rocky5517 Posted December 27, 2012 Share Posted December 27, 2012 Took my son and friends for a spin (they are heavyweights) and with about 500 lbs of beef in the back seat I scraped the exhaust pipe while backing out of the driveway, slowly, thankfully. Mechanic said my rear springs were original. Question; how do I know if it's time to replace springs or shocks?Or both?Any suggestions re replacement springs and/or shocks? Beside putting ex football players on diets? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tenugent Posted December 27, 2012 Share Posted December 27, 2012 id replace both-not that big of job.follow your manual-better than exaust-gas tank- bumper damage.around 200.00 for both.get those two big boys to help.t.nugent roa 12969. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
60FlatTop Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 Rocky, When you replace the springs loosen each suspension through bolt. Tap it with a brass hammer or punch to make sure it is free. Then slide a nice fat chisel between the joint components to be sure the serrations of the bushing are not gripping. If the bushing can rotate freely it won't tear. Be sure to do the track bar, too. Buy quality springs. In general, if you pay less that $100 the car won't sit right. Someone will probably say they are new and it will sink down, don't believe them.Once the new springs and shocks are in let the car sit at ride height when you tighten the suspension bolts. You will also find the shop manual shows a direction for the spring ends to point. The '64 does. Follow those instructions and you will have a nice amateur job. Professionals will run the car up on a lift, air wrench the nuts loose, yank each side down tearing the rubber bushes, and just stuff the springs in any way they fall. Then when the car doesn't sit right they will tell you the coils springs were made wrong. If you took the manual to them for a reference it will be on the counter where you left it. Be sure to retrieve it. You REALLY don't want a professional job.Bernie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocky5517 Posted December 31, 2012 Author Share Posted December 31, 2012 thanx Nuge- am following your advice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocky5517 Posted December 31, 2012 Author Share Posted December 31, 2012 that's interesting info Bernie/ I wonder how many people would know to look for that? But I do, now, so much thanx! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
60FlatTop Posted December 31, 2012 Share Posted December 31, 2012 Rocky, Don't tell anyone where you learned it. Just approach the job as if it was common knowledge. Each morning look in the mirror and say "Oh, I didn't know that" and "Let's try this." as innocently as possible. Be convincing. Otherwise you could get tagged as a grouchy old fart who can never be pleased.Bernie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocky5517 Posted January 2, 2013 Author Share Posted January 2, 2013 More good advice, Bernie. Thanx again, and Happy New Year!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rob J Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 (edited) I'd recommend Coil Spring Specialties for Springs. As for shocks, I bought some OEM replacements from Cars.Great advice from Bernie BTW. Edited January 2, 2013 by Rob J (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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