Hey folks, I'm back in the hobby / sport (after a 30 year hiatus) and thought I'd jump in where I jeft off, with a 1969 GS400 convertible. Supsension is tired (amongst other things) and I'm looking for front spings with a factory stance and rear's with a bit of attitude without excessive altitude. I'll have to back it them up with shocks. Also I was told by my mechanic it may be a waste of time replacing the rear trailing arm bushings. Even if they are not symptomatic, doesn't it make sense on a 42 year old car to replace them anyway? Any recommendations on springs and shocks will be greatly appreciated. ~ Thanks Steve e Summer
you have a number of options for springs....OPGI, CCP and UMI Performance.OPGI and CCP have lots of springs to choose from with different heights and spring rates. I cant think of a reason NOT to replace 41 year old rubber bushingso No: For better rear control arms look at UMI Performance, they have very nice stuff and are affordable! I am useing their upper/lower rear controls arms and their control arm reinforcements on my 69 Skylark convertible.If you need any other help or direction just speak up! Good luck.
For the front, moog 5398 should give you a stock ride height and a moderate rate at 365 #/in. 5394 will be about 3/8" higher. 5536 will a bit higher and a much firmer handling-type ride. For the rear, the cargo coil CC501 will be aout 1/2 - 1" over stock, and these cars sat too low in the rear to begin with, IMO. Moog 5399 will be about 1-1/2" higher than stock.
Not sure what advice your mechanic is giving you but after 40 years how good can a bushing be? Change the rears it will do you good.
I agree with Dave. Replace the bushings too. If it helps you any here's my COPO 430 Skylark. Moog CC501 in the rear with 275/60-15's, Moog 5394 in the front with 235/60-15's. There's about 1 1/2 inch showing at the rear between the rim and wheel well lip. Car rides firm/comfortable with no harshness over bumps.
