front (lowering) springs (big block)

[J_Lanttola]

hi!

First i have to say i'm finnish so my english isn't very good, but please try to understand

I have a -74 fleetside, originally 350cid, now with a 454cid big block.
The previous owner planned to use airbags in the front, but never got it done propelry. i decided to use standard coil springs, because the truck needs so much work even without the airbags, and to lose weight also. but they were cut way too short and now it has about 1 inch of ground clearance.

Question is, how much different are the big block springs, compared to the small block? I suppose the big block springs are a bit stiffer but in the other hand, the standard wront end is removed, and pretty much evereything made of fibreglass, and the battery and fuel tank is located at the back corners of the bed, so maybe the small block springs would be more suitable after all? The main thing is to get it low.

Any ideas where to get lowering springs? if you could recommend any places where to get them, i would be very grateful. A friend of mine imports american cars to finland and i think it could be posiible to arrange the shipping with him, maybe.

if you didn't understand something, don't hesetate to ask, i'll try to translate

[BIG10]

Actually, your English, grammar and punctuation is much better than many Americans I know. You should give yourself more credit. It looks like you have a nice project there. I'm not an expert, but I think the small block half-ton springs would work fine for what you need. I'm sure someone with more knowledge will chime in soon. Welcome to the board.

[STOCKISH]

Welcome to the forum. Small block springs will work fine. Especially with the fiberglass front clip. I have swapped more than 1 big block into a truck and left the small block springs with no issues. You can order springs from Early Classic Enterprises. They sell springs for small and big block. I would not deal with anyone else if at all possible. Their parts and service is top notch. Good luck with your truck. Looks nice.

[smashingchuck]

Your English is great.

I think the small block springs will be fine. Does your truck have a chopped top? It sure looks like it.

[N2TRUX]

Welcome to the forum J_Lanttola. Post more pics please...

[J_Lanttola]

Thanks, glad to hear that

Ok, i think i'll get stock small block springs at first, and cut them a little less than those that i have now. how much can you cut them without coming loose when the front end is extended? If that doesn't work, i'll order new lowering sprigs.

Yes, the top is chopped about 3inches. It also has a boxed and reinforced frame, a 454 big block with a stroke kit, about 485 cid, and about 600hp, i hope.
The paint job looks awful at the moment, because i painted it in a bit of a hurry, temporarily to get through winter without rusting. i'll paint it better when (if) i get it running and ispected.
the truck will be the same orange color, with black details.

Thanks for the great forum, i love it. in finland we don't have these trucks very much, and the BBC:s in generally are very rare (because of the fuel prices), so it is nice to find a place like this where i can get help with my truck.
I have built cars before, but this is my fist american one, so its all new to me.

[STOCKISH]

If you need any help dont be afraid to ask.

[J_Lanttola]

thanks, i'll keep that in mind.

there isn't much to see, but here's some pics:

[spaseghost]

J_Lanttola - you have very proper english, good job! please keep us posted on how somebody of another country builds these trucks. so far everything looks pretty awesome. and by the way, how did you get this truck?

[Twitchin R&C]

welcome to the board. your english is good enough for me and your truck is sweet. is this going to be a street truck or just for racing? and do you have anymore pics of the big block? thanks

[smashingchuck]

That "lump" sounds awesome, and those headers look great!

Are you aware that you've got the incorrect bumper on the front?

[2tons of fun]

Originally Posted by J_Lanttola

Thanks, glad to hear that

. how much can you cut them without coming loose when the front end is extended? If that doesn't work.

you can cut at least 2 coils off and they will stay put.

you can always fab a small retaining tab at the top and bottom to hold them in....

[J_Lanttola]

Originally Posted by spaseghost

J_Lanttola - you have very proper english, good job! please keep us posted on how somebody of another country builds these trucks. so far everything looks pretty awesome. and by the way, how did you get this truck?

Thanks! wasn't sure how my english sounds for someone who has used it their entire life, because it's allways different for them.

I bought the truck from a guy that had been building it for a while, but never got it finished.
more pictures coming soon.

[J_Lanttola]

Originally Posted by Twitchin R&C

welcome to the board. your english is good enough for me and your truck is sweet. is this going to be a street truck or just for racing? and do you have anymore pics of the big block? thanks

A bit of both. Just for fun, not for serious competition.
And cruising of course, maybe i'll even drive it to work some days, just to wake up the neigbours at 5.20 in the morning

The downside is that fuel costs about 1,40e/liter (about 8 dollars a gallon, if i calculated it right.

[J_Lanttola]

Originally Posted by smashingchuck

That "lump" sounds awesome, and those headers look great!

Are you aware that you've got the incorrect bumper on the front?

Didn't know, don't care
The bumper is fiberglass too, and a bit hard to remove at this point. But good to know. It's all new to me, i don't know anything about these, but i will learn..

[J_Lanttola]

A Nice surprise:



I found out that the previous owner had replaced the spindles with belltech 3" lowering ones

So i think i'll go with the stock small block springs, and cut the a coil or two. It should get me about 4" lowering, right?

Interior:



Dashboard:

[Damien]

Your English is a lot better then most most peoples'. The truck is a nice project. The three racing seats a pretty unique. When you cut a coil spring you increase the spring rate, so small block coils with one coil cut off will be stiffer then a stock coil spring. Will it be noticeable, I personally haven't done it, but a lot of guys do.
Here is a link that gives the formula for calculating the spring constant.
http://www.engineersedge.com/spring_tension_calc_k.htm

[J_Lanttola]

Thanks, i'm glad to hear that.

Yes, i'm aware of that, it's not the first time i'm cutting coil springs
But i have noticed that most people don't realise that, so it's good you mention that.

in this case i think the only option is to just test and change it if it doesn't feel good.

How about diesel springs, how stiff are they compared to bb/sb? just wondering because i found a pair of those, brand new.

And thanks again everyone for the great answers.