Hi, im the proud owner of an 86 el camino. The only problem (ok not the only problem) is that the front wheels look sunk in the fenders. I know these things sit kind of low but this is crazy, there hasnt been any lowering kits put on or anything like that. The back was like this too, i put new air shocks on and it rose up plenty. So i decided Id put new heavy duty front shocks on, this did nothing, but I thought thatd be a place to start. Next i was thinking different possibly bigger springs. I thought about a lift kit and i like the idea of a higher el camino. I dont really know anything about lift kits and i was wondering about what it would cost to raise the whole car a few inches, and if i could do this in my garage. Any help is appreciated.
-dave

I would think that running a stiffer spring in the front would be able to raise it a couple of inches but i wouldn't know the spring rate that you would need to atain the ride height that you want.

You don't need a "lift kit", you need new springs! What you'll find is the end coils have broke off, causing the front end to sit way lower than it should. This is a very common problem with all G-bodies, the front springs would break, and the rears would sag. Get 4 new springs installed, you'll be amazed by how well it looks and handles! 8) The air shocks are just covering the problem for the rear, not really fixing it.

I am dealing with the same problem with Springs. I want to put 17 inch wheels on my 68. currently there are 14s. Maybe 16s would be better? I have found new heavy duty springs on the el camino store for 100/pr - do you think these will be OK?

Thanks for your help.

Just a note on springs, you'll see commentary out there on the web about how 'easy' it is to change the springs on a big block 60's car... Not my experience, for sure. A big block spring is a bear. And yes, you have to 'clock' the spring so that it is in the correct position in the a-arms as you begin the perilous journey of compression... And air tools, an air chisel to be sure, are a must when breaking down the ball joints to get the spindle off (forget all that about 'strike the ball joint with a hammer' stuff, didn't work for me!). Oh, and there is a good chance you'll ruin the ball joint breaking it out of the spindle - or at least, it's rubber boot. I think there are notes in the posts about front coil spring work. I highly recommend you get absolutely prepared for worst-case scenarios on breaking stuff - and be safe! I put my car on concrete blocks and made sure that spring couldn't get me :) .

Good advice. Those springs have your name on them!! A good spring compressor makes it easier, the type that goes inside the spring (shocks removed) Most manuals recommend running a length of chain through the spring before removing it, with the compressor on it. It is dangerous, and a good compressor is the way to go. A cheap compressor can be a grenade if it breaks. There are tools to remove the ball joint, a puller that is similar to a pitman arm puller, and it wont damage to ball joint. You may be able to rent these tools at an auto parts store.