CRG Discussion Forum

Camaro Research Group Discussion => Restoration => Topic started by: sixt9x33rs on August 27, 2015, 11:57:21 AM

Title: 69 front coil springs
Post by: sixt9x33rs on August 27, 2015, 11:57:21 AM
I want to make sure I am going about this right. I have installed new leaf springs on my 69 BB convertible, but the right rear still sags. I have measured all four corners and the right side of the car is a little lower than the left side. I have purchased Moog front coil springs in order to have all the springs on the car new and hopefully balance the stance. Will new front springs level the stance out on the car?

Thanks
Lawrence
Title: Re: 69 front coil springs
Post by: L78 steve on August 27, 2015, 01:52:05 PM
I had a 2nd gen Camaro that had some body twist and it sat low at the L rear corner. Not saying that this is your problem but a frame shop could check your measurements.
Title: Re: 69 front coil springs
Post by: sixt9x33rs on August 27, 2015, 09:38:47 PM
Any measurements I could take from the AIM
Title: Re: 69 front coil springs
Post by: L78 steve on August 27, 2015, 10:32:36 PM
In my case I blocked the car in a shop with floor anchors and found the low point at the rear subframe/rear quarter of the car. Then jacked the low area. It was tricky, The body would spring back. I had to find with a pressure gauge the point that the body gave.
It worked out good without any panel issues.
I believe the car had an accident or was made with a twist.
The previous owner replaced both front springs thinking that was the problem. I replaced the rear springs in hope that was the issue.
Still may not be your problem, eliminate all other possibility's first.
Title: Re: 69 front coil springs
Post by: KevinW on August 27, 2015, 11:39:39 PM
Take a jack and support the car on a thin block of wood under the center of the front cross-member (car needs to be able to rock easily).  Go and bounce the rear body gently.  Did the rear level out?  If so, then the front springs are pushing up unevenly (or you have a coil out of its pocket). 

If not then either the leaf springs are binding or worn un-evenly.  You can loosen the bushing bolts (eye bushing and shackles).  try the bounce again.  if that does not do it, swap the leafs side to side.  Did the lean follow to the other side?  If so, that is the worn leaf.   
Title: Re: 69 front coil springs
Post by: sixt9x33rs on August 28, 2015, 02:13:01 AM
Take a jack and support the car on a thin block of wood under the center of the front cross-member (car needs to be able to rock easily).  Go and bounce the rear body gently.  Did the rear level out?  If so, then the front springs are pushing up unevenly (or you have a coil out of its pocket). 

If not then either the leaf springs are binding or worn un-evenly.  You can loosen the bushing bolts (eye bushing and shackles).  try the bounce again.  if that does not do it, swap the leafs side to side.  Did the lean follow to the other side?  If so, that is the worn leaf.   

Leafs are new
Title: Re: 69 front coil springs
Post by: sixt9x33rs on August 28, 2015, 02:14:01 AM
I put spring spacers in the front right coils which helped, but will still replace the springs.
Title: Re: 69 front coil springs
Post by: KevinW on August 28, 2015, 02:03:04 PM
I would still check for bushing binding and to ensure coils are in the pockets properly.
Title: Re: 69 front coil springs
Post by: sixt9x33rs on August 29, 2015, 01:54:21 AM
I would still check for bushing binding and to ensure coils are in the pockets properly.
What is bushing binding?
Title: Re: 69 front coil springs
Post by: z28z11 on August 29, 2015, 02:57:33 AM
Bushings in the lower "A" arm should be able to pivot on their respective bolts, plus the bolts on the upper cross shaft should not have been tightened or torqued until the car was at ride heigth with drivetrain installed, preferably on a level surface. You could possibly pre-stress the bushings if the upper "A" was installed and torqued to spec before leveling - resulting in a wierd bias. Just another thought -

Regards,
Steve
Title: Re: 69 front coil springs
Post by: KevinW on August 29, 2015, 12:04:18 PM
What Steve said :)  The rear bushings can also bind if the bolts were tightened with the springs hanging.  proper procedure is to have the bolts pretty loose, put the car on level ground, bounce it a bit to settle the spring , then tighen them up with out jacking up the car.  Its a little tough to do that if the car is low.  I put mine on a 4-post lift, when I replaced all 4 springs, got it leveled, then raised it up and was able to tighten the bolts without issue