Lowering front with new springs problem

[redhot67]

Here’s the problem: I planned to drop my truck 2” in the front and 4” in the rear using new springs (I’ve got drum brakes). I ordered the springs from CPP. The 4” drop in the rear was just what I wanted, but the front was another story.

Before I installed them, I laid the 2” drop front springs next to the old springs and they were about 1½” shorter, which seemed about right. But after I put them on, I got no change in height.

Since then, I’ve had the springs back off 3 times to see if there was something wrong with the way I installed them but haven’t found anything. Has anybody had a problem like this? Three pictures are attached - before, rear only lowered, and both front and rear.

Thanks!

[ratrod67]

Were the front springs the originals? If so, I bet they were weak and sagged.

[novajess1972]

Originally Posted by ratrod67

Were the front springs the originals? If so, I bet they were weak and sagged.

Yes, this is more than likely the problem. The front sees so much more action and weight transfer, due to braking and motor than the rear, unless you or the previous owners did lots of hauling. Old, decompressed weak springs may look the same as newer ones when out of the truck and laid side by side, but the older, weaker ones will no longer stand up to weight as the new ones will installed.

Also, you have to consider that 67-72 1/2 ton C10s typically came from the factory with a 2inch difference in height between the front and rear. Now that you have new springs all around, the truck should be sitting even...as it looks like in the pics.

Hope this helps...
J

[70c10]

redhot67- Nice truck!. I agree with the others about the old sagging springs. These new springs will probably settle down a little with time.

[redhot67]

Originally Posted by ratrod67

Were the front springs the originals? If so, I bet they were weak and sagged.

I can't say for sure, but they may be. However, from looking at the truck, they seem to sit pretty high (both before and after). I'm thinking I'll drive it for a while, and if they don't drop any, try cutting a coil off the old springs. I'm not looking for a big drop, just enough to have a slight rake.

[novajess1972]

Originally Posted by redhot67

I can't say for sure, but they may be. However, from looking at the truck, they seem to sit pretty high (both before and after). I'm thinking I'll drive it for a while, and if they don't drop any, try cutting a coil off the old springs. I'm not looking for a big drop, just enough to have a slight rake.

Also, when installing, be sure that that end of the bottom coil is situated toward the outermost side of the truck...away from the motor. Then drive it a while and go over some bumps to get it to settle in properly. I had to do that with my truck, my 71 Nova, and my 67 El Camino.

[Shock_Me]

I think you should get a fairly "even" stance with a 2/4 drop. Your's however is obviously not even.
Is it possible that CPP sent you a set of "big-block" front springs? Those would be a bit stiffer than small block springs to handle the extra weight.
Just a thought.

Pete

[70c10]

Originally Posted by redhot67

I'm thinking I'll drive it for a while, and if they don't drop any, try cutting a coil off the old springs. I'm not looking for a big drop, just enough to have a slight rake.

See my post here about cutting front coils:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=215925

My truck has three quarters of an inch rake.

[redhot67]

Originally Posted by Shock_Me

I think you should get a fairly "even" stance with a 2/4 drop. Your's however is obviously not even.
Is it possible that CPP sent you a set of "big-block" front springs? Those would be a bit stiffer than small block springs to handle the extra weight.
Just a thought.

Pete

I thought the springs might be wrong, but CPP has been no help at all. Their position is that, once the springs are on the truck, they're mine. They'll be glad to sell a set of 3" drop springs, but no credit for the ones I have, etc. Think I'll find another source next time.

[Shock_Me]

Redhot67, that's some kind of customer service..maybe cutting the springs would be your best option after all.
I checked Early Classic's web site, and they do sell two different springs for small and big block trucks.
Nice truck by the way..anymore pics?

Pete

[Robznob11]

i was told that all lowering springs had to be broke in that over time they settel down to there advertized hight. I did not buy my front springs though they are 3in drop springs off of a 2002 ford f150 they dropped my truck about 2inches and then setteled down another inch with the bb who would hav thought....

[uncle]

Just from experience, use Early Classic next time.

[redhot67]

Originally Posted by Robznob11

i was told that all lowering springs had to be broke in that over time they settel down to there advertized hight. I did not buy my front springs though they are 3in drop springs off of a 2002 ford f150 they dropped my truck about 2inches and then setteled down another inch with the bb who would hav thought....

I wouldn't have thought it either, but I'm going to drive it a while and see what happens before I do anything else.

Pete -More photos when I get them off the camera - maybe tomorrow.

uncle - Thanks for the tip. Wish I had gone there in the first place. Live and learn.

[PICKMUP]

...and of course NO company is going to take springs back after they have been installed or scuffed up. They can't sell them again when used.
We do the front first and then make the rear match it. We cover the rear springs with towels to protect them for the mock up fit, so they don't get any marks on them...and don't roll them around on the concrete floor! When they are spotless and in the clean original boxes, we can take them back and make changes/adjustments.
Were your original springs light duty or six cylinder?

[redhot67]

Originally Posted by PICKMUP

...and of course NO company is going to take springs back after they have been installed or scuffed up. They can't sell them again when used.
We do the front first and then make the rear match it. We cover the rear springs with towels to protect them for the mock up fit, so they don't get any marks on them...and don't roll them around on the concrete floor! When they are spotless and in the clean original boxes, we can take them back and make changes/adjustments.
Were your original springs light duty or six cylinder?

Don't know for sure - how do you tell? It was originally a small-block V8 w/standard shift.

[68Stepbed]

I bought a set of 1" springs from CPP a few years ago. Instead of lowering it an inch, i think it raised it an inch. They do have thicker coils so they will have a more accurate drop with a BB. I wasn't very satisfied with CPP's quality and customer service either. I wanted to buy from ECE at the time, but they're catalogs were backordered and I neede springs soon, and didn't have internet access either.

I kept the 1" springs I had and used ECE drop spindles and 4" rear drop springs for my truck now that I'm rebuilding it. I'm hoping for a 3/4 drop with a little bit of rake. My sig has pics of my truck with CPP's 1" front and 2" rear drop springs.