cosmick

I put a new pair of Moog 5665s in my '86 after installing the overkill Atilla hitch. Great, sits fine, but never drove it after that. Now I've given it to my new step-son. And when we all pile into my '94 Camaro ( same rear suspension, and a similarly heavy overkill-hitch ) it's always banging over every little bump.
So the 5665s are supposed to ride at 10.00" compressed length at 580 pounds of load each, with a constant rate of 107 pounds per inch. The CC635s are 104 PPI, and 10.25" at 518#.
I'm looking at 2 possible upgrades. Either the CC629s, at 187 PPI, or the CC639s at 302 PPI. Assuming a 600 # load each, the ride heights would be 9.48" for the CC635s, 10.67" for the CC629s, or 10.5" for the CC639s.
I googled the effects on handling of stiffer rear springs with no other changes, and it'll reduce understeer. But the heavy hitch might need the 629s just to get back to "correct".
Anyone have any good reason to not try the 639s?

RJ IROC

I'd like to see what other options there are for rear springs on these cars. The CC639s look decent as far as I'm concerned, but I'm looking for something more handling oriented. All the direct replacement springs and lowering spring kits are wayyyy too soft for what I want.

sofakingdom

iTrader: (1)

This is one of those opportunities the world presents you with from time to time, to OUTSMART YOURSELF.

Just BUY SOME DAMN SPRINGS already. As CHEEEEEEEEEEEEP as they are, and EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZY to swap, JUST DO IT. See what happens. See if you like it. If you don't, ... BIG WHUP. Try again. So what.

There's a YUUUUUUUUUUUJE difference at full load (i.e. people in the back seat) between a constant-rate spring like the 5665, and a variable rate like the CC635. It's one of those deals where you might gain (sofa plucks numbers from the air) 10% on the skid pad, but LOOOOOZE (more plucking) 100% in the real world. (like, cut a tire) Gotta figure out which is more important.

What tires do you have? What brakes? What sway bars? How good of a corner driver are you, anyway? or your new step-son? Are you REALLY gonna NOTICE what you lose in "handling", to get your car to FORKING WORK? Which is REALLY more important in the end?

Buy a set of CC635 and see how they WORK. Go from there.

cosmick

Trying all 3 sets of CCs would run well past $200.
Today I had the wife and both kids in the car, nothing in the trunk, nothing plugged into the hitch, and it was slamming the bumpstops on every little thing, even expansion joints.
I'm going to start with the 639s and hope they don't punch through into the carpet. 3 times the stock rate may be dramatic, but I'll report back whatever happens.

Ron U.S.M.C.

What about shocks ? I went with the KYB "Gas A just" and the 5665's and its a stiff ride. I have had my brother 235 lbs and his girl 110 lbs in the back with very little "bounce". Springs hold the car but shocks control "bounce".


Any way, at least check out the video at KYB's site explaining how the "Gas A Just" Mono- Tube shocks work and what there used for.
= http://www.kyb.com/kyb-tv/the-differ...n-tube-shocks/


= http://www.kyb.com/kyb-tv/tell-me-ho...hock-or-strut/


The sheet metal above the springs and especially where the shock mounts to is thin in comparison to most others.
Sooo.....don't forget that its a "Pony Car". Not a Family Sedan and not a truck.

RedLeader289

iTrader: (2)

i'm interested in this hitch you mentioned, got any pictures? (not interested as in I want one, just. . .never seen a hitch on a thirdgen).

-srs-

Kinda sounds like those shocks are shot.

cosmick

pics are in my thread in Member Camaros, towing my 4.8L LSx home, and towing my pop-up camper.
I considered airshocks, but decided against. Not willing to go with Gabriel, probably do Monroes when I do the CC639s. I see no reason I can't carry the wife and kids, plus tow the pop-up, which sleeps 4, without slamming the bumpstops onto the axle every 100 feet. My dually isn't a crew-cab, nor even extended. Plus it gets 1/3 the MPG.

Ron U.S.M.C.

Sounds like the shocks are in for a tough ride.
Its important to get the right shock for your application and if you list it you can get reviews from the site.

Night rider327

iTrader: (13)

I don't mean to hi jack the thread but I picked up a '84 TA a few weeks ago to part out and it had a hitch/tow ball on it... 1st one I have seen in person on a third gen I think.

Camaro86IrocZ

iTrader: (1)

I have a 1991 camaro with the old reese flat bar hidden hitch receiver, Minus the ball mount, (if any body has an old style flat bar ball mount to sell, send me a pm).. worst case senario I weld on a 1 1/4 square tube.. These hitches aren't designed to pull a huge load, class 1 - 2000 lbs and 200 lbs tongue weight.. Good Gas Charged Shocks would be a plus if towing...

cosmick

Just ordered a new pair of Moog CC639 rear springs from www.summitracing.com, I'll report back after I try them.

spoazzy1

My firebird had one too, I have no possible clue what it was used for! I had it removed when I had the exhaust redone, even the guy at the exhaust shop was puzzled! Lol

cosmick

In my LSx swap thread: "Help choosing" I show using the hitch to tow my 4.8 engine home using my '86 Camaro and a little Harbor Freight trailer. In my Member's Camaros thread: "Cosmick's Camaro" I show using the hitch to tow my little pop-up camper.
My buddy Mike used his '83 Mustang GT to tow his JetSki, and to tow a riding mower, and even to tow drag slicks and race gas to the dragstrip. None of this is abusing these cars. Just making them even more practical.

The new CC639s should be here Friday. If I can install them Saturday, I will. However, it may be too late, I found an '88 Volvo 240DL I might have the chance to trade this '94 Camaro for, it's a safe 4-door 5-seater which I now need, but it's RWD, and begging for an LSx / T5 swap. I'll know by tomorrow night.

cosmick

My new CC639s arrived yesterday.

cosmick

Haven't yet installed these.

cosmick

They're going in Tuesday.

cosmick

They're a bit shorter, but the car sits a bit higher. Not sure I have enough rear shock to control these springs, it's a little bouncy. I'd guess most of you would call it a firm ride, I can live with it. Both ends of these coils are exactly correct. Direct-fit.
There's this 270-degree off-ramp I have been taking at 60 MPH, most cars take it at 40. I'm eager to try it tomorrow morning, see if it tries to oversteer?
My tires start to squeal at 65 MPH, so I'll go in at 55 and ease into the throttle.
I'm at 1/4 tank now, I'll also report how it does with a full tank plus 545 pounds of teens ( the 18-year-old boy is 290 #, and over 6'2", the 15-year-old girl is 255 pounds )

cosmick

Since noone is showing any interest in this, why should I tell how the car did when taking the curve at 60? Or how it did with the whole family along? Then taking that curve at 55 with the whole family?

RedLeader289

iTrader: (2)

I've been listening, just didn't have anything to say (kinda soakin' up the info).


I suppose it'd be a nice touch if the forum added some kind of "x-many people have read this specific post". I know it shows how many have looked at the thread but not the specific post.