coil springs not sitting flush - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

*vegaschevy* · 01-28-2010, 11:10 PM

I have a problem with my springs. The lower control arm has the end where your suppose to align the end of the spring with. If I do that the top is about 90 degrees off from sitting flush as they are kind oval.

I can turn the spring counterclockwise which does not put the bottom on top of the lip as it is going the opposite direction. Is this OK to do? What are everyones thoughts on this? It will let the top sit flush and the bottom is still flush it is ust not at the end where the indentation stops

**yote1234** · 01-28-2010, 11:12 PM

im installing mine tomorrow. will give you update then..

northern 85 · 01-29-2010, 06:41 AM

Have the springs been cut?

BluTrukker · 01-29-2010, 09:27 AM

Not sure if it matters, but is there a right and left side, could they be mixed up?

cdowns · 01-29-2010, 10:36 AM

r they the right springs? if new and they dont fit return them

*vegaschevy* · 01-29-2010, 10:41 AM

They are ECE 2" drop springs. If I turn the top to fit properly in the top so it fits the oval portion the bottom is 2" counter clockwise from being at the end of the control arm indention.

both springs appear to be identical. I can switch out the springs and both are ending in the same spot when fitted on top.

he coil would round on the inside of the control arm a bit more which would keep the truck a tad higher but turning it counterclockwise would end the coil on the bottom facing the passenger side which I think would drop it down a bit.

i think it would work. I was just wondering if anyone has ran into this or if this is the way it should be. The coil will stay in and not pop out. Until I get to the otherside I wont know if both sides are consistent on how they fit.

*Fitz* · 01-29-2010, 10:51 AM

I have ECE 2" drop springs on my 67 and they line up perfectly. Call their tech line. ECE is a top notch outfit and they stand behind their stuff.

*vegaschevy* · 01-29-2010, 12:26 PM

Here is a few pics,

THe stock spring compared to the ECE spring. When I align the tops you can see the only issue will be on the bottom control arm when installed. I do not see where this would be to big of a problem if at all as you still have a good contact area on the control arm. It just does not go as far as the stock spring.
I think this will allow the truck to sit a hair lower in the front as the coil ending is on the inside of the control arm which is where most pressure is for holding the truck up. Both springs are identical compared to stock.

hayhauler71 · 01-29-2010, 05:50 PM

x2 on calling tech support and send them the pics you showed us.

rodstored-72 · 01-29-2010, 06:21 PM

vagaschevy,
i had (have) the same problem on my '72. i installed 2" lowering springs & one spring does not "sit" right. the front view of the truck looks slightly higher on that side.

i am told that the end of the spring is "sitting" on the sleeve pocket the it is supposed to slip into. unfortunatly i can't fix it unless i take apart the front end. i wonder if you could cut off a small leg of the spring to "make" it fit.

i don't think that would hurt the ride quality...?? anyways i will be watching this to see how it pans out.

good luck!!

*vegaschevy* · 01-29-2010, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rodstored-72

vagaschevy,
i had (have) the same problem on my '72. i installed 2" lowering springs & one spring does not "sit" right. the front view of the truck looks slightly higher on that side.

i am told that the end of the spring is "sitting" on the sleeve pocket the it is supposed to slip into. unfortunatly i can't fix it unless i take apart the front end. i wonder if you could cut off a small leg of the spring to "make" it fit.

i don't think that would hurt the ride quality...?? anyways i will be watching this to see how it pans out.

good luck!!

My springs are shorter, they fit in the pocket plus an extra inch to spare. if it was on the pocket I would trim a piece off... But mine is a bit to short as you can see from the bottom pic.

I just do not think that it would be a problem this way. but what do I know? LOL

70c10 · 01-29-2010, 07:47 PM

They are probably fine. Now go out and slowly hit a few speed bumps in a shopping center to seat them. You will probably hear a "bang". Measure before and after doing this.

Kayotic · 01-30-2010, 12:48 AM

I agree with 70c10 above...

I would install with the top of the spring lined up as should be and drive a couple miles, allowing them to settle.

Becker67 · 01-30-2010, 01:05 AM

I had the same problem with my springs as well. I bought mine from cpp. I went and bought a set from ece and they fit perfect.

72BlckButy · 01-30-2010, 01:12 AM

vegaschevy...

Are you sure they are 2" drop springs?

Not that it happens a lot but there's always the chance to receive different springs than what you actually ordered. I would give Stan/Mark a call and tell them the issues you are experiencing.

*vegaschevy* · 01-30-2010, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72BlckButy

vegaschevy...

Are you sure they are 2" drop springs?

Not that it happens a lot but there's always the chance to receive different springs than what you actually ordered. I would give Stan/Mark a call and tell them the issues you are experiencing.

