REAR SPRING HEIGHT?

[nawlins-tim]

I HAVE A 1980 EL CAMINO. HAVEN'T HAD IT TOO LONG , BUT SOON AFTER DOING A GOOD GOING OVER I NOTICED THE PREVIOUS OWNER PUT A FEW OF THOSE SPRING CLAMPS ON THE REAR SPRINGS. Now , the car sits level with the clamps. What I was wondering is do El Camino's sit a little higher in the back from the factory? Ya know like a truck, to compinsate for when you may add a load in the rear? Or do you think I have a set of those variable rate cargo spring that give me the extra height?
I do have a 87 t-type 8.5 rear end but that should not have an effect on the springs. Another thing I was wondering is could I use rear springs from a Cutlass, Grand prix, or regal? Cuz the local yard has several of those with springs. Let me know what you guys have done.With your rear springs..
P.s. in my quest at the salvage yard I did find one real nice 73 elcamino(at a pull-a-part) Now since they have generic pricing system . All doors cost $***$, all rear ends cost $***$, and so on. This thing has perfect doors fenders and hood .With a bunch of other stuff. wonder if I have found a gold mine in e-bay sales. Hummm?

 

[drknow90rs]

'73 - '77 elkys arent too popular in the car culture. They are often considered to be too big/ugly/ etc. If it was a '72 I would say go for it. You are better off looking to sell '78 - '87 elky parts. Keep in mind that the larger parts, such as rear ends, front clips, doors, etc. Can be a pain to ship. As far as the rear springs on your car, I am pretty sure they are car-specific. (Should be a higher spring-rate on the elky springs.) Good luck!

 

[nawlins-tim]

I was trying to decide if the springs on my Elky are the correct height. I did not know if ordering new resr spring would have my car sitting any different from now. It kinda sits up in the back, which is why the other owner put spring clamps.

 

[just plain john]

Physically, any G body spring will work. If you look at Moogs replacement springs, you'll find they offer several different spring rates for the same application. I would imagine there is a different ride height in a light versus a heavy spring rate, but I've never personally checked one against the other. I personally prefer a slight nose down attutide, and I like mine low. I find that drop spindles and stock rear springs is just about right for me.

 

[drknow90rs]

Ah... Ok, I was thinking the previous owner put them in to RAISE the rear of the car. I personally prefer the rear to be level with the front. (Mostly because I like taking corners at a higher speed than is considered normal, and never plan to use my elky as a truck.) I DO know that eibach's pro-kit springs will nearly level the ride height, leaving the rear about 1/2" higher than the front. Affordable too! (Around $189.oo)