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Canadian Poncho Homepage -> Canadian Poncho -> General 58-64 Full Size Forum -> Suspension Fail..you can't do that.
Post Info TOPIC: Suspension Fail..you can't do that.
Carguy327


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Suspension Fail..you can't do that.
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Yesterday was quite exciting. I insured the '64 wagon for the summer!

First thing to to do, raise the ass end up a few inches. I got a set of used coils (thank you Rog) that didn't come out of a wagon. Way longer springs, smaller gauge wire. Certainly, stock length is too long, cut one coil off both and install. Results: I'm now LOWER than my too low orignal wagon springs. The Laurentian drags its ass like a dog with an itchy butt. 

So, moral is, wagons are heavy. Wagon coils are the only way to go..

Cheers,

Gerald 



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66 Beau


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You could tell people it's real old school. Lots of 50's & 60's drag cars were low in the back, high in the front to preload the rear tires and help with weight transfer....

I had a few friends install wagon springs to jack their rides way up when that was cool in the 70's...

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timbuk


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i put wagon coils in my 69 skylark....shes up

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rabbit64cs


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Sorry to hear they didn't work for you...would have been interested to see where it would have sat before they were cut?

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jim_ss409


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On those X frame cars the front and rear springs are interchangeable, but in most cases the front springs are stronger. I only mention this to let anybody know that if the whole car is sitting a little low, you only need to buy front springs. Your sagged out front springs are usually plenty strong enough to raise the rear end. In fact you'll usually have to cut a little off of the front springs if you use them in the rear. (this may not apply to a wagon though)

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pontiax


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There is 2 sets of holes to mount the front of the lower trailing arms, sedans and wagons used different holes. Upper and lower.



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pontiax- (canadian pontiac X frame)1964 Parisienne 2dr. Hardtop ,lagoon aqua metallic (Q) ,421 cid Dart Industries block and heads. 550 hp. 575 ft lb  of torque.

 
Carguy327


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I think it would have made little difference had I not cut them. At least they would had been still worth something uncut ;). No matter, not too expensive of a lesson to learn. I put my old coils back in with a set of those rubber coil helpers and success, no more ass dragging. I'll go get some new ones made at some point.

Next up, change the shocks. Those upper mounting bolts don't so good. This isn't going to be easy.
I'm wondering if it would be easier to snap/cut them off and replace them. Any suggestions?

Thanks

G

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MoboMac


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Carguy327 wrote:

I think it would have made little difference had I not cut them. At least they would had been still worth something uncut ;). No matter, not too expensive of a lesson to learn. I put my old coils back in with a set of those rubber coil helpers and success, no more ass dragging. I'll go get some new ones made at some point.

Next up, change the shocks. Those upper mounting bolts don't so good. This isn't going to be easy.
I'm wondering if it would be easier to snap/cut them off and replace them. Any suggestions?

Thanks

G

 Just to make that job MORE fun.......the original bolts are fine thread.......A thin cut-off wheel on a mini-grinder took mine out in a hurry....but as I recall....the gas tank was out,........prolly safer,as well.....

SO...59-64 front and rear springs are interchangeable?



-- Edited by MoboMac on Tuesday 16th of June 2015 02:04:28 AM

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pontiax


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Carguy327 wrote:

I think it would have made little difference had I not cut them. At least they would had been still worth something uncut ;). No matter, not too expensive of a lesson to learn. I put my old coils back in with a set of those rubber coil helpers and success, no more ass dragging. I'll go get some new ones made at some point.

Next up, change the shocks. Those upper mounting bolts don't so good. This isn't going to be easy.
I'm wondering if it would be easier to snap/cut them off and replace them. Any suggestions?

Thanks

G

 Use a nut cutter, such as picturedimage.jpg



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pontiax- (canadian pontiac X frame)1964 Parisienne 2dr. Hardtop ,lagoon aqua metallic (Q) ,421 cid Dart Industries block and heads. 550 hp. 575 ft lb  of torque.

 
jim_ss409


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MoboMac wrote:


 

SO...59-64 front and rear springs are interchangeable?

 Yeah, sort of. They are similar enough that you have to be careful not to mix them up if you pull them out of the car.

The front springs are usually a little taller and the wire size is a bit thicker. I'm not sure about a wagon though, the springs are probably very close, but on a regular car, the front springs will be heavier.

I had a 64 Impala with a 283 that sat a little low, so when I installed a 409 in it, I got new front springs. That got the front end up to where it looked good but the rear was still sitting a bit low. So, I took the old front springs and put them in the rear, and they raised the rear end a little too much. I had to cut some off of the spring to get it back down to a more normal height.

Somewhere I've got a sheet that lists the various spring sizes used on a 62 Chevy. I think it might have been part of the information package that GM Canada gives you get them to research your VIN number.

Anyway, they used quite a few different springs for the different models and different engines etc. but generally speaking, the front springs are heavier



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Barrie Ont.

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