My car (1982 242 GLT, 260,000 miles) appears to be sagging in the rear. The gap between the top of the front tire and the bottom of the front wheel opening is about 2 1/2 to 3 inches. The gap between the top of the rear tire and the bottom of the rear wheel opening is about 1/2 to 1 inch. And oh, by the way, I just put new tires on two weeks ago (Dunlop D60A2, 205/60 HR15).

I've read where some people believe it's rear shocks, and some believe it's suspension bushings. The car had new shocks installed about two years ago, so I think they probably are not the culprit(s). And I don't see how failed bushings could cause the rear end to be so low. So naturally I've come to the conclusion that the most likely cause is sagging springs.

What do you think? As far as replacing them, I'm not too keen on a set of real stiff springs, nor is my goal to lower the car a bunch. I have looked at a number of salvage yards in my area (Kansas City); they all seem to want about $50/pair for the springs. My thought is that if I go the salvage yard route, I'll probablly pull them off the lowest-mileage 245 that I can find.

I may wind up buying new springs. IPD just lists stiff ("sport") springs, lowering the car about 1 1/2 inches. Does anyone know of a place that has standard rate-springs? If they lower the car a little, say 1/2 inch, that would be ok; in fact I'd probably go ahead and replace the fronts at the same time.

By the way, I'm going to replace all the rear bushings (probably fronts, as well) within the next month, too.

As always, thanks for the suggestions.

Les