old school drop question...?

[67 cst swb]

Approx how much drop do you get when cutting 1 full coil out of a stock v-8 non-air 2wd front coil?

[Tx Firefighter]

3 inches

[67 cst swb]

Oh boy, exactly (ooops approximately) what I wanted to hear... Thanks,... that's kinda what I remembered, but.... it was 1988 when I last did that.

[72freak]

It depends on the condition of the springs but between 2-3 inches has been my experience.

[meansting04]

for less than 125 bucks delivered you can get new drop springs that will take the guess work out of it. Just my .02 though. I just did drop springs and it was worth the money.

[72freak]

Originally Posted by meansting04

for less than 125 bucks delivered you can get new drop springs that will take the guess work out of it. Just my .02 though. I just did drop springs and it was worth the money.

Replacement springs are todays "correct" way to do it.....BUT...$125 is not always in the budget and 2-3-4-5 inch drop springs dont always give you 2-3-4-5 inches of drop from your starting stance due to sagging original springs. Every set of drop springs I have bought I either had to cut or TRY to send back to obtain the correct drop I was looking for!!! With that said...cutting your stock springs sounds like a fine idea.

[67 cst swb]

The speed shop I work at, we sell all the Belltech, ECE, AIM Industries drop companies. This truck I'm building is a budget build. I'm looking for somewhere about a 2" or 3" front drop. So, I'm going to just cut the stock coils in the truck. I have 2-1/2" drop spindles, but sometimes with spindles a 15" aftermarket rim will hit the lower control arm. So, I'll save them for my next build.
So, this truck will be a cut coil in the front and new ECE 5" rear drop coil.
So, Thanks everyone for your replies.

[72freak]

Originally Posted by 67 cst swb

The speed shop I work at, we sell all the Belltech, ECE, AIM Industries drop companies. This truck I'm building is a budget build. I'm looking for somewhere about a 2" or 3" front drop. So, I'm going to just cut the stock coils in the truck. I have 2-1/2" drop spindles, but sometimes with spindles a 15" aftermarket rim will hit the lower control arm. So, I'll save them for my next build.
So, this truck will be a cut coil in the rear and new ECE 5" rear drop coil.
So, Thanks everyone for your replies.

Here is a 66 with 5" rear and one coil cut front

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by 67 cst swb

The speed shop I work at, we sell all the Belltech, ECE, AIM Industries drop companies. This truck I'm building is a budget build. I'm looking for somewhere about a 2" or 3" front drop. So, I'm going to just cut the stock coils in the truck. I have 2-1/2" drop spindles, but sometimes with spindles a 15" aftermarket rim will hit the lower control arm. So, I'll save them for my next build.
So, this truck will be a cut coil in the rear and new ECE 5" rear drop coil.
So, Thanks everyone for your replies.

Originally Posted by meansting04

for less than 125 bucks delivered you can get new drop springs that will take the guess work out of it. Just my .02 though. I just did drop springs and it was worth the money.

They take the guess work out of it only if their measurements for drop are based on your current ride height. The common problem is most drop springs have the amount of 'drop' calculated vs. the original ride height. The amount of spring sag will vary per truck over 35yrs of use.

I always cut a coil first off of the installed OE springs to see how it goes & would agree that you typically net 2-3" of drop. It's free & you can see if it's what you want. With only one coil cut, I've yet to have a truck that still didn't ride decent (I would not cut more than one coil).


Bryan, what size front wheel are we talking about? I run van ralleys (15x6.5") w/3" B.Tech spindles on my 74 & it only required minimal trimming of the lower a-arm lip. I used the same wheels on my 68 w/2.5" Western Chassis spindles & did not have to clearance the a-arms @ all.

[67 cst swb]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Bryan, what size front wheel are we talking about? I run van ralleys (15x6.5") w/3" B.Tech spindles on my 74 & it only required minimal trimming of the lower a-arm lip. I used the same wheels on my 68 w/2.5" Western Chassis spindles & did not have to clearance the a-arms @ all.

I'm not saying they DO rub or WILL rub...I'm just thinking exactly what you said, I can get there for free and keep my Spindles for my NEXT BUILD.....
Scoti, now that you've spoken, I free much better. I do concider you an authority on suspensions...Thanks.
Rim & Tire info
Rims...Halibrand style replicas, Up front 15 x 7's (4" b.s.) & Rear 15 x 8's (3-3/4" b.s.) (Below is pictures)
Tires... Falken STZ/04's - Front 235/75-15 & Rear 265/70-15
The frame pic below is 5" rear coils bolted loosely in, no front springs (sitting in stopper brackets, no stoppers)
Motor&trans are temp only... using a 283 w/ that trans, just need to clean and paint and install...

Front Wheel 15" x 7"


Rear Wheel 15" x 8"


Mounted up...

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by 67 cst swb

I'm not saying they DO rub or WILL rub...I'm just thinking exactly what you said, I can get there for free and keep my Spindles for my NEXT BUILD.....
Scoti, now that you've spoken, I free much better. I do concider you an authority on suspensions...Thanks.
Rim & Tire info
Rims...Halibrand style replicas, Up front 15 x 7's (4" b.s.) & Rear 15 x 8's (3-3/4" b.s.)

I like the wheel choice. Who is the manufacturer?

If your builds are anything like mine have been..... use the spindles now (before they become obsolete ).

[67 cst swb]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

I like the wheel choice. Who is the manufacturer?

I think (If my memory is correct) it's a compamy called Majestic (China made) I bought a set of 4 15 x 8's from a local tire shop, then ordered 2 15 x 7's on ebay from the same supplier. Only come in limited sizes and a set B.Spacing. I will look to find you a link...
Bryan

EDIT...
I bought from this guy..
http://motors.shop.ebay.com/merchant/danieltire

this is not the guy I bought from, but...
http://stores.shop.ebay.com/JD-Wheel...__W0QQ_armrsZ1