New Coil Springs height versus old? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

stevewhitmore · 01-11-2010, 07:02 PM

Help
Just got my new 2" drop rear coil springs but the height is exactly the same as the old ones (not installed), is this right?
The old ones do look as if the middle three coils have been compressed
Thanks for any guidance

**lolife99** · 01-11-2010, 07:09 PM

Very likely.
It happens all the time.
These drop springs are 2" shorter than a "brand new" stock height spring.
(not your sagging or possibly "heated" 40 year old springs)

That's why I always suggest looking at the "stance photos" on ECE's (www.earlyclassic.com) website.
These pics will show you what their drop spring products look like installed on a similar truck.

Can you send these back?

stevewhitmore · 01-11-2010, 08:06 PM

Here is a pic of what I am talking about
The front was not lowered and I was just trying level it out so I thought 2 inches drop would do the trick
Do you think the new ones might compress the 2 inches?

**lolife99** · 01-11-2010, 08:13 PM

I'm not sure.
A 2" lowering block would definitely bring it down 2".

Maye you could tape up the contact areas of the new springs and just let the weight of the truck down on them.
(no bolts)
Did you take any measurements of the rear height before you removed the stock springs?

stevewhitmore · 01-11-2010, 08:23 PM

I meant to take measurements but like a dummy I forgot to in my haste to get the old ones off. What is this I hear about heating the springs to lower them?
How do you do that?
I am on the east coast and got them from the west coast so the cost to return is probably to high cause they are pretty heavy.

heyjoe · 01-11-2010, 08:24 PM

Those old springs look like the heavy duty option I took off the back of my '67 C20.

stevewhitmore · 01-11-2010, 08:28 PM

The new ones don't seem to be as heavy and stout as the old ones although the round diameter is the same

**lolife99** · 01-11-2010, 08:29 PM

NEVER heat springs.

*Shane* · 01-11-2010, 08:57 PM

NEVER use lowering blocks larger than 1.5" inches with 15" wheels.

stevewhitmore · 01-11-2010, 09:07 PM

Interesting fact, but that is what I have - 15 inch wheels with 255 / 70 / 15 tires. I think I will put the springs on and hope for the best. I was just trying to level it out with the front, but I don't like the heating idea or the blocks.
Good thing I did take the old ones off though because the passenger side was completely broken at the top pigtail at the clamp

**special-K** · 01-11-2010, 09:11 PM

Have you installed these or are you judging them to be the same on a bench?Don`t heat the lowering spring.That will ruin them.Guys heat stock springs until they settle to desired height.They no longer function as designed.Lowering springs are designed to compress to desired height under stock height.

stevewhitmore · 01-11-2010, 09:12 PM

I actually got the 2 " idea from the LMC catalog cause it says the factory stance was 2 " higher in the rear

stevewhitmore · 01-11-2010, 09:16 PM

Special K
I am just going by what they look like on the bench, but hoping they might be the 2" drop when installed?

rsavage · 01-11-2010, 10:25 PM

Your original rear coils look like progressive rate type springs ( see the three closely stacked center coils). I would bet that the new springs will sit lower as they will compress further. Keep us posted.

big_al_71 · 01-11-2010, 11:21 PM

I agree that once the new springs go on they will be lower....

1968CHEVYC10 · 01-11-2010, 11:58 PM

they'll need to be broken in some once you get them in your truck, give 'em some time to settle.

**clay68c10** · 01-12-2010, 12:14 AM

Yup, slap the new ones in there and give it a couple of weeks to settle out.

stevewhitmore · 01-14-2010, 04:14 PM

Did some research on the old springs and found out that they are what is known as "variable rate" springs or progressive rate as someone else chimed in earlier.
So, the new ones are going on this weekend once I get the garage warmed up so wish me luck on a 2" drop

Thanks for all the idea's and help

tap500 · 01-15-2010, 01:35 AM

Heating springs is a big no no. Sure it is cheap but it destroys the springs. Springs are heat treated to harden them and provide the sping. This is a special process. Heating with a torch at home destroys the hardening and does not recreate the process. You did the right thing spending the $120 for drop springs.

stevewhitmore · 01-17-2010, 08:59 AM

Well, got the new springs on, now just sitting around drinking a cold one waiting for them to drop cause the 2" drop didn't happen, just wondering whether I got the right springs

stevewhitmore · 01-17-2010, 07:04 PM

Clay68C10
Most likely a dumb question but does it have to be driven to get the springs to settle?

big_al_71 · 01-17-2010, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevewhitmore

Clay68C10
Most likely a dumb question but does it have to be driven to get the springs to settle?

