Coil springs

[tima01864]

Can the coil springs become weak over time? Seems like mine are getting soft, Would replacing the springs improve the ride or it is what it is?

[geospider]

IMHO, I doubt the weight of these cars could weaken the springs. If it starts to feel "soft", it's more likely your shocks.
Even my heavy F150 won't blow through the springs.
Now, to upgrade, go with some progressive springs and higher performance shocks my preference is Koni yellows.

Geo

[spidernut]

I agree - first look at the shocks. You can visually inspect your springs for any kind of severe rust decay. If you don't see any, you're probably okay. The springs can become worn over time, but it is pretty unlikely that you'd notice it unless there was damage to a spring.

New progressive springs aren't terribly expensive - $193-$199 plus shipping. Some of the springs are engineered to give a good ride under normal conditions, yet perform better under harder cornering. A set of shocks and performance springs could really be noticeable. It's a pretty nice upgrade for a minimal cost. Just don't forget to check all of your bushings on the front and rear suspension. After 40-50 years, they are likely shot.

[fcat]

All springs sag in time and will defiantly effect ride and handing , but the most noticeable effect of sagging springs is lower ride height of the vehicle ,( often a high mileage vehicle that's had only just a driver / no passenger for most of its lifetime will visibly lean to the left, given enough years and miles). But diminished ride quality is usually attributed to shocks or MOST OFTEN TIRES . Bad shocks will give you excessive bounce over bumps , the surest sign of a bad shock is leaking- often appearing wet or damp around the upper end of the lower part of the shock. If the tires appear to be in condition and you don't have any of the other issues , I would start by going the least expensive way and have the tires rebalanced .

[fcat]

All springs sag in time and will defiantly effect ride and handing , but the most noticeable effect of sagging springs is lower ride height of the vehicle ,( often a high mileage vehicle that's had only just a driver / no passenger for most of its lifetime will visibly lean to the left, given enough years and miles). But diminished ride quality is usually attributed to shocks or MOST OFTEN TIRES . Bad shocks will give you excessive bounce over bumps , the surest sign of a bad shock is leaking- often appearing wet or damp around the upper end of the lower part of the shock. If the tires appear to be in condition and you don't have any of the other issues , I would start by going the least expensive way and have the tires rebalanced .

[tima01864]

The Koni yellows improved the road, Replaced the worn out G2's, Konis dropped the ride height by an 1". New tires and tire pressure improved the handling, Forgot the installer had the pressure up to 36 lbs for the winter storage, 30 lbs made a big difference in handling. I have 15" rims on the car now, Hesitant to go any lower on ride height. Roads are crappy around here, When you hit a bump you feel it, Feel the flex. Wondering if new springs will be worth the effort and expense, Tho at 50 dollars a spring doesn't seem too bad.

[tima01864]

From ground to wheel arch I am at 26 inches, Progressives will drop the car to 24 inches, Anyone use Koni's with the progressives running 15 inch wheels?

[tima01864]

Rear measure is even, Measured from tail lights, Front drivers is good from headlamps, Passenger side is one inch low

[tima01864]

New information, I pulled the car out and took some more measures. I find the passenger rear is one inch higher than the drivers side rear, the passenger side is one inch lower than the front drivers side. Does this shed any light on my bane?