rear shocks

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August 9th, 2009, 06:50 PM

AZ442

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rear shocks

I have replaced the rear springs on my 70 442 and they lifted the car 11/2" I have released all the air from the rear shocks.

Will this harm the shocks. MOOG instructed me to place 150lb of weight in the trunk for a month or two to sag the springs.

Any advice.

August 9th, 2009, 08:10 PM

joe_padavano

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Quote:

Originally Posted by AZ442

Air shocks or air bags should always have some air pressure in them.

August 10th, 2009, 05:18 AM

Lady72nRob71

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What Moog part number did you use?

August 10th, 2009, 05:50 AM

AZ442

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I used the CC501 Variable rate

August 10th, 2009, 05:57 AM

Olds64

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I don't think an extra 150lbs for a few months would do anything to the springs. Especially since the original springs sagged after 30+ years with 3000+ lbs of weight on them.

August 10th, 2009, 07:30 PM

mugzilla

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Quote:

Originally Posted by AZ442

I used the CC501 Variable rate

Are you happy with its stance ..?

Are you going to replace the shocks ..?

August 11th, 2009, 05:44 AM

AZ442

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I will be replacing the shocks with KYB to match the front. Not so happy with the stance but the ride quality is a huge inprovement.

When I replace the springs and insulators the old insulators were gone this may of helped in lifting the rear some.

Any body used the same springs?

Thanks gents.

August 11th, 2009, 09:32 AM

Lady72nRob71

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It looks like some others used the CC501's...

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...nvertible.html

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...l-springs.html

I think Wireman134 said in another post that his car was sagging 1.5" and the new coils corrected it. Might you be seeing the same thing?
I am really thinking of going the CC501 route - I have been hearing good things about the ride quality.

August 11th, 2009, 02:52 PM

My442

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The correct MOOG part number for the 70-72 442 rear spring is 5385.

Ditch the cargo coils.

PS - what most folks don't know is the springs for a 442 are lower than the Cutlass springs. Don't get generics!

August 12th, 2009, 12:11 PM

#10

Lady72nRob71

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Interesting...

Quote:

Originally Posted by My442

The correct MOOG part number for the 70-72 442 rear spring is 5385.PS - what most folks don't know is the springs for a 442 are lower than the Cutlass springs. Don't get generics!

Perhaps this is why these are listed on rockauto just for the 2 DR coupes and a different part number listed for the 4 dr and vert?

Both were for the HD suspension.

Is the Moog 5450 the correct front spring? All that is given is "Frt Susp; w/A/C; Heavy Duty" - no body style designation. I assume this is right...

August 12th, 2009, 08:36 PM

#11

mugzilla

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Quote:

Originally Posted by My442

I actually used the Vista Cruiser Cargo Coil ...

I did a lot of research on this and the '70 442 had a "Dago" rig but that's not for me ...

I can't believe I don't have a good side shot ...

glare2.jpg

August 12th, 2009, 09:00 PM

#12

mugzilla

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Quote:

Originally Posted by AZ442

I like seeing out of the rear window ...

There are only top insulators and the bottom of the spring has to be oriented correctly ...

100_2150.jpg

I used rubber on the driver side and cut a thinner poly donut for the passenger side...

I drive my car a lot and I am happy but I plan on using "tall" spindles when I go through the front end ...

August 13th, 2009, 06:04 AM

#13

AZ442

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I spoke to Performance suspension and they advised me that the original springs are 6321, the heavy duty are 5385. and the progressive cargo coil is CC501.

As to the insulators, I only used them on the top and nothing on the bottom. mugzilla's pic seems to show somthing on the bottom.

Do to the ride quality being so much better with the CC501 (also replaced the rear control arm bushing at the same time) I think I will leave them and just replace the air shocks with the KYB's. The stance I will live with.

Thnaks all.

August 13th, 2009, 08:19 AM

#14

Lady72nRob71

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AZ442, I take it you replaced the stock springs?
Could you post a side picture showing the stance?

A little higher in the back might not be all that bad...

