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Impala SS, 9C1, Caprice classic coil springs


94HeavyChevy
02-27-2008, 10:17 PM
what is the difference in the springs in a Impala ss, a caprice 9C1, and a Caprice classic? I read that the impala SS is the lowest sitting of the 3 with soft springs, the 9C1 is slightly higher, but lower than a civilian caprice with stiff springs (are they aftermarket or GM springs), and the civilian caprice sits the highest. I know tire size comes into play as well but i just want to know the difference in the coil springs of the 3 vehicles.

j cAT
02-29-2008, 10:14 AM
what is the difference in the springs in a Impala ss, a caprice 9C1, and a Caprice classic? I read that the impala SS is the lowest sitting of the 3 with soft springs, the 9C1 is slightly higher, but lower than a civilian caprice with stiff springs (are they aftermarket or GM springs), and the civilian caprice sits the highest. I know tire size comes into play as well but i just want to know the difference in the coil springs of the 3 vehicles.

I looked into this front coil spring and it appears that non oem springs do not show any difference in part numbers.... I did find a vehicle owner that stated he cut off the caprice spring to achieve the proper hieght and he did this because the caprice springs raised the vehicle 1inch higher... he also noted that the springs were stiffer...but this could be because they are new....he also noted that the oem spring he removed had an extra coil on the passenger side this is probably to compensate for the extra wt. battery/compressor/heater core.....

94HeavyChevy
02-29-2008, 03:05 PM
thanks for the info. I read somewhere that the 9C1 have different suspension for better handling and are slightly lower than the civilian caprice but not as low as the Impala SS. I was thinking about switching my springs to the 9C1 springs to lower it slightly and give it better handling.

j cAT
02-29-2008, 04:29 PM
thanks for the info. I read somewhere that the 9C1 have different suspension for better handling and are slightly lower than the civilian caprice but not as low as the Impala SS. I was thinking about switching my springs to the 9C1 springs to lower it slightly and give it better handling.

if you cut spring for proper height use cut off grinder wheel.. and I believe the bottom of spring was cut....for a caprice these 9c1 springs should be fine....this guy just wanted to slightly reduce hieght but get a stiffer ride.... he stated it worked but he cut spring a few times to get that slightly lower height....just remember when you replace springs the alignment will have to be adjusted,and do not get alignment done until 1,000mi on these new springs as the new springs will drop slightly from install date.....

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