67 Firebird Front Springs Too Low

[2manybirds]

Hey all, I could us a bit of help on springs. I have a 67 FBD convert, 472 Pontiac and T400. The car has DSE upper and lower A arms with 2" drop and I also did the ATS 1" Drop spindle plust DSE 1/2" body bushings. The front is now officially too low and tires are rubbing on the inner finder with stock stock 326 springs. Front tires are Michelin 245/45/18s, about 26" tall. Any recommendations where to go for stiffer but drivable and taller front coils? I thought I had it all measured out but I'm way off... Now I'm trying to figure out how height much to put back on. Also, what is stock spring height on these springs? My factory 69 manual does not show spring height or weight.

The project is just shy of driving...

[sporter]

I can tell you the stock 326 springs I removed from my '67 Firebird convertible were 17" long with a diameter of .615" and show a rate of 320 lbs. For comparison, my Eibach Pro-Kits are 14.25" long, have a diameter of .675 and dropped the car about 1.5-2.75". I say that because the passenger side dropped 1.25" more than the driver's side when the springs finally settled, as measured at the top of the fender lip over the wheel. I'd call DSE and ask them, they've probably seen your combo before and may have a good recommendation.

[Lowend]

Are the 326 springs original or new?

[2manybirds]

The 326 springs are the 40 y/o originals.

[kp.touring]

One of our shop cars is a 68 f'bird with DSE upper and lower control arms with stock spindles and still has stock body bushings. The springs we are Hotckhis for a big block GM A-body and the car sets perfect. Also another thing to be noted is that your front tires are 1" to tall, you should have 245/40/18's verses 245/45/18's. One other thing if your tire contact is on the outer part of the inner fender you can trim that section out and add a rubber liner from the inner fender to the outer fender.
The last thing is that Firebirds and Camaro springs are not the same no matter what the app guides and books say, a Firebird requires a higher rated and/or taller spring because of the front bumper assembly.

Kevin

[2manybirds]

Any idea what the height is on the A-Body springs? And what year A-body did you use? I haven't had much luck finding a spring dimension chart to confirm what is interchangable before I buy another set.

[2manybirds]

I also tried a set from global west with 1" drop but they sit just barely higher than the 326 springs.

Chris

[kp.touring]

The springs we are using are for 64-72 A-body. Also you can't judge ride hieght of a spring by free lenght, other factors come into play like diameter of the wire, number of coils, overal spring rate and more. I have used many spring that where shorter in free lenght that have raised cars and many that are longer that have lowered cars.
FYI stock Moog replacement springs are rated at about 325 lbs per inch and the Hotchkis springs are somewhere aroung 575 to 600.
Kevin

[2manybirds]

Two more things: are they stock BB Springs or heavier? Do you know the installed height at the fend lip (I'm guessing your tire height is around 25")
Thanks,
Chris

[Lowend]

You could just install replamcement 326 springs. It's not uncommon to see original springs sag 2" over the 40 years

[2manybirds]

I thought of that too but i'm concerned that I need a stiffer spring to keep from bottoming out. Hotchkis springs are substantially stiffer so if I can determine an approximate installed height I think I'm in business. Higher is better as I can alsways cut them down! Hopefully they don't beat the heck out the car and the kids . It's supposed to be a performance driver not a track car.
Chris

[CarlC]

Can you use a spring with a height adjuster? There's info on my website. Landrum does not sell the adjuster any longer, but they are available through Speedway Motors and ATS.

[2manybirds]

Thanks Carl. I think you just saved me. Tyler at ATS has the adjusters (with a spring and shock kit) and offered to swap springs if it still isn't high enough. I think this is the silver bullet I need.

BTW - your car is beautiful. I have that issue of Super Chevy and remember eyeballing your ride.

Chris

[2manybirds]

thanks for the input everyone. i'll be back after the parts arrive if this doesn't work!