DIY coil over conversion

[theastronaut]

I've done the math using a spring rate calculator for wire diameter, number of coils... 1 coil cut off stock 63-70 springs end up at basically the same rate as after market drop 2-3" springs. That'll give you a good base rate to start with. Ultimately you primarily want shock damping to be what controls body roll/suspension movement, not spring rate.


A trick I learned from autocrossing is to use tall tapered bump stops, they'll act as progressive rate springs. The ones I use are soft enough to still compress and absorb bumps and allow for body roll/compliance but they work to stiffen the suspension as it starts to roll. You get very good ride quality and compliance then after the first inch of free travel they engage and start increasing the spring rate. I use rear bump stops from a '99 New Beetle on the shock shaft and trim them for 1" of clearance at ride height, but they'll be too soft for a heavier truck.

I'd run square tires and wheels all around for better balance and the ability to rotate them, especially with a big block up front.