cost will kill you.

Dave

 



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Princess Auto.



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Hillar

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cdnpont


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Don't spend any money on a crane Todd.
I'll bring mine up next week. Keep it as long as you'll need it.

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Canadian Poncho


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Great! Thanks Mark. Dave, do you have a part number for the 350 AC springs?


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4SPEED427


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Todd, if Dave can't help you out just let me know. I'm sure I likely have the book either here or at work to get you a number.

Any particular brand you will be buying?

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1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles 

1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars (now converted to a "factory" 4 speed)
Canadian Poncho


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Nope, just black and coily! I'd like brand name- Moog etc. While on the subject, can anyone recommend decent shocks? Perhaps a 90/10 to bring that ol snout up when I launch my four five four?


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2drpost


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69Laurentian wrote:

Great! Thanks Mark. Dave, do you have a part number for the 350 AC springs?


ac delco #45H0035
they actually list them for all 327/350 with or w/out ac
not sure who makes the springs for delco, i know spicer makes their b/joints etc for them though.

 



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Canadian Poncho


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Would these springs be any different than the ones already in my car?


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4SPEED427


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Todd, I know a parts guy who will get you a competitive quote on coils to keep your local guy honest wink.gif

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1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles 

1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars (now converted to a "factory" 4 speed)
4SPEED427


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Same offer for the shocks too if you like.

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1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles 

1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars (now converted to a "factory" 4 speed)
Canadian Poncho


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Sounds good Carl! Thanks!


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4SPEED427


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If I forget to do it as soon as I am at work tomorrow just shoot me a reminder.

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1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles 

1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars (now converted to a "factory" 4 speed)
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