August 15th, 2009, 10:48 AM

#15

mugzilla

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Quote:

Originally Posted by AZ442

As to the insulators, I only used them on the top and nothing on the bottom. mugzilla's pic seems to show somthing on the bottom.

.

nothing on the bottom perch but rust ...

August 17th, 2009, 05:59 AM

#16

AZ442

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Lady72nRob71

I have posted a pic in my album (haven't mastered the attachements yet) of the stance. Keep in mind I have 150LB of weight in the trunk in this pick. The frount end is all new. The rear I just completed control arm bushings and springs.

I will remove the weight and take a pic.

August 17th, 2009, 01:08 PM

#17

Lady72nRob71

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Quote:

Originally Posted by AZ442

Not bad as is. Is this the last picture? What front springs did you use?

Since the vert is heavier (like 4-dr), it will sit a tad lower. The 60lbs of dynamat will lower it half a tad more...

Last edited by Lady72nRob71; August 17th, 2009 at 01:12 PM.

August 18th, 2009, 06:05 AM

#18

AZ442

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On the front I use the polygraphite front end rebuild kit from preformance suspension and included the MOOG 5450 (AC car) springs with KYB shacks. The ride quality is a 100% improvement. Can't wait to get a new close ratio steering box and get the air shocks off the back.

Attached Images

442.jpg (88.8 KB, 41 views)

August 18th, 2009, 06:32 AM

#19

Lady72nRob71

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Looks awesome to me! This picture was without the trunk weight, right?
I like it - it looks like I know which direction to go now...

Time to spend more $$ and keep our economy rollin'!

August 18th, 2009, 06:37 AM

#20

AZ442

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This pic is WITH 150lb in the back. I will leave a in for a few months. Performance suspension advised me the springs will sag after 500 miles or so????

Drives like the 1970 442 i bought in 1975 (long gone)

Next on to the electrical mess the last owner made for me.

August 21st, 2009, 12:42 AM

#21

mugzilla

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Quote:

Originally Posted by AZ442

Did it include tall spindles ..?

August 21st, 2009, 12:44 AM

#22

mugzilla

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Oh yeh ...

Looks sweet ...

Did they tell you full stage power burnouts will really seat the suspension ...

August 21st, 2009, 05:41 AM

#23

AZ442

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The spindles are stock.

August 21st, 2009, 12:50 PM

#24

68Tom

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Howdy. Very nice looking '70 you have. Where in AZ are you located?

I just replaced the springs in my '68. I ordered my springs from Fusick. They cut them to exact heighth, and mine are spot on. If yours don't drop, this might be an option.

Hopefully, I'll be back in AZ in Sept and driving my 442. Finally....

August 23rd, 2009, 10:01 AM

#25

mugzilla

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Quote:

Originally Posted by AZ442

The spindles are stock.

I am going to try the "tall" spindle and stock a-arm since the short a-arm will lower the front end. You have to align for the taller one...

This thread has relevance ...

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...-upgrades.html

Oh yeh ...

I just dug this up. I like that it has interchanges ...

http://www.globalwest.net/1964-72_di...nformation.htm

I drive mine a lot and I usually have I40 lbs. in the trunk, most of it tools

...

Last edited by mugzilla; August 23rd, 2009 at 10:53 AM.

August 24th, 2009, 05:48 AM

#26

AZ442

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68TOM
Welcome back to AZ. I'm in the Prescott Area where it's cool. I think the springs I'm using will work for me but thanks. Post a pic of your 68.

Mugzilla
Were you trying to sale your car recently? Thought I seen it when I was looking for mine.

August 24th, 2009, 07:32 AM

#27

mugzilla

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Quote:

Originally Posted by AZ442

It has developed an engine noise. I am going to strip the front end off, replace the heater core, replace the wiring harness( no rust in california but lots of dried out brittle plastic), go through the engine and detail the engine compartment. I want top dollar and a car has to be 100% to get it. I will probably install the tall spindles while I am at it ...

Then it will drive so well I'm going to want to keep it...