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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Rochester, KENT
Posts: 10,529
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AAAARRRGGHH !!!! Lowering springs gained me 2.5" WHY????
Started my day by going to mate Martin's home with friend Ian, to help him dismantle the rear suspension, axle etc from his chassis and then to pack everything into his garage, followed by getting the cab back into his carport so he can start his bodywork..
Once done there at about lunchtime, we came over to my place to fit my new 2 inch lowered front and rear springs and shocks. ............. NOT MUCH FUN. Took a lot of banging and bashing to get the drivers side lower ballpoint to separate out. Upper went quicker. Now for the ball ache..... Before the new spring and shock was fitted on the drivers side, the height from top of wheel arch to floor was 29 inches. AFTER FITTING THE 2" DROPPED SPRING AND SHOCK THE SAME MEASUREMENT WENT UP TO 31.5" SO A GAIN OF 2.5" WTF?!?!?!?!?! No idea what happened there. Any ideas??
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MY BUILD LINK: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...585901]Redneck Express - 1966 C10 Short Fleetside MY USA ROADTRIPS http://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/...2018-humdinger IF YOU CAN'T FIX IT WITH A HAMMER, YOU'VE GOT AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM MATE. |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Essex
Posts: 936
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Re: AAAARRRGGHH !!!! Lowering springs gained me 2.5" WHY????
Thats not good Grizz!
A few obvious ones:- Did you compare the new to old springs before fitting? Are the springs fully located in the pocket. Have you bounced the truck to allow it to settle? Sometimes it is easy to miss the simple bits, then again you might have been sent to wrong parts! Let us know the latest. P. ![]() |
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#3 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Rochester, KENT
Posts: 10,529
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Re: AAAARRRGGHH !!!! Lowering springs gained me 2.5" WHY????
Quote:
New spring is just over an inch shorter than old. New spring material about 2mm thicker than old. New spring has one whole loop more than old I do believe the new spring is located in the pocket at the bottom, as I looked at it specifically. Rocked and rolled the cab/body after fitting it. And I do believe, after speaking to Brothers in the USA this afternoon that the parts I have are correct.
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MY BUILD LINK: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...585901]Redneck Express - 1966 C10 Short Fleetside MY USA ROADTRIPS http://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/...2018-humdinger IF YOU CAN'T FIX IT WITH A HAMMER, YOU'VE GOT AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM MATE. |
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#4 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: southeasternfoothillsofusa
Posts: 1,557
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![]() Quote:
Sometimes new springs may have different "rates"--meaning that the overall length may not indicate what the installed height will be. Selling used cars, I replaced lots of front springs(specifying stock replacements--cost was only $30/pair!) esp. in heavier cars like Caddy's, Electras, Regency's. When I bought the cars, the old springs had sagged & let the fronts drop & caused cars to look 'tired'. Replacements raised front back up & gave them better 'posture'; made the cars really look much less worn. First car I ever did this to was a Caddy. Removed first front spring, & side-by-side comparison revealed the old one was taller by several inches than new ones. Pondered the issue awhile before proceeding with the install; but sure enough, when installed, front height of the car was several inches higher. I concluded the worn ones, by losing tension, had lengthened themselves when free standing. Back to OP: I think Grizz was sent the wrong parts. Good luck, Grizz. Try to mentally convince yourself that this will just be a brand new project--not a redo. Sam |
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#5 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Rochester, KENT
Posts: 10,529
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Re: AAAARRRGGHH !!!! Lowering springs gained me 2.5" WHY????
Quote:
Thank you for the reply. It is all sorted out now. We spoke to Brothers on Saturday, and definitely have the correct kit. The markings are all for 2" drops. When we reassembled the front end, the springs were not seated correctly, so after sorting that out, it is only 10mm taller, which shows just how tired the original cut down springs and shocks were. Next up will be doing the rear, if we can get it all dismantled. I was just in the garage to WD40 all the nuts n bolts.
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MY BUILD LINK: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...585901]Redneck Express - 1966 C10 Short Fleetside MY USA ROADTRIPS http://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/...2018-humdinger IF YOU CAN'T FIX IT WITH A HAMMER, YOU'VE GOT AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM MATE. |
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#6 |
Who Me?
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Royal Palm Beach, FL
Posts: 4,067
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Re: AAAARRRGGHH !!!! Lowering springs gained me 2.5" WHY????
Do you have pics of both sets of springs?
Go to #8 of my Tahoe build and you can see my springs. I got exactly 2 inches lower. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=616763
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![]() 1997 Tahoe LT 4D 2WD (DD) 2001 Blazer 4D 2WD 1961 Apache 10 (sold) 1965 C10 Stepper (sold) |
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#7 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Rochester, KENT
Posts: 10,529
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Re: AAAARRRGGHH !!!! Lowering springs gained me 2.5" WHY????