Yes!!!! I did drive my truck a bit before the suspension really settled.

degree01 · 02-01-2010, 07:45 PM

Maybe the old one's were already 2" drop springs and you were not aware of it, so when you purchased 2" lowering springs you got the same? Just a thought.

stevewhitmore · 02-01-2010, 09:00 PM

Not sure what is going on but I took it out on the roughest back road I could find and came back to the same height. It has been two weeks and no drop so I am not sure what my next move is but I needed new springs anyway because one of the old ones was broken.

01-11-2010, 07:02 PM	#1
stevewhitmore Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Harpers Ferry, W VA Posts: 144	New Coil Springs height versus old? Help Just got my new 2" drop rear coil springs but the height is exactly the same as the old ones (not installed), is this right? The old ones do look as if the middle three coils have been compressed Thanks for any guidance Last edited by stevewhitmore; 01-11-2010 at 07:02 PM.

01-11-2010, 07:09 PM	#2
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,699	Re: New Coil Springs height versus old? Very likely. It happens all the time. These drop springs are 2" shorter than a "brand new" stock height spring. (not your sagging or possibly "heated" 40 year old springs) That's why I always suggest looking at the "stance photos" on ECE's (www.earlyclassic.com) website. These pics will show you what their drop spring products look like installed on a similar truck. Can you send these back?

01-11-2010, 08:06 PM	#3
stevewhitmore Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Harpers Ferry, W VA Posts: 144	Re: New Coil Springs height versus old? Here is a pic of what I am talking about The front was not lowered and I was just trying level it out so I thought 2 inches drop would do the trick Do you think the new ones might compress the 2 inches? Attached Images

01-11-2010, 08:13 PM	#4
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,699	Re: New Coil Springs height versus old? I'm not sure. A 2" lowering block would definitely bring it down 2". Maye you could tape up the contact areas of the new springs and just let the weight of the truck down on them. (no bolts) Did you take any measurements of the rear height before you removed the stock springs?

01-11-2010, 08:23 PM	#5
stevewhitmore Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Harpers Ferry, W VA Posts: 144	Re: New Coil Springs height versus old? I meant to take measurements but like a dummy I forgot to in my haste to get the old ones off. What is this I hear about heating the springs to lower them? How do you do that? I am on the east coast and got them from the west coast so the cost to return is probably to high cause they are pretty heavy.

01-11-2010, 08:24 PM	#6
heyjoe Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: New Orleans area Posts: 198	Re: New Coil Springs height versus old? Those old springs look like the heavy duty option I took off the back of my '67 C20. __________________ '67 C20 small window Fleetside - 250 inline 6 - 3 on the tree - heavy duty clutch, brakes, rear springs - 17.5 wheels w/bias ply tires - AM radio - heater.

01-11-2010, 08:28 PM	#7
stevewhitmore Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Harpers Ferry, W VA Posts: 144	Re: New Coil Springs height versus old? The new ones don't seem to be as heavy and stout as the old ones although the round diameter is the same

01-11-2010, 08:29 PM	#8
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,699	Re: New Coil Springs height versus old? NEVER heat springs.

01-11-2010, 08:57 PM	#9
Shane Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: over yonder Posts: 14,270	Re: New Coil Springs height versus old? NEVER use lowering blocks larger than 1.5" inches with 15" wheels.

