Front Springs too stiff?

[Sportsdoc]

Just got the car back down on all fours, yet the front looks way too high. I replaced the front springs and remember the length looked correct. At rest the shock dampers are touching the rebound bumpers.

Have I gotten the wrong springs?

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Did you leave the suspension with rubber bushings loose until it was sitting on the ground? If you tightened them while the suspension was hanging that may be part of your problem.

 

[Trevor Jessie]

forgot to say... the solution is to loosen them, bounce the car, then re-tighten.

 

[JerryB]

Is the motor and trans in the car??

And the front sheet metal and radiator in?

Stock spring for steel bumper is 9.5 high .500" wire and 7 active coils.

Still too high.....? post the length of the spring , the wire size and # of coils.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

If you ordered Springs from VB or MOSS chances are you found out like I did that they are selling springs marked incorrectly. I ended up reordering springs marked for a Bugeye in their book in order to the correct springs. Placed side by side, the and I can't remember if it was from VB or Moss, springs stood physically 3/4 of an inch taller but are much stiffer. Instead on a 1" or so tire / fender gap it was more like 2-3". It took 3 tries b/4 I ended up with thecorrect springs. I think I've got pics and I'll send if you want.

 

[Sportsdoc]

The pics would be helpful. I put a jack under the wishbone to level it before I tightened the bushings. I have at least a 4 inch gap between the top of the fender and the top of the tire. I do have the engine in; don't have the radiator or generator installed.

I have spoken with the vendor and he is checking into it. Won't be the first time I got the wrong stuff. Wrong brake calipers, wrong brake cylinders, hub with bent studs, etc....

 

[JerryB]

""""""I put a jack under the wishbone to level it before I tightened the bushings. """""""

You want to get the car on the ground with the bolts/nuts on the a-arms loose and jump up and down on the car then tighten the bolts /nuts.


"""""""" don't have the radiator or generator installed."""""

So your lacking 90-100 pounds or so + -. With the car on the ground stand on the front of the car and see what happens. If the ride height is not resolved then remove the springs and measure them...see what you have.

IF you have a steel bumper (POST B.E.) (you didnt say just what you have) the spring dims are above in my prev post.

 

[Sportsdoc]

Just got one of the springs out.

9 3/4 inch length, 8 coils, .5 wire, green dot on springs with CHA-129 part number.

 

[JerryB]

Sounds like a later model with rubber bumper car at the height/coils you say....if you didnt measure the wire to three places ( .XXX") , remember that wire size is the BIG variable on spring rates.

You might contact the vendor......

"""""""I have spoken with the vendor and he is checking into it"""""""

Ask him who is HIS SOURCE and call them.

 

[Sportsdoc]

I'm sending them back to my previous vendor and ordered the proper set from Peter C.

I hope to get the front end properly finished this weekend.