C3 Front Spring Orientation

[Michael C.]

I've seen conflicting posts regarding which end of the spring is up. Some state that the end with the closer spaced coils go to the top. At least one post stated that the end with the notch goes to the top. On my spring the notch is at the end with wider spaced coils. I know the AIM (pg 175) states the close spaced coils on top. There is a notation on this page that says "See UPC ??". The print is unreadable and I don't know which UPC it refers to. Does that UPC state a different orientation?

When I removed the left spring I took a photo and made a note that the notch was at the top. That is how I reinstalled the spring later. That was several months ago. Now I'm ready to reinstall the right spring, but have come across this puzzle. A local shop did some front suspension work many years ago and might have installed the springs incorrectly.

How critical is the orientation? I sure hate to have to remove and reinstall the left spring.

The car is a 69, L36 with AC.

Thanks folks,
Mike

[Terry M.]

Re: C3 Front Spring Orientation

I've seen conflicting posts regarding which end of the spring is up. Some state that the end with the closer spaced coils go to the top. At least one post stated that the end with the notch goes to the top. On my spring the notch is at the end with wider spaced coils. I know the AIM (pg 175) states the close spaced coils on top. There is a notation on this page that says "See UPC ??". The print is unreadable and I don't know which UPC it refers to. Does that UPC state a different orientation?

When I removed the left spring I took a photo and made a note that the notch was at the top. That is how I reinstalled the spring later. That was several months ago. Now I'm ready to reinstall the right spring, but have come across this puzzle. A local shop did some front suspension work many years ago and might have installed the springs incorrectly.

How critical is the orientation? I sure hate to have to remove and reinstall the left spring.

The car is a 69, L36 with AC.

Thanks folks,
Mike

Hi Mike

My 1969 AIM copy doesn't have the kind of page numbers you refer to, so I have to guess here a little bit.

I think you are referring to UPC 3, Sheet A4. That page has the note to "assemble front spring with close spaced coils to the spring tower."
That note also says to "see UPC 0." I believe that references ride height and spring choices.
HTH

[Ron G.]

Re: C3 Front Spring Orientation

Like Terry said, the end with the coils closet together are at the top. This is a common mistake among some restorers, usually someone that has never removed and re-installed front springs before.

[Michael C.]

[Terry M.]

Re: C3 Front Spring Orientation

Mike
This is something chassis judges look for, or should be looking for, so it is best to do it the way the AIM says. As you said good thing you asked before the second spring install.