The "Shelby drop" doesn't make the car drop an appreciable amount. The purpose of this lowering of the upper control arm mount point is to provide negative camber when in a turn, causing the tires to have a flatter contact patch with the ground. A 1" drop of the mount point typically results in between 1/4" and 1/2" lowering of the cars ride height. Be that as it may, I still strongly recommend that you do this mode if you plan to drive around corners in a "spirited manner". I purchased a set of 350-480lb progressive springs for a 67'-70' Mustang. They raised the front of the car about 1 1/2". I then installed the 2 1/2" dropped spindles, converted to a manual pitman arm,center link and installed all new tie rod ends and idler arm. It feels like a totally different car now. With new 4 leaf springs, gas shocks and a good alignment, this old beater is a heck of a lot of fun to drive.
Well the deed is done. I cut off one coil, then another half, then half again for a total of two coils. Like Scott, I can just barely "screw" the springs in without a compressor, and that is very nice because I hate using a spring compressor on this car. I was so sick of that thing that I used a very scary but effective alternative when I got to the second wheel - I cut the old spring off while it was still on the car! The shock kept it from going anywhere, but... Oh my God that was intense. I nearly had to change my pants. But it was a lot quicker! I got it sitting about where it was before, and have driven it around quite a bit today with no change in height. If it does eventually settle I'm okay with up to an inch. (if it doesn't, I just might buzz another 1/4 coil off.) I LOVE the way it feels now! Probably a little stiffer than some people would like but it's just what I was hoping for. There is almost no body roll, definitely feels more like a performance car should. Going to get it aligned tomorrow... Thanks for the help and advice, guys.
Time for Junkyard Suspension Tech Part II? ...I just can't get over how different this thing drives now. It feels so solid, and I can throw it around corners with impunity. It makes me want to revisit my rear suspension, which I was pretty satisfied with. I might put another BFV leaf in it. But then I'll need longer u-bolts for that, and a longer bolt in the middle. Which then makes me start to think about lowering blocks. I can't decide. It did settle a bit, and that's great. Those front tires now tuck in just perfect. A little lower than before, no steering interference, but about as low as it could get without causing problems. I couldn't be happier with the look of the front, it's just sick. But... Now there is a greater difference in height between the front and rear. It was about one inch difference, now it's two. I've gone from "slight rake" to "rake." I think it looks good. (right now anyway) More aggressive. But, it really surprised me how much of a difference it made when I dropped the front another inch, so I'm wondering how it might look with 1" or even 2" of drop in the back. Do I go back to "slight rake?" Do I even it out? Or keep it like it is? I just don't know. I think it might be time for pics and a poll...
wow sounds great good job and info my vote is slight rake..... well now all i need is some sixer mustang springs "my car still has a 250" and some bfv springs a drill and i can take "mustang turn" at 50....
