I have called numerous companies to try and buy some new rear springs fro my 1965 impala wagon. No one seems to carry them any more...but in any event... The rear passenger side sags about 1.5 inches. I placed a jack under the rear and brought it up 1.5 inches the car sits perfect...measured all the corners...dead nuts....Tire Pressure is the same all 4 wheels. Tires size is the same all 4 wheels. Just some Questions....Will springs resolve this issue. Should I just add a spacer? Should I swop the springs left to right? Does anyone know where i can get some NEW springs....Don't want used. Please a brand and part number All help in the matter would be greatly appreciated
Get your hands on the latest Hemmings Motor News, if you don't already have it. There are several companies who make springs from scratch for older cars. I had a set made for the '70 Delta 88 I owned 20 years ago; I went through Eaton Spring, the cost was reasonable, comparable to mass-manufactured ones when just replacing stock, and you simply provide them with the type of wagon, what drivetrain, any options, and they'd make you a set. I want to say the cost was $130 each, so I paid just under $300 including tax.
New Springs would be the best way to go. Chevy Springs are very interchange-able. I don't understand why you are having such a hard time finding some. Have you tried Rock Auto? But if you still can't find any, Silvertwinkiehobo's suggestion would be a good alternative.
RockAuto and most all of the parts stores do not list springs specifically for the wagon. Ergo his question. If you search through Moog's website probably the closest you can find is their 6187 which is listed as rear constant rate heavy duty. They do not acknowledge the wagon in their catalog. Eaton Detroit Spring however does specifically list the wagon. They even have listings for two and three seat wagons. They have standard, heavy duty, and extra heavy duty. I have not worked with them, but everything I have heard about them is positive. https://www.eatondetroitspring.com/ordering/parts-lookup/
That's who I got my springs from. They will ask you such things as what options you have, whether you'll use it for towing, racing, etc.
I found a place to get springs Finally... I took out the old springs and dropped them off near me.... There is a guy that does nothing but springs near me...Trucks you name it He tested them... and he told me both were fine....Not as "springy" as new but in no way bad. Both were equal So I switched them from left to right... why not right? It still leans on the passenger side...Like he said it would.... so new springs would not resolve this. He claims... that after a while...GM cars sag on the passenger side.. I looked it up and saw tons and tons of blogs on the very issue.... GTO's Buicks/Olds all GM cars from that era.. He told me.... the only way to resolve it would be... one of 3 ways New body bushings and All new rear upper and lower control arms, or New bushings all around (polly) and have the existing Arms "boxed" New Shocks... and a heavy duty sway bar..... while I was at it.. If not.... Get a spring shim / spacer on the bad side....1.5 inch. Or Take the existing air shocks I have... and put single lines on them filling up the drivers side full. For the time Being... For now i tried the air shock the car is completely level now..
It's funny...all cars torque to the passenger side due to the reaction from the engine's action; apparently, GM cars showed that effect more than other cars.
Yes I did not realize what a big problem it was until i looked it up... People going crazy...spend all kids of money of frame Straightening, Springs...you name it. and no one has a solution really
"Boxing" the control arms won't do anything but make them stiffer. If they are bent they will still be bent, just harder to un-bend. Replacing suspension bushings after 40 years shouldn't be a surprise on any car. The body bushings(mounts(?) are easily inspected and measured. I cannot think of a reason for one side to fail differently from the other. Your spring guy sounds pretty sharp and didn't relieve you of unnecessary money. I have him do the suspension bushings.
