66 Front Springs

[Leo M.]

I am restoring the front suspension of a 66. I have a question regarding the springs. I ordered new springs from one of the Corvette parts suppliers. The new springs are about 3" longer than the springs I took out. Also the new springs have 12 coils compared to the 7 coils for the ones I removed. I am assuming the springs I removed are original, but have no
way of knowing for sure. Attached is a photo. Appreciate any comments

[Larry M.]

Re: 66 Front Springs

BB or SB?? Any special suspension option?

You might also provide overall height dimensions of both springs as well as coil wire diameter.

Which vendor did you buy from?? What is their advice?? What specs did they show for the spring you purchased??

Larry

[Leo M.]

Re: 66 Front Springs

Small block car with standard suspension. Springs purchased from Corvette Central. Springs I took off car were approx. 14 1/2" tall with 7 coils. New springs are about 17" tall with 12 coils. Spec on new spring is free hight of 16.9", wire diameter .600 with a 5" diameter coil. The vendor states their springs are correct and will provide the factory ride height.

[Larry M.]

Re: 66 Front Springs

LICS appears to offer the same or similar 12 coil front spring for standard suspension. They state it is made off original blueprints. http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb....Z5Z5Z50000370a

The only 7-8 coil springs they show are for special F40/41 suspension.

Joe L or others may have additional details or original specifications/blueprints from GM.

Larry

[Russ S.]

Re: 66 Front Springs

The seven coil spring pictured doesn't look like any original spring I have seen.

[Joe L.]

Re: 66 Front Springs

I am restoring the front suspension of a 66. I have a question regarding the springs. I ordered new springs from one of the Corvette parts suppliers. The new springs are about 3" longer than the springs I took out. Also the new springs have 12 coils compared to the 7 coils for the ones I removed. I am assuming the springs I removed are original, but have no
way of knowing for sure. Attached is a photo. Appreciate any comments

Leo------


The "original" spring ain't original! All 1966 Corvette coil springs were dual rate (coils at one end closer than coils at the other end) EXCEPT F-41. I don't think these springs are F-41, either, although they do have the correct coil count for F-41. F-41 wire diameter was 11/16".

Original springs were as follows:

small block-----GM #3851100----15-13/32" O.L., 11 coils, 0.600" wire diameter

big block w/0 C-60-----GM #3888250----17.35" O.L., 10 coils, 0.600" wire

[Richard M.]

Re: 66 Front Springs

Leo, Those originals you have there appear to me to be a aftermarket replacement.

In this Thread on a 1966 SB chassis restoration, read from posts #46 to #52. Reproduction Front Spring info there.

I used Eaton stock progressive springs, allegedly for correct ride height results. It did not work out that way. I had to cut 1/2 coil from each end to achieve proper ride height. Post #59 has photos with stance results. Also note the Eaton reproduction 9-leaf stock rear spring sat high. That was overcome by using longer spring bolts.

Also, it will be a challenge to install those new springs in their present length. If you decide to install them as is, you may likely have to remove them to cut them as I did.

Rich