Quote:
There is a big difference between my old and new. See comment above. It just seems so weird.
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MY BUILD LINK: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...585901]Redneck Express - 1966 C10 Short Fleetside MY USA ROADTRIPS http://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/...2018-humdinger IF YOU CAN'T FIX IT WITH A HAMMER, YOU'VE GOT AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM MATE. |
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Rochester, KENT
Posts: 10,529
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Re: AAAARRRGGHH !!!! Lowering springs gained me 2.5" WHY????
PS. Strongly contemplating cutting a coil from mine, and double checking the seating of the spring base in bottom cup.
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MY BUILD LINK: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...585901]Redneck Express - 1966 C10 Short Fleetside MY USA ROADTRIPS http://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/...2018-humdinger IF YOU CAN'T FIX IT WITH A HAMMER, YOU'VE GOT AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM MATE. |
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#9 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Maple Valley, WA
Posts: 1,913
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Re: AAAARRRGGHH !!!! Lowering springs gained me 2.5" WHY????
I do have one question for you, is your truck completely assembled or is any part of the front end off?
Let it settle for a week then remeasure.
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Custom Painter/Restoration Specialist 1965 GMC 3/4 Ton LB SOLD? 1964 Chevy El Camino in full restoration 1991 Chevy S10 288K+ miles 2nd Owner SOLD 2020 RAM 1500 Warlock |
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Tacoma Washington
Posts: 890
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Re: AAAARRRGGHH !!!! Lowering springs gained me 2.5" WHY????
Stock springs may have been that hammered. I replaced the coils in my 69 Chevelle with stock height and it looked like I lifted it. Any before pics?
Jeff
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I know a guy who's addicted to brake fluid. He says he can stop any time. 72 K10 396 75 Cj5 MPI 350 Chev 67 Chevelle 396, 4 speed 74 FXE 08 Tahoe |
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#11 |
Moderator
![]() Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: ON, Canada
Posts: 2,158
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Re: AAAARRRGGHH !!!! Lowering springs gained me 2.5" WHY????
Old springs were sagging. Truck was already "lowered" from stock height. New springs are lower than stock, but not lower than your saggy stock springs.
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#12 | |||
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Rochester, KENT
Posts: 10,529
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Re: AAAARRRGGHH !!!! Lowering springs gained me 2.5" WHY????
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Jay, this I believe is 100% correct. In retrospect, knowing no history of the truck and having nothing to compare to, it is probably exactly the way it all fits together.
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MY BUILD LINK: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...585901]Redneck Express - 1966 C10 Short Fleetside MY USA ROADTRIPS http://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/...2018-humdinger IF YOU CAN'T FIX IT WITH A HAMMER, YOU'VE GOT AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM MATE. |
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#13 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Hayes Va
Posts: 4,569
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Re: AAAARRRGGHH !!!! Lowering springs gained me 2.5" WHY????
You said they were seated good in the bottom but what about the top? That can make a big change in the height if not seated correctly.
Jimmy
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60 to 66 Chevy and GMC window decals http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=661131 Good friends, good food and a hotrod what else do you need? 1966 BBW long fleet Daily driver 1965 BBW short fleet Sold and going to a good home 1965 Suburban 2003 3500 Duramax 2005 Ultra Classic |
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#14 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Rochester, KENT
Posts: 10,529
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Re: AAAARRRGGHH !!!! Lowering springs gained me 2.5" WHY????
Quote:
Hey Jimmy, I think the top is quite flat so probably seated good. However, if we disassemble it again, I will check it again. I would expect the top to fit properly if the bottom fits into the notched recess.
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MY BUILD LINK: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...585901]Redneck Express - 1966 C10 Short Fleetside MY USA ROADTRIPS http://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/...2018-humdinger IF YOU CAN'T FIX IT WITH A HAMMER, YOU'VE GOT AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM MATE. |
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#15 |
...just another truck junkie..
![]() Join Date: May 2009
Location: Watertown, SD
Posts: 698
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Re: AAAARRRGGHH !!!! Lowering springs gained me 2.5" WHY????
Rian, here is my opinion.... Right now you have a worn spring on one side and a new spring on the other. The worn side is probably causing a tilt, which will affect the measurement on the side with the new spring. My opinion is to fit the other side and see how it sits overall, then decide on a course of action. I realize you are trying to avoid doing things twice, but I honestly don't think you are getting a proper reading with the tilt involved. Just my thoughts anyway.
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Mike "Bear" Shea |
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#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Solvang, Ca 93463
Posts: 323
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Re: AAAARRRGGHH !!!! Lowering springs gained me 2.5" WHY????
