To Coil over or not to Coil over

[Steelrat]

Last season I was having trouble with my front end. I was bottoming out on dips and if I nailed it and got good traction the front end would stretch the suspension and come down hard on the pan. I was told I needed stiffer shocks and taller bumpstops due to the rake of my car having 15" wheels in back 14" in front. I was quoted 400 for shocks, bumpstops and install. I am thinking that coilovers are the way to go if i am spending that kind of $.

thoughts?

[1971novaSS]

I hope someone comments with some good info on the subject, i am wanting to go with coilovers up front as well and i am not sure which product is the best for the buck as well.

[79T/Aman]

shocks will not take care of the problem, you will need to let us know what you have in mind for the car, drag oriented or touring, do you need the front to lift for weight transfer?

[Bryce]

It sounds like you need a stiffer compression setting on your shocks. Coilovers are not neccessary. An adjustable shock would be a great improvement. The correct spring rate would help too. Make sure the springs can take the load so it doesnt bottom out.

[Steelrat]

shocks will not take care of the problem, you will need to let us know what you have in mind for the car, drag oriented or touring, do you need the front to lift for weight transfer?

it is a street car not pro touring. but do want better than stock handling

[JRouche]

Im not sure but if the springs are suspending the load fine during normal driving and it only bottoms out during hard and fast load transfer then a more aggressive shock may contain the travel so the springs can keep up.

But it does sound like some new springs are in order. If they are original then they might be much looser than what they were new.

I dont think coilovers are needed. I think new springs with the same spring rate or maybe a lil stiffer would help along with some decent shocks.

Coilovers would be beneficial if you were to use progressive springs.

But if your springs are original they may just be tired. JR

[Steelrat]

thank for feedback everyone.