I'm trying to find a cheap set of springs/shocks for my '78 Impala, as the factory ones are ridiculously soft. The two spare tires in the trunk alone drop the ass end 2 inches lower than the front. It's bad. And I normally drive a '70 Chrysler 300, and thought THAT was soft. Oi.

Anyhow, can I use G of F-body springs and shocks? What years? I see them for sale used more often than I see springs for B-body Impalas/Caprices and the like, so if I can use them, I wouldn't mind being a couple extra inches lower if I have to be. Can I use 3rd or 4th gen F-body stuff  or no?

Thanks!  

F-body, no. G-body springs might work.

Your problem is probably more the factory springs are totally worn out along with the shocks, not that the rate is too soft.

Your best solution is to get some B-body cop car springs. They had a stiffer rate for obvious reasons.  

I kinda want to lower the car a touch while I'm at it, that's why I was asking.

My car only has 60,000 miles and sat for years, I'm suprised the springs would have worn out so easily, but I can see it I suppose.

Can I use F-body shocks at all? Someone is offering me a set of KYBs for a 3rd gen cheap.  

No you cant use F or G body shocks, The Impala out wieghts them by nearly 1000lb. Plus the F body is a Uni-body and uses Struts up front.
Hotchkis and a handful of other companies sell 1"-2" lowered springs for the Impalas, And you "Should" (Don't quote me) Be able to use the 94-96 Impala springs and shock because the B-body frame never changed from 77'-96'. The cop shocks are nice for handling but they give a pretty rough ride.

You might want to think about rebuilding the front end with new bushings while your at it.

The springs on my wagon wear out about every 50-60k But I load it up with several hundred pounds of tools.  

Well, as far as Impalas go this one isn't that heavy, it's a no-option Impala 2-door. 305 2bbl, automatic, manual crank windows, and a radio. That's it. But... the springs it has are sagging BAD in back. The spare tire lowers the car an entire inch. Not pretty. Shocks are blown too.

I'm not sure if I'm keeping this car or selling it so I can use the money to buy something slightly more fuel efficient, so cheap stuff is the name of the game. And I like my cars low anyhow, so if I do keep it, I also want the damn thing slammed to the ground. I've been driving my static-dropped 300 for 6 years now, bashed in the oil pan and countless trans pans, bashed in the frame rails, and I'm not that concerned about being too low. However, knowing the F-body has struts in front changes that a bit. Damn.

Anyhow, I guess I'll keep my eyes peeled for used Eibach springs then. I wish I could find a good B-body forum around. Argh.  

To the rescue!!!

www.chevytalk.com Very big, popular Chevy site! Probably a solid 25-50K members.

Go there, hit the Forum Index, scroll down to the appropriately categorized forum and you'll be all set.  

A car that just sits, put strain on the shocks and springs, also you should check your hub bearings for flat spots. I bought a 1980 Malibu with only 51181 orignal miles, Within the first 2 weeks I had over 900 bucks in new stock suspension parts, including hew hub bearings. At least when the car is driven, the suspension moves around, rather than staying in a fixed spot and height. This is probably why cars that sit have worn springs. I work in a salvage yard. We have a few mid nineties caprices, they may have springs that work. Let me check my interchange info. I'll get you prices if they work and we can ship them to you, if you decide to go with used parts.