I'd like to create an exaggerated rake on my '71, which currently has air shocks in the rear. I can create this look now, but I have to top off the shocks every 2-3 weeks, and I'm concerned about tearing through the shock mounts over time. I don't max the air shocks out, I pump them up to 100-110psi or so, which creates the perfect height. My trunk is also completely empty, if that makes a difference. Heard at a car show that people would use Wagon rear springs on their Chevelle coupes to create this appearance, and that it raises the rear about 2" from stock. Since the suspension is the same on the GS, this should work for our cars also. I'd love a photo, if someone has such a thing, so I can see if the height is correct for what I'm after. If someone has a picture of a car with fresh 'factory height' springs that would work also, since I can use this as a reference. If the wagon springs are the right height they'll drop in, otherwise I'm thinking fresh factory-spec springs and maybe a spacer collar. :beer ---------- Post added at 08:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:09 PM ---------- fwiw, this is the stance I'm trying to attain: And here's the closest I've found, albeit with non-ideal backspacing, a Monte Carlo on Moog CC507, which cross-reference as Nomad / Cargo springs:
I used what we joking referred to as 3/4 ton El Camino springs under my car for several years when I had 10" Centerlines on the back. Still got the springs. They require you to drop the bottom shock mount and have someone stand on the wheel to push it down far enough to get it into the pocket. They aren't coming out on any bumps. I can't find any pics now but it cleared 15x10 wheels with 255 70 tires. May have to see if I can scan some in. This was back in the day before digital pics.
i have cargo coils in my '72 gs and the car does not sit much higher than stock, certainly not like in your pictures.
I'm using 275/40/17 in the rear, The Monte Carlo is on 295/50/15, which are about 1" taller. The lift seems about 0.5" higher than I'd like on the MC, and with 1/2" more gap I don't think it will look right. Your car with the 255/70/15 is about 3" taller in tire vs my Firestones, if there was minimal gap that sounds like it could be the perfect height, since it will have about 1.5" of rear wheel gap with my wheels. I'd love to see a picture, if you find the time. Looks like there are three options: Moog CC507 El Camino Cargo Springs Moog CC501 Cargo Springs Stock Height Springs w/ 1.5" Spacers -- Here's a Monte Carlo on the CC501 Cargo Springs, with a 275/60/15 (2" taller) rear tire:
When I was in my younger days I had a 68 Javelin all jackd up like that on air shocks. Over time it broke the lower mounting points of the plate under the springs. If you want the look but not the rough ride just get the spacers off Ebay. Cheap and easy to install
I looked through the pictures I could find and none of them show are with the centerlines. Sorry. If it were me, I'd got with the spacers. You can always cut them down and tune them to your liking. Besides, your mileage may vary with the weight of the car and other variables.
