Tech Question - 1971 Trans Am Leaf Spring

Mike,

I am currently restoring a 1971 TA. I plan on replacing the rear springs but am having difficulty determining which ones are correct for my car.

First off, all 1971 TAs came with the 455HO motor and F60x15 tires. When I do a search on your website using "Trans Am" under body style, the springs that come up are ML599 (left) and ML1147 (right).

However, when I search using "Firebird" under model and blank under body style I get a much longer list. This list includes the two above-mention springs more than once each.

The ML559s are listed as: - Engine Size 455, Left - 4 leaf, Rate 126 Lbs. and also as - Engine Size 350, 400, 455, Right - 4 leaf except F60x15 tires, Rate 126 Lbs.

The ML1147s are listed as: - Engine Size 455, Right - 4 leaf, Rate 126 Lbs. and also as - Engine Size 350, 400, 455, Left - 4 leaf except F60x15 tires, Rate 126 Lbs.

I called a Pontiac parts house and distributor of your springs. They said they stock the ML231s. These list on your site as: - Engine Size 350, 400, 455, Left - 4 leaf for F60x15 tires, Rate 126 Lbs. The counterpart to it for the right side appears to be ML3595. This lists as: - Engine Size 350, 400, 455, Right - 4 leaf for F60x15 tires, Rate 103 Lbs.

So, now I don't know what is correct for my car. What is the difference between all of these springs?

Are they made specific for left and right sides?

Why are the ML3595s rated at 103 Lbs.?

Your help is greatly appreciated.

Pat

Pat,

Springs can be specific to a body style and/or an engine, this is why we ask for the information.

If you choose not to enter the required info or the wrong info, you could, and were, overwhelmed with meaningless info.

Do as we ask, we can make your life very easy when it comes to springs.

The listings shown for your TA, ML1147 for the right rear and ML559 for the left rear, are the springs you need. You will also need the Installation Kit, GC5003.

Not all of our distributors carry our full line of products. This is their choosing. If they do not carry our full line, a distributor may offer you a spring which they do carry. This may not be the perfect spring for your application.

-Mike