What is the best way to raise 72 lark rear end 1"-2"

thanks for the information, I actually took a floor jack and raised the rear to how I want it to sit and I need about a 3" lift. If I buy the J.C. Whitney springs will I need to buy shock extensions????
Tim

 

I'd pop the springs in first and see what you get. I was really happy with how much the springs lifted the rear. The old and the new springs were the exact same height sitting on the floor but the new springs didn't sag like the old ones once installed. If you get your desired lift you're done and if not you can always add a helper. Don't use spring spreaders, they suck ou:

 

I couldn't find the springs under Buick so I checked Chevelle and I found them, I assume that these will work on my 72 Skylark.
Is this true, and will I need shock extenders?
Thanks
Tim

 

Are you saying just go with stock replacement springs and see what happens?
If I needed more height I would then maybe use one of those rubber donut looking spacers under the springs. Have you used these?
Tim

 

Well not exactly, you could try the longer springs. This is a pic of my car with new springs and no air in the bag. I'll follow with a pic of it when I started with the old springs. The only problem is that the big rear tires give it a slight "rake" so I'm not sure how it would look with smaller tires. Do you want a forward rake? or do you want it to sit stock?

 

old, so if you want a rake with stock size wheels and tires you would need longer springs, if you want as stock stance you should go with the stock replacement springs.

 

I would like a little forward rake to it. I have 295/50 on the rear and I want to be able to see them more from the rear and sides.
I like the way your car sits, what size tires do you have on the rear?
As you can see in my photo the car really sits low in the rear.
Tim

 

I like the way yours sits. Do your tires rub? I have 325/50-15's but I cut one on the inner fender the other night. My next set will be 295's. I'm not 100% sure stock springs would give you the look you want. I would guess that a 1 inch taller spring would give you the stance you're looking for.

It looks like I over paid for mine I think they were $150 from OPG or YO (I don't remember) But I think you could ask for an extra inch or 2 when you ordered.

 

Rick, my tires do not rub at all, even with two high school hockey players in the back seat and all their gear in the trunk! But she rode low down the road! I want it to sit a little higher so you can see those bad meats from behind!
I have 15"x8" rims with a 5" backspace from Specialty Wheels.
By the way I had a T/A 295 on a rim to see if they would fit before I bought the Firestones and the 295 T/A's are about 3/4" wider than the 295's Firestones even though they advertise the same size as the T/A!
Tim

 

I just installed a set of Monroe load levelers on my car. they raised it about 1.5-2 inches. They ride readl nice too. They are a coil over shock that bolts right in place of the stock shock. Use this if you want 2 inches. They were about 100 bucks for the pair from Advanced Auto. Gritty Kitty recommended them to me and they are fantastic!

Bob

 

That's not a bad idea!!!! Might work for you Tim.

I have a question Tim, How wide are your 295's my 325's are 13 inches wide and I think the T/A 295's are listed at 12 inches wide. 12 inches would be perfect.

Oh and aren't hockey bags the worst?? My boys play hockey also and I won't take their bags in anything but my truck bed!!!! I haven't had the two meatheads in the back of the GS together....450 lbs of stink might be too much!! :laugh:

 

I didn't happen to get the part #, but I CAN! :TU: I read it specifically as "Buick Skylark Rear Springs, 3"-4" Lift". I would not use the "Chevelle" springs, as sometimes they are "heavier" (stiffer), and may change your ride performance on the Skylark. Let me find out, and I'll let you know ASAP! :TU:

Using these springs, you probably will have to use the Shock extenders, because logically there will be more "spring travel", and that will allow more "shock travel", as your suspension moves up and down.

For the PRICE, I'd recommend these springs, because even if you decide to change them later, all you'll have to do is "cut them down" to the height you want. (If they're 4"s, now, and you want to lower them to 3", just cut 1" off of the coil, without having to spend another $150-$200 for "custom" lowering springs) :Smarty: :bglasses:

 

Scott, can you still use the rear springs after you cut them? They seem to have a taper at each end.

 

Ok Scott looking forward to the info!
Thanks
Tim

 

I had to do my research, but I found what I was looking for. :Smarty: :TU:

Here you go, Tim:

JC Whitney

Springs will raise vehicle 3"-4", for Competition, Cargo or Replacement

Front- $69.95

SL879022A '68-'70 Skylark
SL879022A '71-'72 Skylark

REAR

SL734444Y '68-'70 Skylark- $57.95
SL851410Y '71-'72 Skylark- $58.95 :bglasses: (This sounds like what you want!) :TU:

 

Thanks for the help and info!
Tim

 

Raising the back end

The best and easiest way to raise the rear end is with station wagon springs, Since Buick did not make a Sport Wagon that year I suggest El Camino or Nomad springs.

 

I can't find those springs CS5399

 

There's no springs to buy?