Hello, I have been shopping for replacement rear coil springs and body bushings and have a few questions, When looking at different coil springs I notice that there are some that will raise the rear by 3 or 4". I dont want the rear to be higher than the front, I would like a level ride but also dont want the rear to be too spongy. Can anyone recommend a set of rear coil springs? Also curious if the new neoprene body mounts might be too stiff, Any comments? I was thinking about sticking with rubber mounts. Thank you,
Moog 5231 is the standard replacement. #6197 is a firmer spring that I use on my '66s. It's a bit higher than the stock springs which fits the larger 15 inch wheels/tires well. There isn't a huge difference between the two... The 6197 is designed for another 75 lbs at the same 8.5" installed height. It has a stiffer rate, 138 lbs/inch vs 110 lbs/inch for the stock type 5231. It's relatively easy to adjust ride height with a little work. If the car sits too low, spacers can be installed between the spring and spring seat. If it's too high, part of a coil can be cut off to shorten it. About $61 from Amazon (shipped) or $44 (+shipping) from Rockauto.
I used my old original springs and installed a set of Monroe load lever shocks (the kind with the springs arount the shocks), car sits and rides very nice. When I load up the trunk and have a full tank of gas it still sets like it is supposed to. Don't like that "tail dragger looks most of the stock 64's have. Solved the problem for around 100 bucks.
I just replaced the rear coils on my '64 Skylark last weekend. I got the Moog 5231 from Summit. With shipping $69.90. My car was a "tail dragger" too. I had done the front suspension including coils from NAPA in October. Raised the front up so the back really looked bad. After installing the rear coils, I have the same measurement from floor to rocker panel trim at all four ends. The height from floor to rear wheel well lip in line with center of wheel raised 1-1/2". The ride and handling improved also. I am very happy with the results. These are the before and after pictures. I also replaced the shocks. You might need to order a set of insulators for top of springs.
