You're totally correct in describing the factors involved in spring selection. That's what I'm up against ---- a moving target, I like that
Only yesterday did I check the shocks. They were new USA AC Delco replacements I bought years ago for the project. Crikey they're valved hard. Maybe there is part of my problem ? Might end up putting the L300 springs back in and have to find another softer shock -------
I'll investigate Torana ( LH LX ? ) with manufacturers. Some I've spoken to before have no idea of valving specs for their shocks , which is frustrating.
The King Spring technical support crew are very good at supplying dimensions / rates for their springs.
"When better automobiles are built, Buick will build them"
Update. Front end back together with L300 springs and did as you suggested zuffen and sourced some NOS oil shocks. Ride is now improved although still a touch too stiff, but OK for now. Also changed out the bump stops for softer ones and gave a bit more air gap. Next time out I'll use something to get an idea if the bump stops actually get touched.
"When better automobiles are built, Buick will build them"
I know I have arrived at the party a bit late on this one, but a number of years ago there was a 40 Ford Ute put back together here in Wagga, and the L300 front end was fitted with the following Pedders brand springs and shocks.
Shocks part # 8001P
Springs part # 2023
This vehicle seemed to handle fairly well, and I did drive it a couple of times and it went down the road well.
Regards Michael
Im currently in a similar situation with my project, but mine is a long way from being on the road. Ive got some new v8 hg super lows in the shed that I was going to cut down but have also had torana springs suggested. Im looking at going coilovers (viking brand for hg or torana, rang CRS today and they said the kits are the same spring rate etc just the amount of drop is different between models) to try and eliminate some of the guess work and cutting coils if I can, its got cut standard l300 springs in at the moment. Only problem is the on installed photos of the coilovers look like they might be on the tall side. A mate has some stock height hg v8 springs I might try before coughing up a heap of $$$ but how much clearance do you guys have from bump stops? Ive got mine trimmed right back. Even with the Stubtech 2” drop spindles, the wishbone isn’t that far off paralell with the ground at what I was hoping for ride height wise. I know I will have to wind it up a fair bit from that to give more travel.
Bit the bullet and trial fit the HG v8 wagon/ute super lows fully expecting to have to trim them and they fit perfect as is, exact ride height I’m chasing. Saved $900 on coilovers. Still need to get some for the triangulated 4 link in the rear when I get around to it though.
Zuffen, roughly how much of a travel gap between your bump stop at static height? I might be over estimating how much I really need in there.
