71 front coil springs. LT1

[Curtis L.]

Why do the coil springs have metal pieces in them. It almost looks like some kind of spacer.

[Jim T.]

Re: 71 front coil springs. LT1

Someone has put spacers in the springs to keep them from compressing, perhaps to increase the height of the front of the car.

[John H.]

Re: 71 front coil springs. LT1

They also dramatically increase the spring rate (and ride harshness), and can result in spring breakage due to bottoming of adjacent coils under full jounce conditions.

[Curtis L.]

Re: 71 front coil springs. LT1

Thank You Jim and John. Should I remove them and what should I be careful of.

[John H.]

Re: 71 front coil springs. LT1

Curtis -

Some previous owner no doubt installed them to restore normal ride height after the springs sagged, so chances are removing them will result in below-normal front ride height. The challenge is to locate a replacement pair of front springs first that don't raise the front end up like a 4x4.

[Jim T.]

Re: 71 front coil springs. LT1

I replaced the original front springs on my 70 back in the 80's. I used the 518 springs which used to be available from GM. They were pretty easy to put in because they are shorter than the originals and larger coil of steel. They did not raise my height of my 70, in fact it was about the same. I have set these 518 springs side by side with the springs similiar from Vette Brakes and they are the same free standing height and the coils appear to be the same size. For replacement of your springs you could use the Vette Brakes springs, I think you will be pleased with their performance