Drop Coil Spring Differences

[Sandemonium]

Are there really differences in coil spring quality and spring rate between the popular vendors that offer coil springs?

I put some 5" drop coils on my '72 Jimmy and was wondering if 5" drop coils would have similar results from all of the vendors..

It seems with 5" drop coils installed I have between 3" - 4" between the bottom of the frame rail and the top of the axle tube.

If I went with a different set of 5" coils from another vendor would I still have a similar ride height and would the spring rate be different (stiffer or softer)?
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[Tom Vogel]

The problem I have found on any static spring setup on a blazer is that it doesnt take into account the weight of the top, much less passengers. That is to say, if it sets right with the top on, it wont with the top off. I would suggest Early Classic Enterprises Airbag setup, it bolts right in where the coil springs go. Then you can always be happy with the height. I liked mine so much, I went with bags on the front too when I did my restoration.

[Sandemonium]

Tom,

Thanks for the reply. I realize bagging it will give me the adjustability to set the correct ride height when the top is on or off and it may be the way I have to go, but for now I would like to keep the drop static. At this point it just isn't in the budget.

I went out and actually measured the bottom of the frame rail to top of the axle tube and the measurement is 1 3/4". I tried to edit my initial post but for some reason that is not an option.


So, I guess my question is should I switch to a 4" spring or get another set of 5" springs from a different vendor and if so from who? There are a lot of good recommendations for ECE. It would just be better if I knew who makes a stiffer spring that would work better for a blazer/jimmy. I know there are panel/suburban springs, but would they be too stiff.

Sorry for the rambling,
Bob
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[lolife99]

You should get similar results using different vendors.
I had 6" drop springs in my blazer from ECE.
The rear would raise about 1" when I took the top off.

I guess the real question is where do you want it to set?

I didn't realize how good the ride could be until I added a bolt-in c-notch to my blazer.

I guess if you want to raise the rear 1",... I would suggest ordering the 4" drop springs from the same company you purchased the 5" springs from.
But if you like the current ride height,... I would just add a c-notch.

[lolife99]

Spring rates and wire diameter of the coil springs will result in different "un sprung" heights.
But they should all yield the same drop.

BTW,... love your 2wd Jimmy.

[tobytuttle]

well for what its worth heres my 1969 ....ECE rear 6'' spring 2.5 block...and keith, post a pic of your red truck with the drop

[IMG][/IMG]

[Sandemonium]

I like the way it sits now, maybe would like it better with the top off then it would be just a little bit higher and possibly be level.

I measured the distance between the top of the trailing arm and the bottom of the frame next to the spring and it is about 6 1/4". I also measured the distance between the top of the differential and the bottom of the floor and it is about 3 1/4".

Any recommendations on a bolt-in c-notch? I really like the Porterbuilt notch, but I am not ready to remove/lift the tub to install it correctly.

Thanks for all of your help during this process.

Bob
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[lolife99]

Originally Posted by Sandemonium

I like the way it sits now, maybe would like it better with the top off then it would be just a little bit higher and possibly be level.

I measured the distance between the top of the trailing arm and the bottom of the frame next to the spring and it is about 6 1/4". I also measured the distance between the top of the differential and the bottom of the floor and it is about 3 1/4".

Any recommendations on a bolt-in c-notch? I really like the Porterbuilt notch, but I am not ready to remove/lift the tub to install it correctly.

Thanks for all of your help during this process.

Bob
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I have a McGaughy's notch in my blazer.
CPP sells them.
So does Performance Online.

I consider the Porterbuilt notch to be the best bolt-in c-notch,... but like you said,... you have to have access to the top of the frame.
(which means raising or removing the tub)

If you need to raise the rear to make it level,... that really means,... you need to lower the front to make it level.

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by tobytuttle

well for what its worth heres my 1969 ....ECE rear 6'' spring 2.5 block...and keith, post a pic of your red truck with the drop

My red '69 is in this thread:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=338655.
5.5"/7.5" drop

[lolife99]

I will warn you,... installing a c-notch in a blazer or a suburban, (with the body on), is not fun.
But well worth the effort!

[Sandemonium]

I will start by adding a c-notch, hopefully that will get me what I am looking for. Then I can get onto to the dreaded rust repair.

Love the truck thread, lots of great info in there too.

Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge and insight,
Bob
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[PHAT TONY]

Have you thought about them little air bags you put inside the coil spring? I know a guy used them in an old Elcamino to gain a smidge of height and stiffen the rear a bit. I'm not looking forward to c-notching mine with the tub on, but it needs it.