01-11-2010, 09:07 PM	#10
stevewhitmore Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Harpers Ferry, W VA Posts: 144	Re: New Coil Springs height versus old? Interesting fact, but that is what I have - 15 inch wheels with 255 / 70 / 15 tires. I think I will put the springs on and hope for the best. I was just trying to level it out with the front, but I don't like the heating idea or the blocks. Good thing I did take the old ones off though because the passenger side was completely broken at the top pigtail at the clamp

01-11-2010, 09:11 PM	#11
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,852	Re: New Coil Springs height versus old? Have you installed these or are you judging them to be the same on a bench?Don`t heat the lowering spring.That will ruin them.Guys heat stock springs until they settle to desired height.They no longer function as designed.Lowering springs are designed to compress to desired height under stock height. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

01-11-2010, 09:12 PM	#12
stevewhitmore Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Harpers Ferry, W VA Posts: 144	Re: New Coil Springs height versus old? I actually got the 2 " idea from the LMC catalog cause it says the factory stance was 2 " higher in the rear

01-11-2010, 09:16 PM	#13
stevewhitmore Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Harpers Ferry, W VA Posts: 144	Re: New Coil Springs height versus old? Special K I am just going by what they look like on the bench, but hoping they might be the 2" drop when installed?

01-11-2010, 10:25 PM	#14
rsavage Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Alden NY Posts: 2,705	Re: New Coil Springs height versus old? Your original rear coils look like progressive rate type springs ( see the three closely stacked center coils). I would bet that the new springs will sit lower as they will compress further. Keep us posted. __________________ 1961 C1 Corvette 1959 El Camino 350 TPI, 9" 4 w disc 69 Blazer K5 - sold July '20 2021 Durango RT 5.7

01-11-2010, 11:21 PM	#15
big_al_71 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 11,375	Re: New Coil Springs height versus old? I agree that once the new springs go on they will be lower.... __________________ Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please!!!!!. Sylvester's build thread >>>http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=big+rebuild



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01-11-2010, 11:58 PM	#16
1968CHEVYC10 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Tomball, TX Posts: 578	Re: New Coil Springs height versus old? they'll need to be broken in some once you get them in your truck, give 'em some time to settle. __________________ '68 C10 LWB 6.2NA/NP833 3.73's

01-12-2010, 12:14 AM	#17
clay68c10 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Centennial, CO Posts: 2,979	Re: New Coil Springs height versus old? Yup, slap the new ones in there and give it a couple of weeks to settle out. __________________ ClusterTruck: 68 C10 Bought in 89, wrecked in 03. Slow low $ rebuild started '17. 6.0 & TKO http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=788602 93 K1500 Short Step, 350, NV4500, EBL flash ECU. Vortec heads & roller cam someday... 05 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. 3” lift & 6-speed 02 E320 the insurance total “free car” 13 Tahoe LTZ

01-14-2010, 04:14 PM	#18
stevewhitmore Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Harpers Ferry, W VA Posts: 144	Re: New Coil Springs height versus old? Did some research on the old springs and found out that they are what is known as "variable rate" springs or progressive rate as someone else chimed in earlier. So, the new ones are going on this weekend once I get the garage warmed up so wish me luck on a 2" drop Thanks for all the idea's and help

01-15-2010, 01:35 AM	#19
tap500 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Farmington CT Posts: 41	Re: New Coil Springs height versus old? Heating springs is a big no no. Sure it is cheap but it destroys the springs. Springs are heat treated to harden them and provide the sping. This is a special process. Heating with a torch at home destroys the hardening and does not recreate the process. You did the right thing spending the $120 for drop springs.

01-17-2010, 08:59 AM	#20
stevewhitmore Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Harpers Ferry, W VA Posts: 144	Re: New Coil Springs height versus old? Well, got the new springs on, now just sitting around drinking a cold one waiting for them to drop cause the 2" drop didn't happen, just wondering whether I got the right springs

01-17-2010, 07:04 PM	#21
stevewhitmore Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Harpers Ferry, W VA Posts: 144	Re: New Coil Springs height versus old? Clay68C10 Most likely a dumb question but does it have to be driven to get the springs to settle?

02-01-2010, 07:45 PM	#23
degree01 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Garland texas Posts: 34	Re: New Coil Springs height versus old? Maybe the old one's were already 2" drop springs and you were not aware of it, so when you purchased 2" lowering springs you got the same? Just a thought.

02-01-2010, 09:00 PM	#24
stevewhitmore Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Harpers Ferry, W VA Posts: 144	Re: New Coil Springs height versus old? Not sure what is going on but I took it out on the roughest back road I could find and came back to the same height. It has been two weeks and no drop so I am not sure what my next move is but I needed new springs anyway because one of the old ones was broken.

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