Front spring rate with Camaro clip & 1959 fleetside

[dunce79]

Getting ready to buy a QA1 coil over shock package for my 59 apache shortbox project. Has a 73 camaro front sub and will have an LS1 with automatic trans. What do you guys recommend for a spring rate up front. Stock camaro spring rate seems to be 300lb in. Not sure but I don't actually think the truck will end up weighing all that much more than a camaro when done. So I'd just want to firm up the ride a bit and add a big sway bar. Would you go with 350lb in springs or 450lb in springs. Kinda leaning towards 450. Here's the package I'm looking at. Just for street driving.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ha...450c/overview/

[1-ton of fun]

i'm using springs that are rated at 650 lb./in. but i'm going for good handling over a nice ride. probably stiffer than most would consider.

[dunce79]

Hmm.. I just decided to look up what I have on my 1969 Camaro and its using hotchkis 600lb in springs with 2 inch drop. I wouldn't say the ride is hard but it is on the stiff side.

[OrrieG]

No clue but 73 camaro weighs 3435# with 1975# on front wheels.
59 short stepside weighs 3405# with 2010# on front. V8 weighs less than the stock six so weight is pretty close. Next question/decision is how much will you be hauling and how stiff/soft do you want the ride???

[ChuckDriver]

I would wait until you can drive the truck, that way you have everything installed. Then you can weigh the front and get the best idea on which spring you need. Plus if you order them now it will be harder to exchange them if you need to. Just my .02 cents worth!