UncleJ Posted November 6, 2011 Share Posted November 6, 2011 I'm in the process of replacing rear coil springs for my '72 Monte. I'm looking for help regarding what springs to use. I've heard that many Monte owners use Moogs but is their much difference between these and Napa brand? Plus, do you recommend Standard, Heavy Duty or Variable Rate? Btw, I'm hoping to lift my sagging rear end. Good one eh? 72Monte by lewbella, on Flickr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
black07ss Posted November 6, 2011 Share Posted November 6, 2011 First off welcome Jason!! If you want to raise it go with the ElCamino springs. Here is another post on the same subject http://www.firstgenmc.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=337922#Post337922 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UncleJ Posted November 6, 2011 Author Share Posted November 6, 2011 Thanks Bob. I'll scope out that post. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canuck Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 Welcome Jason. I used Moogs in both my Montes. I just got the stock original style springs and it brought the rear up a fair amount from the old sagging springs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Jim Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 I also used Moog original springs with monroe shocks. Has a good stance I think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UncleJ Posted November 7, 2011 Author Share Posted November 7, 2011 Thanks for your input. Do you think there's much difference between Moog and Napa brand springs? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UncleJ Posted November 7, 2011 Author Share Posted November 7, 2011 Thanks Big Jim. Your Monte's does look nice. That's what I'm shootin' for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rah72(Rick) Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 I replaced my rear springs a couple years ago and what I found out( the springs from autozone do not have the moog name on the box but are made by moog and even has the same part number as moog) anyway This time around I replaced with the Cargo Coil CC501's brings it back to correct height with the added for putting the kids in the car or loading the trunk. Back in the 80's when I replaced I went with a rear spring from an Old's Vista Cruiser wagon and it gave about 1.5-2 inches of lift. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
70mcarlo Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 Moog CC501s here too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UncleJ Posted November 8, 2011 Author Share Posted November 8, 2011 How's the ride with the variable rate springs? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montemedic Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 Excellent. When you put additional weight in the Monte, it will not sag due to these springs. It is comfortable and still retains the proper height. I have installed them and are very happy with them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
70mcarlo Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 Excellent. When you put additional weight in the Monte, it will not sag due to these springs. It is comfortable and still retains the proper height. I have installed them and are very happy with them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vacavillebob Posted November 18, 2011 Share Posted November 18, 2011 I installed new Moogs a few months ago. I had hopes that it would raise my back end up as it seemed to be sagging. Well after installing the new Moogs, it turned out to be the same height as before. So I am looking at doing the El Camino springs now. Anyone want to buy some new Moogs LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thrillseeker Posted November 23, 2011 Share Posted November 23, 2011 My '70 has that sagging feeling in the rear end too. This is some good info. I need to replace the springs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UncleJ Posted January 2, 2012 Author Share Posted January 2, 2012 Did you install standards, heavy duty or variable rate Moogs? I just ordered a pair of Heavy Dutys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cny first gen 71 Posted January 5, 2012 Share Posted January 5, 2012 I used the variable rate and very happy with them. It sits up where its suppose to and can handle when I load it up with camping stuff for out of town weekend shows where camping is available. Different angles but before and after. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScottNM Posted January 6, 2012 Share Posted January 6, 2012 Does anyone know the "el camino" cargo coil springs #. Is it the CC501? I want to raise my rear a little and am not sure I understant the correct moog part #. thx in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cny first gen 71 Posted January 6, 2012 Share Posted January 6, 2012 I used the cc501 on mine and it picked it up nearly 2 inches but my old springs were really weak (still orig) 40 years old. Normally when you line a cc up next to an oe spring the cc is a bit shorter due to the heaver coils. On mine the cc were about an inch longer due to the excessive wear in the old ones. Thats how I got that ammount of lift. Cargo coils are not designed to lift the rear but to keep it at the stock height and hold it there better with extra weight in the rear. I would have to check at my buddys shop to see what the listings are for the elcamino. Hope that helps a bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
72MC Posted January 6, 2012 Share Posted January 6, 2012 The El Camino variable rate springs are a bit longer than any of the Monte springs. I had them in my Monte for a while. They have to be "stuffed" into place. You will need to disconnect the lower rear portion of the control arm from the axle housing to get the movement/space needed to insert the spring. You will also need the aid of a floor jack. Usually to lift the opposite end of the axle you are working with. This allows some downward movement on the other end of the axle to get the spring seated. Once everything is in and bolted back up, they work fine. It will stiffen your rear end significantly. Works very well on the street, especially cornering, but not so much for drag racing. Since I wanted a tuneable suspension, I changed my whole setup to QA1s and need the softer springs. You can get the elkie springs from the local NAPA, etc and they fall under "1970-1972 variable rate El Camino springs" Not Chevelle, not Monte Carlo, not Chevy Wagon. And remember, the tighter wound portion of the spring goes to the top of the spring tower. My siggy pic below shows the car with new front stock springs and the rear was outfitted with the Elkie variable rate springs. The front and rear were higher than stock. - Dave p.s. I believe the part number for Moog is CC507 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScottNM Posted January 6, 2012 Share Posted January 6, 2012 Thanks for the info. I do not want a stiff ride. That is one of many things I like about these montes and the soft coil spring ride. I will probably just get a 1" spacer. I installed big block springs after engine swap. It put the front a little higher than back. I just want it even. 1" should do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LostnFound Posted March 18, 2012 Share Posted March 18, 2012 I have fresh Moog 501 Variable rate springs. I'm also planning on adding 1" spacers to bring 'er up a bit more in the rear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clint w Posted March 18, 2012 Share Posted March 18, 2012 just installed moog cc501 springs with 275/60/15 tires love the look of mine and the ride is good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevinoriega Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 How high did it get?? I finally saved enough for new wheels Cragar D rings 15x8 front, 15x10 back they look awesome!! MY problem is they rub when I hit dips and driveways... It makes my soul hurt every time. So I took them off and am riding the stocks. I replaced the shocks (gabriel air shocks) and it raised it enough to fit, I just cant hit dips or bumps.. CAN ANYONE PLEASE HELP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leghome Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 roll the lip inside the quarter panel? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevinoriega Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 Thanks Larry, I thought about that when I saw that it was cutting into the tread. BTW this is the before and after. in the first picture the car is sitting on the wheel. The second is after I installed the shocks. Betty has sagged on the right since I got her. So the right rubs with just about anything on the road. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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