Right side: end of the spring points to the outside of the car, left side side: end points to the inside of the car. That kind of positioning only make sense, if there are some indents either on the axle, or on the frame in which the end of the springs are seated. On my '70 thats the case for the front springs. I do not recall that in the rear the frame of my GS has any indents for seating the spring end. Here is what the manual says for the '70
I don't remember any indents either, but the 71 Chassis manual has that orientation pictured. Both coil ends up top face the rear of the car, and point towards the passenger side. Same picture in the 72 manual. The 70 Manual, I can't even read the instructions or make heads or tails of it.
I only did the top. I believe it is for vibration/sound isolation to the body, like the body bushings. I agree it would not hurt anything to do both. I don't recall worrying about orientation, but then I have an old bolt-in rear end.
So I installed the Moog 5385 springs. Used isolators top and bottom. The car rides really nice with these springs but it is still too low for my taste. Here is a picture of the car at last night's cruise, I measured from the ground to the middle of the rear arch. Measurement was a bit over 25". Stock trim height (D) is 24 5/16" for a 1970 GS455 according to the chart in the 70 Manual. I may try to shim these springs, or return them and order some +1 springs from Detroit/Eaton spring. I'd like that measurement to be more like 26-26 1/2".
Walt, Looks like the 5399 would do exactly what I want, but they are not available anywhere. I may e mail Laura at Espo and see what she has. Given all the supply chain issues, it would not surprise me if there were long delays to get the springs, but we will see.
Wizard why don't you put a set of coil overs on vikings you can adjust to what ever you want i can go up or down
So I went under the car on Sunday, and made a bigger set of spacers to shim up the stock 5385 springs. When I was done, I measured and the driver's side of the car is at 26 7/8", and the passenger side is at 27 3/8". I think I am pretty happy with it. I'll get a side shot when I get the car out. I was able to put my 275/60 back on and now I have enough room where it won't scrape on big bumps. This will do until I get the right wheel back spacing and the right springs. I'd like to get rid of the shims with the right spring, and everything I have researched (and Walt's recommendation) tells me the Moog 5399 spring is the one I need for a 1 1/2" lift. Problem is that spring is not available anywhere so far. I just chatted with someone on the Moog site, he gave me the phone number for Moog, I will try to call them.
So I called Moog. According to them, the 5399 is obsoleted. The person I spoke with told me that NAPA might be my only hope as they have pretty big warehouses. The NAPA # according to him is 277-3197. I already called club member Jacob Martinez as he has worked at NAPA in the past and has a connection there. Anybody else have a NAPA connection? The 5399 spring is perfect for raising the rear 1 1/2", as it has the same spring rate of 166lbs./inch, but the free standing height is 14.12" vs. the stock 5385's 12.63"
I've had them in my convertible forever with 3" exhaust and never melted one. Maybe check your timing? I think there's a thread on how to do that somewhere?
Walt, the 5399 is obsolete and so far, not available anywhere. I e mailed Laura, got a response yesterday, " Hi Larry, We don't carry most of the constant rate springs so we don't have the 5399. I'm not sure what spring will lift your car 1 1/2" higher. A CC651 may but I can't be sure. They re $105 for the pair plus shipping. Laura Snyder ESPO Springs n Things 800-903-9019 / 570-672-9413 (M-Th 9:00 AM-5:00 PM and Fri 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Eastern)"
How close? I just looked at mine, and I have about 2" on each side. I use TA 3" tailpipes. You can probably weld on small heat shields if need be. Air bags help with traction too.
Honestly I think you're treating the symptom and not the cure. 275/60s are probably the most popular tire size for 70-72 car, even with original saggy springs. Where do they rub?
