Custom coil spring hold downs?

[gofastnut]

Hi guys and gals!
I've looked, but can't seem to find the info I want. Here's what I want to do: Cut the front and rear coils. But since the rear are a beehive design, do I have to make a custom hold down. I was thinking about using a piece of mild steel to make into a strap to use as a hold down on the bottom, and leaving the top alone.
I know you have ideas, please share em.
Thanks

[bk2life]

why but them? get spindles or ge the right springs.

[TopFuel1966]

I think I would just buy a pair before I went through all that hassle. They're fairly inexpensive.

[gofastnut]

You're both right. I'm not ready to do any real suspension upgrades, just want to lower it down a little for something different, and am on an extremely tight budget. My labor's free, I've got no $ for springs, and will probably change it when I really do go through and upgrade.

[jonfletch01]

If you just want a slight change and wanting to stay cheap, you could always just block the back 2 inches..

[gofastnut]

Originally Posted by jonfletch01

If you just want a slight change and wanting to stay cheap, you could always just block the back 2 inches..

Well, that would definitely work, hadn't thought about it. Gold star for you!
Now, about the front....I think I can compress the coils enough to pull them out without pulling anything, I'm afraid if I take anything apart, It'll be in such bad shape, I won't be able to put it back together as is. Ignorance is bliss.

[tincan1966]

You cannot remove the front springs without seperating at least one balljoint. But good luck!

[jonfletch01]

If your going to replace them in the long run.. just heat the front ones...

[gofastnut]

Originally Posted by tincan1966

You cannot remove the front springs without seperating at least one balljoint. But good luck!

Thanks, tincan, for busting my bubble. I will not do what another guy did; just get in there with a sawzall and cut a coil or two while it's still under pressure, sheesh!
I do have a couple ideas about compressing the spring, so we'll see. I'll keep ya posted.

[63 & 64 Bowties]

There have been several discussions here about cut coils. On my 63 I cut about 1.75 rounds off the front, and used 70's Chevelle springs in the rear.
There's a couple members here who cut the rear coils, but personally I wouldn't do it. They're pigtailed on both ends, and while you're probably not planning on doing any Bo Duke jumps with your truck, any unplanned ramp could cause you serious problems. You could always go to a 4x4 shop that lifts Jeep Cherokees and probably get Jeep springs for free. They work great also. Do a search on the forum for "Jeep springs."

[gofastnut]

Bowties, I was going to make a hold down out of some flat stock, making a "hump" for the spring itself. Jeep springs are not a bad idea.
Oh, and I looked at lunch, the middle 3 coils are already touching, the springs have sagged so bad!
Oh, maybe I'll just pull out the regular springs and just use my overload/helpers for now. I only occasionally drive it, and the shocks would keep the rear end from going away....
No, I'm not an Okie, but I did stay at Redneck Inn!