Front coil spring Question (to ut / or not to cut)

[ben88]

Hi All:

I will cut straight to the chase, I have a 68 Stepside and i converted the front end to the 73 and up front end using ^8 upper and lower control arms and 73 and up spindles as well as steering linkage. When finished with the conversions my truck was MAGICALLY lower in the front. I then fabbed a 68 GTO posi to fit the rear ($100 from a friend). While doing the rear end conversion I also installed 2 in drop springs.

My question is, Can I cut the coil in the front to lower the truck just enough to where its the same height in the front as it is in the back or perhaps lower. After finishing the rear it seems that the front is Approx 1'' higher. I also was able to get a New set of 275/60/15. I am proud of this because giving the fact that I am getting my degree in Mechanical Engineering it took a while to save up for the tires HAHAA.

I want to lower the front without having a tire clearance issue problem.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

[Elliot949]

Well as inexpensive as front springs are I would suggest that you just order the "drop" size you want... Cutting springs works to a degree but will never seat properly in the spring cup and can have a negative effect on drivability... ECE or CPP sell set for under 100.00 shipped...

Set of 2"

http://www.ebay.com/itm/60-72-CHEVRO...FVFdBK&vxp=mtr

And a set of 3"

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1963-72-Chev...1VeiyJ&vxp=mtr

[benw88]

If I Purchase the 2'' drop springs do you guys think my tires will hit my fenders? Also can i still use stock shocks with those springs ?

[benw88]

bump

[Elliot949]

Originally Posted by benw88

If I Purchase the 2'' drop springs do you guys think my tires will hit my fenders? Also can i still use stock shocks with those springs ?

A 275 is awful wide and it is a strong possibility... widest I personally seen is a 255/50...

[benw88]

The difference in the tire width would be sightly less then 1 in. so less than 1/2 in on each side.

What about the shocks?

[Elliot949]

Either cutting the spring or by in the 2"spring a good option is again either CPP or Early Classic Enterprises (ECE) short shocks...

[Average Joe]

Cut your existing coils. If you dont like the ride r/r with lowered ones. 1 full coil gives approx 3" drop and 1/2 a coil (in my exp.) will only give 1" drop. It will ride stiffer but so will a lowered spring.

[BigMike]

I've cut many springs on many different vehicles and found the trucks to be the easiest to do and still fit well. I had 2" coils (CPP) and wanted to go a little lower so I cut 1/2 coil out if them which gave me about an inch or so more drop for about a 5.5" total drop up front (with my 2.5" dropped spindles). I had no seating issues and rode the same as the 2" did, just a a little lower.

They are cheap to buy but if you lack the funds or just want a drop right now, cutting them in a good option. You can start with 1/2 coil, the 1, then 1 1/2, etc... until you get your desired height. Once you find a spot you like you can either just keep it that way or buy a new spring with the drop that equals the amount you cut out of the old spring.

Mine still rode pretty good except I bottomed out many times. I eventually went with bags.

[New_70'C10]

I have to agree with most others here and say start out with taking off a half coil to see how it sits and what type of clearance you have with your tires. I'm running 275/50/15 on a 10" rim and even though it's only made it around the block once or twice I don't recall any rubbing issues. The PO got a little carried away with the torch on mine and all four corners are pretty much collapsed but I must say I like the stance of it if I can only recreate it with the proper equipment.

Good luck...and stay in school.

Charles.

[WIDESIDE72]

I am running CPP 3" front. 4" rear drop springs on my 72 swb step (profile pic) with 275 60r15 all around. No rubbing at any time. The wheels on it now are wheel vintiques 15x8. I believe they are 4" backspace. I had the same tires on factory 15x8 truck rallys and the fit was exactly the same, just wanted the poverty cap look.

['68 Newtricks]

I'll add a question. When you cut, do you cut from the bottom or top of the spring? Seems the top winds a little tighter, so cutting the bottom and letting it seat properly in the LCR would be best, no?

[Boog]

Cut off the bottom of front spring only. And do not cut the rear springs.