70 convert coil spring question

[Rcodenewf 44]

Posted this over on VFM as well...for suggestions.

Just got the convert back from the paint shop and getting ready to assemble. I have all front end parts except for the coil springs.
This is a 351C car with non air, 2v carb, original cast intake and FMX.

I see MOOG makes two sets: Part number 8234...283lbs/inch ..has a free height of 16.31 and a load of 1668 lbs.
Part number 8534 is 428lbs/in...free height 14.69 and a load of 1578.

What's the general consensus as far as springs go for this year of stang with the above equipment?

This car is to ride as close to the factory without the stiffness of a road/track suspension.

Just looking for ideas and a consensus...thanks...John

 

rcodenewf is online now Report Post  

[TexasEd 188]

I called up John at OpenTracker and he gave me great advice.

 

 

[Rcodenewf 44]

Yes, I've dealt with him before. Good guy. I'm in Canada so the shipping/exchange has to be kept in mind as well.

Thanks TexasED

[Vicfreg 772]

Go look at the NPD catalog.  They use the old Detroit Spring (Eaton) for their springs.  They have the original prints, and use original style materials. There is a pretty good list in their catalog on the variety of options available for the front springs.   

I have also used the aftermarket Grab-A-Track spring package on earlier generation Mustangs with good results.  

I have a '70 Convertible that had original factory air and a 302, so in my pile of stuff,  I have a detailed breakdown somewhere in my reference material on the exact spring used for your car.  

[Vicfreg 772]

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[Rcodenewf 44]

Hello Vicfreg: I went to the NPD site and looked up the spring they recommend and it matches the 8534 Moog so I ordered that one in . Thanks for the help and i'll give those a try.

Regards....John

[Vicfreg 772]

Hi John, if you wait five minutes I’m actually looking at my reference material send you the original ford specs then you can decide

[Vicfreg 772]

 Hi John,  based on the information I have, You’re Moog choice looks good  from the load rating perspective. You should check to see what the free length of the spring is however. The application chart I’ve included shows your correct spring is a 4F,  with a load rating of 1580 pounds, and a free length of 16 1/8 inches  

 And example of where the load rating could be the same, but the spring is different, it’s with the 4S spring.   This spring was used for the heavy duty suspension, has the same load rating, but the free length is different at 15 inches.   It also has fewer coils which makes sense. What this results in is a car that’s approximately 1 inch lower than stock.   This is what I have done on my car because that’s the look I want, and that’s what came on the high-performance cars.  It may not be what you want so just make sure you have the right free length of spring  in conjunction with your load rating requirement.   Also matched this up with your rear springs so the car sits level.  Hope this helps

 

[Vicfreg 772]

 Oh, I forgot to include the heavy duty suspension charts. Interesting that 1969 1970 are so different 

 

[Rcodenewf 44]

Thanks a bunch for the reference material Vicfreg: Where did you acquire the material? And yes I see the difference in the 69 70 HD.. If the car sits 1 inch lower that is fine.

 

Thanks again...John

[Vicfreg 772]

Hi John.  I've had this book for probably 20 years, and I went back through it one day and realized how much information it had that was useful.  Lots of information.  Highly recommend it for the data, facts, and figures.

 

[Vicfreg 772]

John, I would also appreciate any pics of your convertible during your restoration, or if you have a project site on the forum, let me know and I will follow it.  Mine is on this site... "1970 Convertible"...   There are so few convertibles out there, look forward to sharing ideas, progress, lessons learned, etc..

Regards,

Vic