67 Sagging Front Springs, Replace or Spacers or ?

[Bill C.]

Re: 67 Sagging Front Springs, Replace or Spacers or ?

Bill -

I remember that from years ago, but don't have a copy of it; it had the part number for the hard rubber spacer rings, too. They were never used in production. May have been a short-term purchase just for '63-'67 TSB application - spring part numbers exploded in 1968 with computer-selection for the new federal bumper height requirements.

John,
Thats what I remembered too, makes sense.
Thanks
Bill Caldwell

[Stephen L.]

Re: 67 Sagging Front Springs, Replace or Spacers or ?

Gary Cox, I solved my sagging spring problem. I had installed new "correct' front springs about 3 yrs ago. Since that time they sagged to the level of the original springs that I had replaced. I measured the "Z" dimension shown in the AIM and found it to be 1 inch. Spec is 2.25 +/- .25 inches.

I installed some end of coil 1/2" spacers, GM? part#9785777. These raised the car to "Z" dimension 2.5 inches. I suspect the springs will settle some as they "grew" about 1/2 inch while they were out of the car, measured immediately after removal and then 3 days later just prior to reinstallation. The car is now within the factory specs of the AIM.

Photos are before and after.

I'll submit another reply showing the spacers as I can't attach them to this reply.

[Stephen L.]

Re: 67 Sagging Front Springs, Replace or Spacers or ?

Here are the spacers and tool for spring removal. Once installed they are not readily visible.

[Joe L.]

Re: 67 Sagging Front Springs, Replace or Spacers or ?

Gary Cox, I solved my sagging spring problem. I had installed new "correct' front springs about 3 yrs ago. Since that time they sagged to the level of the original springs that I had replaced. I measured the "Z" dimension shown in the AIM and found it to be 1 inch. Spec is 2.25 +/- .25 inches.

I installed some end of coil 1/2" spacers, GM? part#9785777. These raised the car to "Z" dimension 2.5 inches. I suspect the springs will settle some as they "grew" about 1/2 inch while they were out of the car, measured immediately after removal and then 3 days later just prior to reinstallation. The car is now within the factory specs of the AIM.

Photos are before and after.

I'll submit another reply showing the spacers as I can't attach them to this reply.

Steve-----


Now I know why I could never find these spacers. The part number is a Pontiac part number and the only vehicle line I can find that they were ever cataloged for is Pontiac.

[Timothy B.]

Re: 67 Sagging Front Springs, Replace or Spacers or ?

Steve,

The car sits much better, can these spacers be purchased in thicker segments like 1"? Did you just install them at the top??

[Stephen L.]

Re: 67 Sagging Front Springs, Replace or Spacers or ?

Tim, The car is now within the original factory spec "Z" dimension. You can measure your car per the AIM alignment specs to see where you fall. I'm only aware of the 1/2" rubber spacers that I used, with this round configuration.
Mr Gasket sells spacers that are flat on one side as well as a double groove style that goes between the coils. The flat one will not work as it won't fit in the groove in the frame and "A" arm.The between the coils spacers will basically remove the "spring effect" of one coil.
I installed them at both ends of the spring, a total of 1 inch.
The car is a BB 390 no A/C.