56 Special Front Spring Spacers

[Guest Koala]

I have just spent a few hours renewing the four coil springs in my 56 Special. New springs have been fitted however the front of the car is far too high compared to the rear..................as it always has been. Maybe I should have done some research earlier but I suspect that the problem is caused by some 3/4" spacers which are fitted underneath the front springs. My workshop manual does not show these spacers and a friends 55 Special did not have them when he performed the same exercise. The spacers in question are aluminium and could have been easily turned up and installed by a previous owner. The lower spring mount (which is covered by the spacers) is shaped to take the coiled spring end so I query whether these spacers need to be installed at all and whether they are a previous owners attempt to raise the front ride height?? Any thoughts from those more knowledgeable than me on all things Buick??? Koala Ken

Edited July 13, 2013 by Koala (see edit history)

[Bhigdog]

They don't belong there. The lower arm contains a spring pocket for the bottom coil, as you observed. The "idiot spacer" you have negates that. A total spacer height of up to 3/8" is allowed AT THE TOP, if needed, to adjust ride height...............Bob

Edited July 13, 2013 by Bhigdog (see edit history)

[Guest Koala]

Ok, well another one and a half hours in the garage getting covered in grease and the spacers have been removed. The car now sits level as it should and handles much better. Thank you for the advice............. Koala

[Bhigdog]

Ok, well another one and a half hours in the garage getting covered in grease and the spacers have been removed. The car now sits level as it should and handles much better. Thank you for the advice............. Koala

Only 1 1/2 hours? You made good time. Glad it worked out for you.......................Bob