Front Spring Q

[HeavyK20]

I'm replacing the front springs in my 72 C20. The new springs that I got are about an inch shorter than the ones that came out. I am assuming this drop the front end (which I don't want). If I keep the old springs, will there be an difference in ride quality? Or do these springs even wear out? They look pretty stout.

[BIG ORANGE]

There are different heights of springs depending if the truck came with a 6cly. or small block or Big Block V8 and what ton the truck is.

[HeavyK20]

I bought springs for a Small Block. So if it originally had a BB it would make sense that the old springs would be taller.

I got the rolling chassis from da-burb, I'll see if he knows.
da-burb????????? Are you listening?

[da-burb]

Hey, I'm listening with my eyes right now. When I have changed out other springs I too noticed that they were not even close to the correct height when compared to the stockers. What you have to take into consideration is modern design and manufacturing. The first thing to do is measure the diameter of the coil material. I'd be willing to bet the old spring has less diameter which means it compressed more than the new spring. Unless they packed the wrong spring into your box, it should sit right. (been there, done that! got real good changing springs in a 70 Galaxie)

Now if this is going into the front disc section I cut off for you, guess what? That 72 was a big block camper special. So the springs that are coming out would be different than the small block springs you are installing.

[HeavyK20]

I'm actually just using the spindles and rotors from the '72, the rest is the original '69. Do you know if the '69 had a big block?

[HeavyK20]

I forgot about the '72 BB Springs on the scrap pile. I just recovered them and compared them to the '69, exactly the same height. I feel a little better about the new ones now, they should be the right height for a SB.