For sure the original springs are sagging bad. I got new lowered ones and sure enough my truck came up also..
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#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Union City, CA
Posts: 384
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Re: AAAARRRGGHH !!!! Lowering springs gained me 2.5" WHY????
PGSigns may be onto something. I know my upper spring won't sit in the pocket properly unless I manually guide it into place. I know I struggled a little trying to figure out why one side of my truck sat over an inch higher than the other, and it was that upper spring not seated. Just an idea...
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#18 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Camperdown Vic Australia
Posts: 230
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Re: AAAARRRGGHH !!!! Lowering springs gained me 2.5" WHY????
Be careful cutting lowered springs as you will lose the performance of the spring.
Also if spring becomes too short , when you jack up vehicle with wheels hanging there's a chance when you let the vehicle down again the spring may not seat correctly. |
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#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Rochester, KENT
Posts: 10,529
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Re: AAAARRRGGHH !!!! Lowering springs gained me 2.5" WHY????
Thank you for the replies guys.
I think the way forward, depending on the weather today, will be to refit the driver side, in case it did not seat correctly. And then passenger side. Then to leave it all to settle a it and do a drive up to the farm as well. We found my front brake hoses to be rotten/US yesterday, so they need replacing first.
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MY BUILD LINK: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...585901]Redneck Express - 1966 C10 Short Fleetside MY USA ROADTRIPS http://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/...2018-humdinger IF YOU CAN'T FIX IT WITH A HAMMER, YOU'VE GOT AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM MATE. |
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#20 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Hayes Va
Posts: 4,569
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Re: AAAARRRGGHH !!!! Lowering springs gained me 2.5" WHY????
The upper is not "quite flat" at all. There is an alignment spigot that hangs down about an inch that you have to get the spring slid up and around first before you clock the bottom to match the stamping in the lower control arm. It is very easy to get a spring setting on it rather than around it if you don't know it is there.
Jimmy
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60 to 66 Chevy and GMC window decals http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=661131 Good friends, good food and a hotrod what else do you need? 1966 BBW long fleet Daily driver 1965 BBW short fleet Sold and going to a good home 1965 Suburban 2003 3500 Duramax 2005 Ultra Classic |
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#21 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Rochester, KENT
Posts: 10,529
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Re: AAAARRRGGHH !!!! Lowering springs gained me 2.5" WHY????
Quote:
Fixed without chops...... Springs were not seated right. Now both fitted, seated right and only 10mm taller than before. I suspect originals were cut by at least a coil to give 2" drop, but sagged in the end..... Happy to leave it to settle now. Next job will be fresh brake pipes up front.
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MY BUILD LINK: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...585901]Redneck Express - 1966 C10 Short Fleetside MY USA ROADTRIPS http://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/...2018-humdinger IF YOU CAN'T FIX IT WITH A HAMMER, YOU'VE GOT AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM MATE. |
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#22 |
Who Me?
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Royal Palm Beach, FL
Posts: 4,067
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Re: AAAARRRGGHH !!!! Lowering springs gained me 2.5" WHY????
Nice job!! Got some after pics?
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![]() 1997 Tahoe LT 4D 2WD (DD) 2001 Blazer 4D 2WD 1961 Apache 10 (sold) 1965 C10 Stepper (sold) |
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#23 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Rochester, KENT
Posts: 10,529
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Re: AAAARRRGGHH !!!! Lowering springs gained me 2.5" WHY????
Hi there, I did not take any as I was racing to get out the house with my wife to spend dome time with her......
![]() However, if you look at the side on pics very early in the trucks build thread, you will see what it looks like, as it is now only 10mm taller. I would love my truck 5" lower for the looks but that ain't happening.
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MY BUILD LINK: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...585901]Redneck Express - 1966 C10 Short Fleetside MY USA ROADTRIPS http://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/...2018-humdinger IF YOU CAN'T FIX IT WITH A HAMMER, YOU'VE GOT AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM MATE. |
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#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Whiteman AFB, MO.
Posts: 200
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Re: AAAARRRGGHH !!!! Lowering springs gained me 2.5" WHY????
did you put them in upside down??????? hahahahaha.... sorry i couldnt resist...
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the Stealth Weapons 63 project, all comments, advice, and critiques welcome! http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=438235 |
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#25 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Rochester, KENT
Posts: 10,529
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Re: AAAARRRGGHH !!!! Lowering springs gained me 2.5" WHY????
Quote:
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MY BUILD LINK: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...585901]Redneck Express - 1966 C10 Short Fleetside MY USA ROADTRIPS http://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/...2018-humdinger IF YOU CAN'T FIX IT WITH A HAMMER, YOU'VE GOT AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM MATE. |
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