Should I get cargo coils, stock coils or variable rate?

well im confused a little still cause according to what im reading the 66 springs work on a 8.5 rear out of 71-72 and there only pigtailed on top. the 67 up are pigtailed on bottom and top. so if you cut the pigtail off wouldnt it make it a 66 spring open on one end. if so wouldnt the spring work even if trimed.

 

64-66 springs are pigtailed on the bottom, just like the later springs... no problem there.
The difference is the spring pockets in the frame. 64-66 takes a tangental (open) spring, and the later cars take a pigtailed end. Sure, you can cut the pigtail off of a late spring but that will make it too short.

It is very difficult to rebend a spring, it's tempered steel....hit it with a hammer, and it springs back! You would have to heat it till it's dull red then bend it. Unfortunately, that will destroy the temper, and the spring will not hold its set....it will continue to collapse during use.
Even powdercoating a spring is not recommended, unless you can keep the powder cure temp under 350 degrees.

Eaton springs has a decent tech page:
http://www.eatonsprings.com/techinfo.htm
But their prices are high!

Joe...glad I could help!
Joe #2....Chevelle springs in a big block GS?:spank: I put BB GTO springs in my blue car, and they bottom out.

 

i see so will 66 springs work on a later rear like i got from my car?

 

Definetly maybe.
As long as the pigtail fits on the later rear axle spring pad, and the spring can't fall out, it should be ok.

 

thanks man

 

What's The Dif Between Cargo & Variable Rate Springs? Always Thought Same?

 

Here's my '72 with stock HD Moogs all around

 

Now that sits nice, so those are Moog coils in the rear, HD or Cargo?

 

HD all around. Cargo's would have raised the rear but made it bouncy without the trunk weighted down. I'm also running 15x7's all around in place of the stock 14's...

 

Exactly my question just a few days ago...
A little research and asking around got me this response:

The heavy duty or cargo will hold a lot more weight, but will raise the height of the ride.

The original, are decent on a budget, and will restore stock ability to hold a load and height.

The variable rates give a stock height, but allow it to hold a lot more weight, as the springs somehow stiffen as weight is added. I thought that would somehow affect handling (as the weight shifts around corners and whatnot) but was told that under "non-race" circumstances you would never notice.


So, just two days ago I ordered some variable rates for the rear of my 1969 Lesabre, as the rear coils are shot. Once I get 'em in, I can tell you my opinion if you want!

 

It seems I remember old threads with pics of 70 to 72's using the Moog CC 501 springs in the rear and they looked about right.