I have a 71 Maverick with a 302 with 17" wheels and stock springs and OEM shocks at the front and 4 leaf springs with OEM shocks at the rear. I want to upgrade my springs/shocks to give me a smooth ride while driving but provides me a nice tight feel cornering and during braking. I have heard that using front 200/250 CID springs is the same as the 302 so I decided to keep using these springs. I also purchased some new front springs and they look the same as the 200/250. So, I want to see if there are any of you who have installed some new front and read springs and shocks that made A HUGE DIFFERENCE with 17" wheels. Right now, the car does sway from side to side when turning and when I hit a bump or pit in the road, the whole car seems to rattle. Also, the car seems to dip when I press on the brakes which I feel I'm gonna go through the windshield. Last, I did have some KYB shocks in the front and back prior to changing to the OEM's. The KYB's were too rough of a ride but gave me the cornering feel I was looking for but wasn't a smooth ride. Please help and thanks.
do a search, you'll find more information about making these cars handle well then you could possibly imagine.
part of the problem is the car it self is too flimsy. put some sub frame connectors on, up grade the front sway bar to a bigger one, add a rear sway bar. a monty carlo bar and a export brace for the engine compartment will make the car feel allot better. when the body of the car is stiff the suspension works allot better.
