65 front coil spring shims

[RivVrgn]

Hello all. I'm in the process of rebuilding my front suspension and had a question. All components will be new including coil springs I got from CSS, which are the GS specs. When I disassembled it there were metal shims on top of the springs. Two on the drivers side none on the passenger with the rubber insulator on top. I guess they were there to even the car at build time. I have new insulators (the rubber ring), do I need to put the shims back in even though I have new coils? Seems like metal to metal would give a chance to squeak. Guess they didn't before, don't know. Both shims only equal about quarter inch total. Since I'm changing everything can't see how it would make much difference. I've searched on here and gotten both answers, leave em in, don't leave em. Any thoughts? Thanks

 

   Joey

Edited July 27, 2020 by RivVrgn (see edit history)

[Jim Cannon]

Joey-

Did your car have A/C from the factory?

 

When you ordered your new coil springs, did you tell them that the car did or did not have A/C"?  They should have asked.

 

I am not a '65 Riviera specialist; I know the '63s quite well..

 

In 1963, Buick specified different front coil springs if your car had A/C or non-A/C.  I assume they did the same for '65.  In '63, on a non-A/C car, they also specified a shim would be used over the left front spring only.

 

In the '63 Master Chassis Parts Book, they also list that the shim (same part number) could be used, as required, is the springs were too low.

 

Based on the above, I'd say you should put back what you found.

 

HTH.

 

 

 

 

[RivVrgn]

4 hours ago, Jim Cannon said:

Joey-

Did your car have A/C from the factory?

 

When you ordered your new coil springs, did you tell them that the car did or did not have A/C"?  They should have asked.

 

I am not a '65 Riviera specialist; I know the '63s quite well..

 

In 1963, Buick specified different front coil springs if your car had A/C or non-A/C.  I assume they did the same for '65.  In '63, on a non-A/C car, they also specified a shim would be used over the left front spring only.

 

In the '63 Master Chassis Parts Book, they also list that the shim (same part number) could be used, as required, is the springs were too low.

 

Based on the above, I'd say you should put back what you found.

 

HTH.

 

 

 

 

Jim, yes they did ask. yes it was a factory air car. Thats strange, wonder why AC would determine coil springs. I didn't see anything in the manual about the shim, but that doesn't mean its not there. It was only on the left as you stated, so I guess back they go. Guess they were there for a reason

[RivNut]

The weight of the compressor, etc. calls for a different spring weight.

[psychostang]

Plus, they know that most times these cars are going to be driven by just a driver.  Therefore they shim the drivers side up a little to compensate.  I know my car static, with no driver is 1" lower in the back/left side than right side.

 

[arnulfo de l.a.]

17 hours ago, psychostang said:

Plus, they know that most times these cars are going to be driven by just a driver.  Therefore they shim the drivers side up a little to compensate.  I know my car static, with no driver is 1" lower in the back/left side than right side.

 

Man great info! Mine does the same thing. Always thought it was because the springs were old and worn out. 

[psychostang]

They are.  from all the years of have just a driver.  I'm going to swap the rear springs from left to right.