About to cut my springs to lower the front

Front end components are in "decent" condition. Considering, 75% are 35 years old!!!

I like my front-end tight, so any loose ends get swapped out immediatly. But being a power-steering system, there is that "Ford Play" in the steering. Otherwise, tight.

 

Got them cut!

Did one with one coil, then put it all back together, and dropped it (minus shocks, etc.) Not low enough, so cut another half off.

Looked better, so took the other side and cut 1-1/2. Here is what i have. IT has not been driven and still has the rear tires on the front.

I will buy the correct size tires (225s), drive home on them, then cut to lower more if I have to until it looks right, then drive to the allignment shop.

QUESTION:

I have cut these springs so much that I don't need a spring compressor to get them on and off, just take off the tire, and "unscrew" the spring until the bottom comes out of it's pocket, and pull it out. Is this safe?

I figured driving should be no problem, but what about when I pop those "wheelies" ?

 

I did the same thing (but have since changed it) I would at least put some type of travel limiter to keep the springs with some weight (pressure) on them all the time.

 

MUCH better, Scott.

re: popping wheelies
Just remember to keep your foot in it so the front end will come down slowly.

 

Will the shock act as a travel limiter, or do I need to add something else?

Of course, I probably won't get any wheelies until I get at least 200 HP under the hood

 

The shock will act as a travel limiter. I wouldn't cut any more off though. When you suggested 3 coils, I knew that wasn't gonna happen...

 

So, any lower and I need a "lowering kit" to do it correctly...right?

 

I think you already know the answer to that...

 

TL, thanks for all the help. The rest of you guys also.

I got it on the road, and even with the worn out 195s (to the wires on one wheel) it looks so much better, and the steering is tighter. When it was set 4-1/2" higher (4X4 mode) it steered much easier, but it wandered from side to side. Now, I think it is closer to "in alingment" so it doesn't wander as much.

I will take pictures tomorrow and post them with the old bald 195s.

By the way, the old 1-1/4" lean to the left is now only 3/4" after changing the front springs. I think that after I change the rear springs, I will be pretty much even.

The front is within 1/4" from side to side, but the driver side (the side with the more worn tire) is the low side. I think with new 225/60r15s it will be pretty much level.

Thanks for all the encouragement, from all of you.

I don't think I will have to lower it any more. It is pretty low with the 195s. With the 225s, it should be setting pretty.

PS--1-1/2 coils equals about 5" on these springs.

 

I cut the original springs on mine 2 years ago. Cut 1.5 coil off, dropped it about 2". I dont think there is anyway we can post a definate, cut X amount of coils and get X amount of drop.. Too many variables. But each experience posted will help others down the road.
Dan

 

I cut 1.5 coils off, lost about 5" of clearance. Measured by the tennis ball that hangs from my ceiling that tells me where to stop (coming into the garage). The X of drop reduced from the cut depends on th type of spring used.

 

Here is the finished product, but I have not put on the 225s, still 195s. They were tiny tires to begin with. I don't know why I bought them.

Just got back from vacation, so it will be a couple of weeks before I can afford new tires.

I think the 225s will fill the wheel well a bit better.

 

Scott, depending on how you want your car's stance (after you've determine what size tires you'll ultimately be running on the rear), you might want to look into a 2" lowering kit for the rear.

You can get 'em at Vato Zone for around $30.00.

But... some people like the raked look.

 

I cannot go any lower in the rear. I had to put shackles on to raise 2" because my side pipes would drag on speedbumps and on trailer ramps. And actually, I want the tail up, nose down look reminicent of the 70s.

 

Well that's easy to fix....Just get rid of the sidepipes. No more dragging on the ground.

It doesn't make sense that cutting 1.5 coils from new springs dropped it 5-inches, when I cut 1 coil from old springs and dropped maybe 2-inches. Where are you measuring from? Those 195s are a lot shorter than the 245s you had on there. You need to measure from the centercap (hub) to the center of the fender lip.

The front looks great. The rear really is too high. Mine has a rake too, but look at all that space between the top of your rear tire and the body...