Build front suspension before or after mounting the engine?

[KQQL IT]

The lower pivot U bolts are 200% easier with the engine out.
Never used a coil spring compressor ever.
Usually get a coil cut while theyre out anyways.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by KQQL IT

The lower pivot U bolts are 200% easier with the engine out.
Never used a coil spring compressor ever.
Usually get a coil cut while theyre out anyways.

Since you brought it up, question. I'm using 2.5" drop spindles (4" drop leaf spring @ rear) but the coil springs are stock height. Though they've already been powder coated I'm wondering if they should have been cut? Granted, they're probably easier to install if cut, but?

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

The lower shafts should be installed and torqued it's easy to align the shaft with the pin in the front saddle .The upper shaft just needs to be slid on the shafts to keep it from rotating while installing the arms .
Don't forget the u-bolt upgrade to the Dorman 13503 ,Just redrill the saddles to 9/16 . https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/b.../13503/4527001

I am using 9/16". Same with the U-bolts for the leaf springs. I believe the saddles are 9/16" anyway, it's their alignment with the cross member that can be off a pinch.

The U-bolts slid through 2 of 4 powder coated saddles. They're all snug, which seems to be right.......I'm no expert, perhaps some play is more desirable with vibrations and that. I used a fine rounded file on a hole each for the two, not much to it.

[Grumpy old man]

I'm doing the same thing ,I cut 1 coil off . just touch up the cut end with some decent paint .

[darrellyates]

I put one together with the entire truck apart. Use a coil spring compressor, and make sure everything is together correctly when you take the compression off the spring. This was several years ago. I put the suspension together before I sat the engine. I've seen guys use a jack and bolt the frame down with a chain to hold it, but you can compress the spring enough with a clamp that compresses down the center (you can rent one from the auto parts place likely).

Good Luck!!

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

I'm doing the same thing ,I cut 1 coil off . just touch up the cut end with some decent paint .

Here's what I don't get. Why cut the coil spring in the first place? Should you with 2.5" drop spindles?

Also, I'm not sure original coil springs were intended to cut. The bottom coil differs from those above it, so seems it wouldn't seat quite right. Here's a pic. with some info.

[Grumpy old man]

This should help explain it from a suspension supplier Global West Suspension . A LOT of guys are riding around with cut coils . Cutting your old coils will provide drop but also increase a firm ride = good thing . Buying new drop springs can leave you with the drop and less of a firm ride = bad thing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHPosx2oStU

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

This should help explain it from a suspension supplier Global West Suspension . A LOT of guys are riding around with cut coils . Cutting your old coils will provide drop but also increase a firm ride = good thing . Buying new drop springs can leave you with the drop and less of a firm ride = bad thing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHPosx2oStU

That's the 2nd link I put on the image. I can't wrap my head around the coil (pun) on the bottom per the original design, which would be lost on a cut coil. But yeah I believe you, apparently people cut them all the time. I'll watch his video again, see if I missed something.

I suppose a cut coil offers a firmer ride because the coil is stronger toward center. Must make up for compromising the factory platform

And how did you know I inquired on another set of springs?.....Shoot man, this is resource intense the first time out.

Here's another area I'm not clear, what a shock. I understand a 1" drop coil by itself drops the body 2". But back to the 2.5" drop spindles. Do you believe I need 1" drop coils to accomplish that 2.5"? I did ask the vendor, pending.......No doubt stock coils would be more difficult and dangerous, the spring would have to compress another inch.

[KQQL IT]

Always figured 1 coil equals 2 inches
2 coils 4 inches.
If your only going 4 in the rear I would not cut a coil with your current 2.5 spindle.
Or... clip a coil and go down 6 out back. 👀👀