I am replacing some worn leaf springs on the Firebird. I am affraid of purchasing new original style and they end up being "jacked" up too high. I am interested in Hotchkis, maybe but not sure how low to the ground the Firebird would rest.

Anyone have any suggestions, recommendations, measurements if you have Hotchkis, etc...

Thanks for any feedback.

Chad

I used Global West for rear springs, they offer stock, lowered, and an even lower inverse rear eye. Not sure who mfg them though.

As far as height change I really can't say, the ones I got were the lowered and are supposed to be about 1 1/2" lower, but since I put them on a car that I didn't check the original ht I can't tell you what it did in comparison. I then added another 1" of lowering blocks to the axle rather than get the inverse eye.

The Tech guys as GW are pretty good, just ask for someone that knows early F body springs and heights. Hotchkis Tech should be able to do the same.
You can also go to the Pro Tour forum, almost all FGF guys there have changed springs at some point, but mostly to lower a car.

BTW, I really like that 350 HO look, not something you see much. I wouldn't want to change the ht much, just maybe firm it up if it's mushy.

I agree with 428. The stance as it sits in the picture looks pretty good to me unless you wnat to drop both front and back the same.

I bought a pair for my car at performance years, they are Eaton 4 leaf factory replacements. I like the ride height, sits just right IMO.

Steve

Steve,

Are they stiff? Do they sag if you put two people in the back seat? I like the ride height of your car too, I would be happy with that height on my car.

Mine are too mushy and sag if I put people in the back seat.

Chad

My car is in pieces right now & really didn't ride around with people in the back seats, but I'm sure it would be fine, as long as he's not weighing in at 300+, lol!!!

My next post will #1000!!!!

I initially installed some springs from my local parts dealer. Supposed to be stock replacement. Wrong! The ride height was 2" taller and the ride was extremely harsh. I then ordered the Eaton Detroit 4 leaf HD springs. Perfect factory height and the ride is much improved. I just got done running the Big Bend Open Road Race and handling was fantastic. On the trip down with the trunk full and a full tank, there was no sag at all.

Also I ordered the spring through Year One. They were cheaper than ordering direct.

Tom

Thanks for all the feedback. I have decided to go with the Eaton 4 leaf HD; I had been leaning that way for while now.

I appreciate the helpfullness of this website and everyone using it, thank you.

I will post pictures as soon as I replace my springs.

Chad

Please post a picture when you have installed them. Interested in how your car sits on them.

Just got mine out, had to drill out 5 of 6 front bolts where they run into the cage nuts. I am going Hotchkis for the lower stance and firmer ride. I like to corner also, The fronts are the Hotchkis also and I am getting ready to tear it apart again to do the Guldstrand mod to the upper control arm mounts. Should have done it when I rebuilt it 2 years ago. Good luck.

Picture with Eaton 4 leaf HD springs. According to Eaton, these provide the same ride height as the 5 leaf standard duty springs but with different spring rate.

Is this the 4 leaf for the vert cars with the 126lb spring rate? Looks about as good as it gets. I wonder if that will drop any with a settle in period?

This is the 4 leaf HD for coupe. They've been on about 2 weeks and around 800 miles. They probably will settle a bit more. Sitting in my garage, the rear fender lip is about an 1" higher than the front. I ordered from Year One #LS1925 which is the Eaton Detroit #ML1925. Also I used the spring pads from Classic Industries. They seemed to fit better than the ones from Ames. These springs lowered the rear almost 2" compared to the generic springs from my local parts house.

Tom

OK! I have the new springs installed. I installed the Eaton Detroit # ML 1925 4 leaf HD for a coupe. The ride is much firmer so far. Here are some pictures.
Old


New


The height was raised about 1 1/2 inch from previous height. If anyone has any questions, I'll be glad to answer.

Chad

Thanks for everyones feedback and helping make my choice.

Tombird and Hioutput do you have 14 inch or 15 inch wheels?
Thanks Al.

Mine are the original (JC) 14 inch.

It should settle some over time, IMO it's a tad high in the rear with the tires on it. But it does look better than before. Did you install new spring perch pads?
Been nice if you could have firmed the rear up and brought the front down instead.

My Convertible is about the same ht in the rear, but instead of new springs I install Monroe Load Leveler coil overs on it. Not sure they're even available anymore. I don't care for the big gap over the tire I have now but it beats chewing them up on the lip which I'd done a few times.

I'll post more pictures next week, after taking it out. I don't think the driveway pics do it justice.

I thought the new height was absolutely perfect, but didn't say anything since I new it would drop more anyway.

hioutput, car looks great. Car sits nice with the new springs. Have you ever thought of putting red lines on that beauty? Just curious, as IMO they would absolutely awesome...

I like the way it turned out-nice stance.I'm going to remember this thread for when I do mine.

Red lines are on the way.

The original red line spare is in the trunk.

Thanks for the comments.

15" with 225/60-15 Goodrich G-Force Sports

Car looks great, stance is perfect IMO. Good choice on the springs!

Steve