Lifting Sagging Suspension
 

Hi,
I have a stock 1986 Cutlass Salon that is sagging in the front and rear. I want to replace the coils/shocks and give the car a nice lift. I wouldn't mind it being a bit higher than stock. I see alot of "custom" cars out there with oversized wheels that are raised so high they look like toys. I don't want anything that extreme. Just a nice level, somewhat higher, look. Does anyone have some suggestions on what I need to accomplish this? Any help would be appreciated.

Most parts stores will have OEM, (original equipment manufacturer), replacement springs available. If you look in the spring catalog, you should find the specs for the original springs in your car. If you then look for springs with a higher spring rate, (amount of weight they will support - the spec is either diameter of the spring material, or an amount in pounds, or both), that is close to, or matches the dimensions of your original springs, (length, diameter of spring coil), you will end up with a spring that gives you a higher ride height.

Something to keep in mind is that you can only gain a small amount of height by replacing springs as the shocks will limit the height.

Also if you increase the height, you will effect the suspension geometry. Too much change and you won't be able to align the suspension properly.

I'm not familiar with the '86 Cutlass' suspension, so I don't know if it has struts in the front &/or rear. Replacing the springs, as I described above, will also work with struts, but the amount of change is limited, unless you use the same method to find a longer strut.

Hope this helps. If you have any questions, let me know. The key to this is finding a spring catalog with the specifications. In the past, TRW catalog have had loads of info. (TRW is/was an OEM supplier of springs.)

Later,

GeoD

Thanks
 

Thanks GeoD! I really appreciate your very informative reply. You've brought up some things I hadn't considered. I still haven't yet addressed my suspension issue, but when I do, I'll be much better informed. THANKS!!!

glad I could help, when you get around to the project, give me a holla