The 50 Olds I bought has air bags. I am thinking about replacing them with springs. What has anyone used to lower the car an inch or two, and handle good?
I am in Australia, and I used late 70’s Ford Falcon coils in the front and early 70’s Holden Torana coils in the rear. The Torana is an Aussie produced small Chev, probably the size of a Nova, I’m sure you will find an equivalent spring in the US. Good luck.
1968-72 GM intermediate rear coils will bolt in. There is quite a range of springs from a Chevelle to an Olds Vista Cruiser wagon.
If you call Eaton Detroit Springs and tell them that you want stock springs -2", they will make them for you.....and they will be a 2" drop. I've used them several times and the lady that answers the phone is the owner's wife. She's been doing it a long time and she will steer you to what you want. https://www.eatondetroitspring.com/
I will vouch for Eatons as well. I had cut stockers under my 50, and it was too much. Did 2" drop eatons up front and couldn't be happier. I did 79 elcamino springs in the back, but they matched the cut stock fronts, so I don't have them in currently.
I used 70 BB Chevelle springs with air in front of my '57. Took 1.5 coils off and the car sits 1 inch lowered. The resulting spring rate is more performance oriented. Handling is very subjective, some like a soft, flaccid ride. The 39-57 Pontiac & Olds suspensions are very similar. The Olds front suspension is basically the same from 39-53. I found KYB shocks for a 61-73 Volvo front were perfect for a 1 inch drop and firm ride. If you can find a larger front sway bar that fits, this will help also but I have no idea what would fit as Buick, Olds, Pontiac & Cadillac were all slightly different. Go figure. Keep us posted!
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