Mach 1 Club
COIL SPRINGS - Printable Version

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COIL SPRINGS - Mach 1 Club - 11-07-2018

do you guys have any good recommendations for coil springs for a 70 with a small block? I want a nice ride this car won't be tracked.
I can't really nail down spring rate. any help?


RE: COIL SPRINGS - 1969_Mach1 - 11-08-2018

I use what is called a 720 spring in 1969 Mach 1 with a 351W.  They have a spring rate of 600 lb./inch.  720 is simply the spring wire diameter.  It rides a firm.  Even with 70 series 14" tires on the original wheels.  But the ride height is consistent, never sags over time.  Most people are happy with springs in the 500 lb./inch range when using a small block and 60 or 70 series tires on 14 or 15 inch wheels.

Stay away from Scott Drake brand springs, front or rear.  They are imported and haven't heard anything good about them.  Most common complaint is the ride height is much too tall.  Scott Drake does however have some nice lower spring perches that use modern greaseable bushings and have free rotation unlike the stock rubber bushed spring perches.

Now is a good time to lower the mounting position of the upper control arms 1".  The Arning drop.  That will lower the front of the car some as well.

Spring brand is tough.  Most people go with what is mostly sold locally to them.  For me that was Grab-A-Trak sold through Mustangs Plus.  Global West Suspension has good quality and designed suspension parts and are sold through Summit Racing so are easy to get.  If I were to replace both front and rear springs again I would seriously consider Global West Suspension.  http://www.globalwest.net/

Don't forget the rear leaf springs.  I use a 5 leaf rated at 200 lb./inch.  A more common rear spring is the 4.5 leaf setup.  Usually rated between 160-180 lb./inch depending on brand.

If you install stronger springs and want to keep the ride as soft as possible do not use a high pressure has shock like the KYB Gas-A-Justs or the Scott Drake version of them.


RE: COIL SPRINGS - Mach 1 Club - 11-08-2018

I'm thinking of going with the Moog spring these. mines a cruiser i want it to ride comfy. the spring rate on these are 
Spring Rate - lbs per inch
283.00
Spring Type
Constant Rate
Bar Diameter - MM
15.90
https://www.moog-suspension-parts.com/moog-8234?gclid=CjwKCAiAt4rfBRBKEiwAC678KXkLYmzLpC9GI0W5qwm-IqXsbM_WjVXR4QSqnhwhLGXET_qdQU0IdhoCiRIQAvD_BwE

Here is the specs moog doesn't list.
http://www.vnhmshop.com/catalog-2/itemdetail/moog/8234


RE: COIL SPRINGS - 1969_Mach1 - 11-08-2018

That's fine if you want a stock type ride.  Keep in mind the ride height with new stock replacement springs is usually much taller than it currently is with old worn springs.  It's not a good idea to cut stock springs to lower a car merely because the low spring rate causes the suspension to bottom on the bump stops a lot while driving.


RE: COIL SPRINGS - Mach 1 Club - 11-08-2018

(11-08-2018, 07:54 AM)1969_Mach1 Wrote: That's fine if you want a stock type ride.  Keep in mind the ride height with new stock replacement springs is usually much taller than it currently is with old worn springs.  It's not a good idea to cut stock springs to lower a car merely because the low spring rate causes the suspension to bottom on the bump stops a lot while driving.

I'm also thinking about the Eibach pro kit. I want firm but comfortable on crappy roads. when I was younger ride didn't matter now I like comfortable  Wink I hate suspension it's the least I know anything about.


RE: COIL SPRINGS - 1969_Mach1 - 11-08-2018

I'm kind of old school.  In my mind I think that's a tall order with the stock type suspensions on these cars.  You're always going to sacrifice a little of one thing to get improvements in another.  The MOOG springs you looked at will give you a soft stack-of-pillows type ride but handling will not be good.  What is the spring rate for the Eiback pro springs?  They are variable rate springs so might be a good choice.  If those are the two options I would select the Eibach springs.