Let's talk about 68 leaf springs and ride height

Cougar Community Classic Cougar Maintenance Restoration and Repair
1

The 68 small block XR7-G needs new leaf springs, it’s listing in the rear like a torpedoed ship. The last time I did leaf springs on a Cougar it looked like a 4x4 when I was done and I certainly don’t want that to happen this time around. So, I have two questions for the hive:

Should I order STD, 1" or 2" drop?

What is the best source to procure them?

2

I can tell you where NOT to get them: ebay. I ordered a set of supposedly new, no-name “big block” springs a few years back for my 68 thinking they would gain me a bit of extra height, but and after installing them, the car actually sat lower than it did with the 45 year old busted springs.

3

Frank –

Espo Spring, and query Royce Peterson – roycegte@earthlink.net for details on his various experiences.
Jim

4

I got mine from General Spring:
http://www.generalspringkc.com/Leaf_Springs_Mercury_Cougar_s/1897.htm

5

I just put Espo competition handling springs in Isabel. While they are good quality and matched, they are not technically correct (although close). Eaton is the place to go if you want exactly correct (if this matters).

6

I ordered stock height springs from WCCC part number 43015. These are just like the stock springs with berlin eyes however you should contact WCCC as there are a lot of options to the rear springs depending on options on your car. For what its worth this is what I ordered from WCCC for my 67:

43015 1967 Mercury Cougar (not Mustang) Leaf Springs (289 / C4 / Coupe / With Air)
5888 1967 - 1973 Mercury Cougar Rear Leaf Spring Shackle with rubber bushings
42183 1967 - 1973 Mercury Cougar Rear Leaf Spring Center Mount Insulator Pad (Set of 4)

I also replaced all of the hardware, ubolts, nuts etc… with an AMK master chassis fastener kit.

So how does it ride you ask, I am using Grab-A-track 620 springs in the front with 205-60-15s, with this setup the nose dropped about an inch. Out back, I am running 225-60-15s, with the above mentioned springs to maintain the rear height stock. The car sits with a slight rake in the front, as opposed to the stock nose high stance it once had and I love it!!

Hope this helps

Coach Jack

7

I have purchased several sets of leaf springs for Cougars from ESPO. Here’s a link:
http://www.springsnthings.com/catalog.htm

They make the springs to your order. I have always specified stock ride height and have always been satisfied with the results. Price is significantly better than anywhere else I have checked, and they ship the next business day.

8

BTW, here is an excellent writeup by Bruce Habel of the Delmarva Cougar Club that I referred to when I replaced my springs.

http://www.dcconline.org/features/features_garage_04.html

Coach Jack

9

Thanks for all the insights!

10

I agree on Espo’s pricing (and quality for that matter) being very good and that is why I went with them. Now that I have their springs though, I have observed that their springs are not completely correct (close though). So for anyone concerned with being exactly correct, Eaton is the place to go (but the price is around 2x Espo’s).

11

Eaton Spring will give you the original ride height with an original looking spring. However original ride height means a slight sagging in the rear. You can specify 1", 2", 3" height increase at the same price. On two Cougars and one Mustang 2" increase resulted in slightly higher then level. Save the small lower leaf with the part number.