66 Chevelle stock ride height?

[LT1 OLDS]

I'm looking for lowering springs for a 66 Chevelle but I'm sure my current ones are not the stock height. Anyone have a measurement from the axle centerline to the wheel lip front and rear? I want to make sure I get the right springs the first time.
Thanks

[Zoomin]

Why are you changing springs? Do you want to make sure you're lower than what you are now or something? Companies sell their springs according to the drop from stock they yield, so if you want it two inches lower than stock, buy a 2" inch drop spring or drop spindle.

You might see if you can find factory dimensions somewhere that show the overall height of the car and go from there.

[LT1 OLDS]

Correct, I want the car about an inch lower than it is now. Since I don't know what the stock height is, I'm not sure what springs to order. I've seen too many posts were the wrong spring is installed and I want to get it right the first time

[killer69]

solve all your problems with an adjustable coil over set up like QA1 or Viking has. zero modifications, and gives you adjustable ride height and shock damping, best all round solution.

[Yelcamino]

Correct, I want the car about an inch lower than it is now. Since I don't know what the stock height is, I'm not sure what springs to order. I've seen too many posts were the wrong spring is installed and I want to get it right the first time

If you're looking for good springs to lower your ride height and maintain a quality ride, call Coil Spring Specialties. Once you answer a series of questions, they'll custom make springs specfically for your car. Once you have your springs, check out our new Q Series shocks. They are a very affordable high performance aluminum monotube shock that will completely transform your ride!

[smhigh]

This is from the 1967 factory assembly instruction manual:

Park on a flat, level surface. The vehicle should contain oil, water, a full tank of gas and have the recommended tire inflation pressure. Note that these measurements are for a 1967 Chevelle SS396 with the tires that came from the factory.

To get the front suspension ride height, measure the elevation of the rocker panel 30.50" back from the vertical center line of the front wheel. It should be 9.96" on the L35 396 with RPO F40 susp, ps, a/c, PG & 7.75X14 tires; or 9.94" if you have the L34 engine with all of the same options except with F70X14 tires.

For the back, measure the rocker panel elevation at a point 24.50" forward of the center of the back wheel. It should be 9.67" for the L35 and 9.63" for the L34.

[LT1 OLDS]

Thanks Paul that's what I was looking for. I should be able to come pretty close using those measurements. Once I figure out how much I need to go I can determine the best way to get there.

Herb, I like the way the El Camino sits what are you using in that? I've read about Coil Spring Specialties in a couple of other posts and might give them a shot since there just a few miles up the road.

Blake, I never really thought about coilovers for a driver. I'm going to have t think about that.

Thanks for everyone's unput

[Yelcamino]

Herb, I like the way the El Camino sits what are you using in that? I've read about Coil Spring Specialties in a couple of other posts and might give them a shot since there just a few miles up the road.

Thanks! The El Camino and the Chevelle have springs from CSS. Since you're close to them, the best thing to do would be to call and provide the measurements they need, then bring them one rear spring and one front spring. That way they can give you the exact ride height you want along with a better spring rate.

[MonzaRacer]

Better yet order up some coil overs from ridetech and simply lower it that way. THEN get a realignment.
Also if its not low enough or too low, swap out springs for like $75 each. and the ride and handling will be better than ever. Look at complete packages also for even more performance.
Another choice would be to remove the front springs and cut half a coil off at a time till its as low as you like. But be warned cutting your current spring makes them stiffer as you shorten them. shorter shocks may be required if you get outside of a specific range. you may even have too trim jounce bumpers.
Also might even look at ShockWaves, then you get performance AND ride and ability to dial in a specific height.