Quote Originally Posted by Jack F View Post
Dave,
Thanks for the reply. It sounds like handling can be improved with a panhard, although clearing the exhaust might be a problem. You mentioned leaf springs in your reply; I am using the original coil springs from the 4 bar setup of the 66 GTO rear in the 34. Of course they are not the same as leafs but they still don't have the adjustment of coil overs. Maybe I should look at coil overs. I hope things aren't getting too complicated.

Jack.
I wasn't referring to your car about the leaf springs... The coil springs work good, one of the reasons I prefer a coil over unit is that both the spring and shock are one unit and take up less space and leave plenty of room for exhaust, even with a Watt's linkage. I like to place the bottom mount of the coilover as far outboard as possible with the tops angled in to the center of the car at about 25 degrees to improve ride stability. I also like to weigh my cars before I select the coil spring weight for the rear end....if you have access to a set of scales it is certainly better then guessing at the weight.... One final thing, when you determine the weight of the car and the spring rate required, remember that the weight of the rear end complete is unsprung weight and should be deducted from the rear weight of the car.... Seems a lot of the newer techs () at the parts stores and manufacturer's don't take this into consideration!!!!! Jerry Clayton pointed this out the other day....I made a couple calls and guess what???? Jerry is (as usual) right on the money!!!!!!!