1966 front suspension question

[Jef S.]

Home stretch on my 66 big block 3 1/2 year project. Front coil spring dilemma. I took it down the street for a short test drive and the passenger side coil spring got hung up on the upper tower. the driver side is centered perfectly. Coil spring work is no fun at all. I took the spring out AGAIN thinking I had it turned in the slot incorrectly I have tried it every which way and even flipped it over. I cant get it to not bind on the upper tower front edge. Is there a way to adjust the location of the lower control arm it seems if I could rotate it back and a bit inboard it would work. any other thoughts? Im stuck! on a part of the restoration I hate. THanks

[Mark M.]

Re: 1966 front suspension question

Jef , I've built many chassis's and change a number of coil sets but never saw that happen. Some where hit cars but all parts where bent back or replaced. Was the car ever damaged there? I would check lower control arm for straightness. It's fixed on the frame and the upper arm aligns. Try rolling the coil on the ground and see if there's a bend. Who's coil is it? Very early GM and L.I. coils are best fit and consistently get ride height correct. The frame pocket could have a bend. The 66 springs are a variable rate type which has windings on one end closer together and that end goes up. I give springs a lot of respect when servicing. They store a lot of energy and if you see one come loose , you'll never forget it. Good luck