Front ride height help - 69 Firebird

[Blue Bayou]

Alright guys... I need some help and expertise. We finally got to the point where the front end was coming together, started, etc... We finally set the front end down on my wheels and tires and it sits way too low. I have about an inch of clearance between the top of the tire and the inner fender. 455 Pontiac, cast heads, cast exhaust manifolds, aluminum intake, SSBC disc brakes with 2 inch drop spindles and a set of coil springs I bought from a friend that were only on his '68 Nova for a few months. (big block springs) New KYB gas-adjust shocks, stock control arms, heater delete, aluminum intake, and electric fan.

Not sure the best way to lift my front end back up some and how much... I'm thinking about an inch and a half up... Not sure if I should get new coil springs or a set of coil overs. Input?

I know the drop spindles aren't the ideal way to lower the car. I'm unsure if my SSBC brakes will bolt to a stock disc brake spindle and stick with the spring I have.

Thanks in advance for the input!

[Buryingthesun]

Were the springs you got "lowering springs" or factory big block springs? The big issue is you have 2" drop spindles and potentially lowering springs (usually lower the car 1"-2.5" depending on manufacture.)

I would at the bare minimum install factory big block springs to see where that gets the car, but Id prefer a coilover set-up for more ability to fine tune the ride height and ride quality. But if that's not in the budget id start with the stock springs.

[dhutton]

SPC has coil spring spacers that sit in the lower control arm pocket. A 3/4" spacer will raise it roughly 1.5". You can get them at Summit, they are usually in stock.

Don

[Rod]

I see another poster also suggested coil spring spacers...I used some from Mr Gasket #1285 summit (http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mrg-1285?seid=srese1&gclid=CjwKEAjw9qafBRCRiYrL4-fpuFkSJACvocQ1Y7RCS-fUyQCzeKm4QCX4gopwI74-qfyH74VtKR0hUhoCDfHw_wcB) sells the about 12 bucks each that number is the 1 inch rubber spacer it will raise the car about an 1 1/2 inches, its the same ones I used for years...that's the easy 25 dollar fix...... hope that helps

[Blue Bayou]

How much clearance do I need to allow between my inner fender and my tire for travel without having a rubbing issue?

Found out the Nova big block springs had been cut. (1 coil) I had a brand new set of Ecklers Industries SS40 coils. I called Ecklers and they told me they should work for my application as described above. Dropped the old spring out and set them next to the Ecklers and there is no difference in height.

Considering going to a coilover with my stock A-arms for now. I'm not overly excited about going with a spring spacer. Wouldn't that run the risk of the spring jumping out of the spring bucket?

[dhutton]

How much clearance do I need to allow between my inner fender and my tire for travel without having a rubbing issue?

Found out the Nova big block springs had been cut. (1 coil) I had a brand new set of Ecklers Industries SS40 coils. I called Ecklers and they told me they should work for my application as described above. Dropped the old spring out and set them next to the Ecklers and there is no difference in height.

Considering going to a coilover with my stock A-arms for now. I'm not overly excited about going with a spring spacer. Wouldn't that run the risk of the spring jumping out of the spring bucket?

The SPC spacers have a groove in them to mate with the spring. It is under so much compression there is no risk of it coming out:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sps-1705

Don

[RowdyRT]

@BlueBayou - I just bought my first classic yesterday and from my research I think it’s your build. She’s a beast and still runs very strong. I need to make a few minor repairs and I was curious what color you painted it if this is in fact the same bird.

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