New drop springs too high

[C10-Driver]

I know this question has been asked before and, before you flame me, I searched and read through numerous threads but didn't quite get the answer I was looking for.

I have a 1968 LWB with a small block V8 and 3 speed automatic. This past weekend, I installed new 3" drop coils in the front and 5" drop coils, shock relocators and a super track bar kit in the rear (CPP). The rear drop looks perfect but the front end is sitting too high (like an inch or more). I know the issues with old springs and settling but these are new springs all around and, with a 3" front and 5" rear, it should sit pretty level. The springs are seated properly and I have driven the truck over speed bumps to make sure. Can someone help me... What is the settle in time and how much do you think they might settle?

[chevy_mike]

My guess is you got the wrong springs in the front. Yes, old springs will be sagged from being 40 years old but I haven't seen any that sagged 3"+ before, unless someone cut off coils. With as many issues I have read about CPP, it would not surprise me if you got the wrong ones.

At least that's my guess. Pics could help.

[C10-Driver]

Thanks for the reply... I hadn't heard about problems with CPP. I did wonder if I got a set of 2" springs by mistake so I checked the box they came in and it does say they are 3". I suppose that doesn't necessarily mean anything. I got the springs through a Canadian distributor so I probably completely out of luck. Will try to post some pics later.

[Cyclone]

Off topic a bit, but if you remove those springs, I'd like to know their free height measurement. I have some "supposed" 3" un-boxed new drop springs I'd like to compare them to before teardown. Thx

[C10-Driver]

Originally Posted by Cyclone

Off topic a bit, but if you remove those springs, I'd like to know their free height measurement. I have some "supposed" 3" un-boxed new drop springs I'd like to compare them to before teardown. Thx

I can do that... I am going to check the spring tonight to see if they are marked with a number. I spoke to my Canadian distributor and he is going to send me out a "proper" set... Now that's customer service. I will take some measurements of both when I have them out.

[Cyclone]

That would be great! Thx

[nuke1]

C-10, if you need a measurement on a set of 2" drop springs i have a set of uninstalled ones in the garage, i would be glad to measure them for you.

[C10-Driver]

Thanks nuke1... I'll let you know. I am going to see if I can find a number on them first. That measurement would have come in handy before they were in the truck... Never even thought to check them - I guess I know better now.

[Cyclone]

Mini hijack.... Nuke1, what do those 2" springs measure?

[nuke1]

they are 11 9/16" from end to end. and i could not find any numbers on them. sorry

[Cyclone]

Thx, heading to the shed to put the tape to mine.
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Update: These that I have, supposedly 3" drop, are 10 1/2" end to end.

[C10-Driver]

Thanks Nuke and Cyclone... This is very interesting. After reading your measurements and based on what I remember the day I took them out of the box, I thought the springs I received were probably closer to the 12" range. I just went out to the shop and measured the box they came in... It is 12" x 13" and the springs fit in the box fairly snug from end to end so I'm almost positive now that I got the wrong ones. I am going to call my distributor tomorrow and have hime ship out a new set and I will compare and measure them once I get the other ones out to confirm they are incorrect.

This might make for a useful FAQ. Providing pre-installed measurements of new drop coils so that they can be checked before installation could save some people a lot of headaches with return policies. Once a spring has been installed, it is almost impossible to return. I am lucky to have a distributor with and excellent customer service record that I do a lot of business with.