Something else to keep in mind. As springs age with time and use, they work harden and begin to become stiffer. In the shop we used to refer to this as road sprung. So it could be in part that they are just old and worn out.
Detroit Easton Spring (listed in the links section) were the OES for the spring and will make brand new springs just like origal or customized to your wishes.
I had new springs made for my panel and they are great. And fit exactly like orignal.
