I can't find/purchase Front Springs

[Ludworks]

My springs had a tag, but it was unreadable. Don't know about Evenprimes, but I doubt it would matter, I don't think those codes would mean anything to anyone nowadays.

It would be great if someone could find that mystical spring selector guide. Then we could at least assemble an accurate account of what Eagles got one code springs. And hey, maybe it actually contains the spring specs.

[MIPS]

One thing that has come to mind in the past for missing, broken or weak front springs was air bags.
It's overkill since we aren't looking for performance in this application, but Eagles do technically have space in the engine bay for the compressor on rear air suspension.

[Ludworks]

I think air suspension would be an awesome upgrade for an Eagle. I'd love on-the-go ride height adjustment. I bet that if you added an auxiliary air tank the optional factory compressor would probably work just fine.

I've thought about adapting a modern strut, but trying to hunt one down that's the right length, has a compatible design, and is from a vehicle of similar weight proved too much for me. Most are way too long. Some of the aftermarket airbag coilovers though...those look promising.

Ultimately I think that if you have a broken or weak spring the most cost-effective option is to have new ones made.

[Evenprime]

So is it realistic to think that if I remove my springs and bring them to Vancouver Axle and Frame (They make springs) that they should be able to make me a new set of springs?

Pardon me being stupid, but I just want to make sure that there isnt anything specifically special about these springs that would make it difficult for a company to make another set?

And are both springs the same? Or are the helical opposite, or does anything else matter?

I'm just trying to plan this all out.

Thank you

[vangremlin]

I believe the OEM springs are different from side to side, to compensate for the fact that the engine is slightly off center.  How much of a difference it makes it real life, I don't know. 

[Ludworks]

Okay boys. I dug out and calibrated the micrometer. Here's the results.

Spring 1 measurements: 0.653-0.665  (Assumed 0.660 or 0.656 or 21/32" or 16.75MM)   Weight 10.120lbs   Height ~14 7/8"
Spring 2 measurements: 0.634-0.643  (Assumed 0.640 or 0.638 or 41/64" or 16.25MM)   Weight 9.625lbs     Height ~15"
Dimensions are hard to take due to wire distortion/helix so I've provided a range of measurements and assumed nominal dimensions.

There is a slight height disparity that I didn't catch before due to the surface the springs were resting on. It's may be due to sag, tolerance, or design. 

I was wrong before. I made the mistake of using digital calipers and assuming the springs were the same. I apologize. Vangremlin is absolutely right, the springs are side-specific. There does not seem to be any difference in shape. Unfortunately I've had mine out for a while and I can't say for sure which spring goes to which side. I would assume the thicker spring is the passenger side due to the engine offset.

Evenprime there's no reason a good spring shop can't remake them. I'd take them in and at least see what they say

Edit 12/21/24: Added additional nominal sizing and corrected spring lengths. 0.656 and 0.638 match known wire diameters used by AMC and GM. Spring 1 appears to match #3140 Espo spring specs.

[Evenprime]

Spring 1 appears to match #3140 Espo spring specs.

I tried to search online for Espo #3140 and couldn't find anything. Do you have a catalog? I dont even see a website unless its springsnthings now but even that site, I cannot search it.

Any idea if it would work on both?

The issue I have is I really do not want to take mine out and then send them in for a company to remake. Id much-much rather have a set ready to go

The car is near complete but the front suspension needs a rebuild, if I have the springs, Im thinking of just taking it all to a shop and say have at er!


Thank you

[Ludworks]

Evenprime, try searching for "Moog" 3140 springs, seems to be a few websites that have them.

I don't see any reason why you couldn't use those springs for both sides. The car might sit slightly lopsided, but I doubt you'd be able to tell. Seems like they're mostly sold in pairs anyways. If it does turn out uneven I'd shim the top of the low spring with a thick piece of rubber, 1/8" or whatever is needed. Also keep in mind that my Eagle is an '85 wagon 258 5-speed w/ AC, so your stock springs might be slightly different on both sides, or just one. Either way the 3140 is close enough it probably won't really matter.

Also check out the information Captspillane posted back in 2014 here, it's very helpful and confirms some of my measurements: https://forums.amceaglesden.com/index.php?topic=36839.105

Here's some part interchange numbers I found from a website supposedly for the 3140 springs:
ACDelco:45H0089
American Motors:3197429
American Motors:3197430
American Motors:3222476
American Motors:3222477
American Motors:J3197429
American Motors:J3197430
American Motors:J3222476
American Motors:J3222477
AutoZone:DG5851089
AutoZone:FCS3140S
Centric Parts:630.56002
Chrysler:3197429
Chrysler:3197430
Chrysler:3222476
Chrysler:3222477
Duralast:FCS3140S
Mcquay-Norris:FCS3140S
Mevotech:SMS3140
Monroe Shocks & Struts:U3140PNAPA
Chassis Parts:277-3023
NAPA Chassis Parts:277-3188
Perfect Circle:277-3023
Raybestos Brakes:585-1089
Roadmates:110454
Sealed Power:831-3140TRW
Steering and Suspension Parts:CS3140

[vangremlin]

I tried to search online for Espo #3140 and couldn't find anything. Do you have a catalog? I dont even see a website unless its springsnthings now but even that site, I cannot search it.

I've had good luck emailing springsnthings.  They are pretty responsive and knowledgeable, and will let you know if they don't have anything that fits.  Good luck!