Rear Springs (again)

[737Mech]

Here’s the deal. I just finished installing a 9 inch in my 86 Monte Carlo. Between the larger diameter axle tubes and the adjustable spring perches, my rear ride height grew by about 1.75 inches. I want to get it back down to where it was before the housing install.

The installed height of the current springs is 9.25 inches. I am considering the Moog 5401. Looking at the specs it seems the installed height is 7.5 inches, so in theory this should get me to where I want to be.

Can anyone confirm the installed height of the 5401 comes in at 7.5 inches?

 

[Cuse99]

I'm not sure if this will actually help but maybe. Watch at least the 1st 2 minutes.

 

[64nailhead]

I’m on my phone and I’m anemic at copying and pasting (old man), but I just had the same issue. From a set of stock, used springs the 5401’s dropped it 1.5-2”. I’ll try to measure, but I’m not near a lift.

I installed an 8.8 with similar tube diameter increase. The 5401’s are gettin’ it done for me.

keep in mind the installed height does depend on what’s in the trunk. Sounds obvious, but I think it’s worth mentioning. With 28” drag radials the car isn’t raked anymore and with the stick height tires it looks like I have one of Mr Druggles women in the back seat.

 

[737Mech]

I’m on my phone and I’m anemic at copying and pasting (old man), but I just had the same issue. From a set of stock, used springs the 5401’s dropped it 1.5-2”. I’ll try to measure, but I’m not near a lift.

I installed an 8.8 with similar tube diameter increase. The 5401’s are gettin’ it done for me.

keep in mind the installed height does depend on what’s in the trunk. Sounds obvious, but I think it’s worth mentioning. With 28” drag radials the car isn’t raked anymore and with the stick height tires it looks like I have one of Mr Druggles women in the back seat.

Thanks. I get the copying and pasting on the phone. I went from dead level to what you see in the photo, was not unexpected. The springs came on the car, they are a Hotchkis 19930008 if I am reading the them correctly (another old man issue lol). I have no idea what the specs on them are, other than the loaded installed height (9.25) and free height (13.25). And they were buckboard rough.

 

[64nailhead]

You should drive it a little, maybe a burnout or two because they will settle. Mine is 3/4” lower after a couple of black donuts.

 

[737Mech]

I would, but am a ways from it. Need a new driveline or some such nonsense lol.

 

[64nailhead]

I would, but am a ways from it. Need a new driveline or some such nonsense lol.

Hmm? Driveshaft or driveline?

ps - big difference!

 

[carnutjw]

Just got some 5401's delivered a couple of days ago. Going to try to install them tonight. Maybe have results soon.🤞

 

[737Mech]

Hmm? Driveshaft or driveline?

ps - big difference!

...shaft..auto correct

 

[64nailhead]

...shaft..auto correct

Is that a 275 or 255 on there?