Installed new suspension/major problem

[mprat]

Awhile back while I had my frame out I installed all new upper and lower A arms, tube ones. Everything new including big block springs. I spared no expense. Now after I dropped the engine in tonight a 454, the springs have the travel all the way up. If you step on the front of the frame and jump on it just a little it will slam against the upper a arm, its so tight I cannot even get the upper bumper in. Two of us standing on the front of the frame with a combined weight of around 475 pounds still will just lower it down about an inch. What in the heck is wrong here. I hate to think I have to take the springs out and cut a ring off. I just do not understand what I did wrong.. any help would be appreciated.....

[shadowgray396]

I'm not a fan of cutting springs. What spring did you put in (make and part no.) I used moog but put in heavy duty with air conditioning and the spring was to stiff. I had to change the spring out for a non AC car, and normal duty. Also do you have all your weight yet on the front end? that will make a difference also. Never hurts to put a name and year of your car in your signature. I believe you have a 67

[mprat]

Sorry yes it is a 67 chevelle. It was moog Chevelle big block springs w/air HD. So normal duty non A/C let it down to normal height??? We put 475 pounds on the front, I know all the fenders and hood etc could not weigh that much and still too stiff.... I hate guessing springs that could get expensive.... I do not want to cut them either... these springs I have I cannot believe they have the frame slammed up against the upper a arm even with that much weight on it....

[shadowgray396]

It was moog Chevelle big block springs w/air HD. So normal duty non A/C let it down to normal height??? ...


My car did not have AC so for me the spring was not correct. But yes putting in a non AC, normal duty spring in is what helped lower my car down. Also putting all the front sheet metal on, front bumper, radiator in, made the difference in getting the car down. Everyone said it would be ok before I changed the springs, but like you I knew the car would never be where I wanted it without changing the springs.

Wrong springs, front sits up like a truck
http://i777.photobucket.com/albums/yy58/shadowgray/Final%20Build%2070%20chevelle/Picture006.jpg

correct springs, at least for me
http://i777.photobucket.com/albums/yy58/shadowgray/Final%20Build%2070%20chevelle/Car7-14005.jpg

[Derek69SS]

Is the body on the frame, or is it still a bare chassis with an engine?

I wouldn't get too concerned if it's just a chassis.

If you have rubber bushings, make sure you don't torque down the A-arm bolts until AFTER the weight is all on the car and resting on the wheels.

[mprat]

Yep the body is on. I guess I will order up some new ones. Gound up has one listed moog sb/bb without air. I will give them a try n hope that does it.. Hate tearing it all back apart, them springs are not fun to install at all..... thanks

[shadowgray396]

Yep the body is on. I guess I will order up some new ones. Gound up has one listed moog sb/bb without air. I will give them a try n hope that does it.. Hate tearing it all back apart, them springs are not fun to install at all..... thanks


Amen to that.

[mprat]

Well I did go and purchase a set of springs like was suggested,,, I put on a set of non a/c normal duty springs.. and could you believe it was just as bad as the first set... how frustrating this is getting to be.. as much as I hate to its time to cut, third times the charm right ????