I am not 100% sure they are 2" drop springs, I can only assume. They seem about 1.5" shorter then the stockers.

chevy_mike · 01-30-2010, 12:56 PM

Remember, dropped springs are rated based on new stock height ones. Your almost 40 year old ones have sagged. That is why so many people get disappointed when they buy xx" drop springs and their truck ends up slightly lower or some cases even higher. Their original springs has sagged so much, they were like dropped springs. That's why ECE put pics up showing what trucks would look like with which drop.

Also different spring rates will play into things. A 500 lb/in spring the exact lenght as a 600 lb/in spring will sit lower because it only takes 500 lbs to drop an inch.

I would have called ECE yesterday while they were open. Don't know if anyone answers the phone on the weekends. Good luck.

72BlckButy · 01-30-2010, 01:13 PM

Mike they are in on Saturdays... had to make that call on more than one occassion.

vegaschevy... did you measure the height of the truck prior to installing the drop?

**lolife99** · 01-30-2010, 02:38 PM

Align the top of the spring.
Don't worry about the bottom.

In post #1,... you need to rotate the spring clockwise.

All springs are the same,... no left and rights.

I would drive it.
If you don't like the height,... start trimming them until they set like you want them to.
The only other option is another set of drop springs.

cobrajet21 · 01-31-2010, 07:31 PM

I bought both small block and big block springs from ece and both sets had this problem, if it is one. I figure I'll wait till I have some weight on them and then see what the deal is.

72Cheyenne454 · 04-05-2010, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vegaschevy

I am not 100% sure they are 2" drop springs, I can only assume. They seem about 1.5" shorter then the stockers.

Did you make any changes to correct the issue you described? I just installed a set of 2" drop BB ECE springs over the weekend and have the same issue as you describe.

I lined up the upper portion of the spring correctly in the pocket and the bottom end of the spring is about 1.5" short of sitting in the lower control arm pocket correctly. I planned on just running them as is.

Let me know what you did.

Thanks.

67chevemall · 04-06-2010, 03:27 PM

Return them and just cut your coils.....

my $0.02

*vegaschevy* · 04-07-2010, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72Cheyenne454

Did you make any changes to correct the issue you described? I just installed a set of 2" drop BB ECE springs over the weekend and have the same issue as you describe.

I lined up the upper portion of the spring correctly in the pocket and the bottom end of the spring is about 1.5" short of sitting in the lower control arm pocket correctly. I planned on just running them as is.

Let me know what you did.

Thanks.

left them as is, no problems at all!

BluTrukker · 04-07-2010, 09:19 AM

So did they finally settle in to the pocket?

*vegaschevy* · 04-07-2010, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BluTrukker

So did they finally settle in to the pocket?

no, never will

01-28-2010, 11:12 PM	#2
yote1234 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Gold Canyon Arizona Posts: 4,406	Re: coil springs not sitting flush im installing mine tomorrow. will give you update then.. __________________ 1971 K5 CST Blazer 1965 Chevelle Malibu 283 (sadly sold) 1968 Camaro 327 1968 Honda mini-trail z50a #377 1966 uh 1-D Huey

01-29-2010, 06:41 AM	#3
northern 85 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Fairfield Maine Posts: 1,759	Re: coil springs not sitting flush Have the springs been cut?

01-29-2010, 09:27 AM	#4
BluTrukker BOHICA Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Stewartville, MN Posts: 440	Re: coil springs not sitting flush Not sure if it matters, but is there a right and left side, could they be mixed up? __________________ Trying to save someone from their own stupidity is like teaching a pig to dance. It is a waste of your time, and it annoys the pig!

01-29-2010, 10:36 AM	#5
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: coil springs not sitting flush r they the right springs? if new and they dont fit return them __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

01-29-2010, 10:41 AM	#6
vegaschevy Account Suspended Join Date: May 2009 Location: las vegas nv Posts: 1,493	Re: coil springs not sitting flush They are ECE 2" drop springs. If I turn the top to fit properly in the top so it fits the oval portion the bottom is 2" counter clockwise from being at the end of the control arm indention. both springs appear to be identical. I can switch out the springs and both are ending in the same spot when fitted on top. he coil would round on the inside of the control arm a bit more which would keep the truck a tad higher but turning it counterclockwise would end the coil on the bottom facing the passenger side which I think would drop it down a bit. i think it would work. I was just wondering if anyone has ran into this or if this is the way it should be. The coil will stay in and not pop out. Until I get to the otherside I wont know if both sides are consistent on how they fit.

01-28-2010, 11:10 PM	#1
vegaschevy Account Suspended Join Date: May 2009 Location: las vegas nv Posts: 1,493	coil springs not sitting flush I have a problem with my springs. The lower control arm has the end where your suppose to align the end of the spring with. If I do that the top is about 90 degrees off from sitting flush as they are kind oval. I can turn the spring counterclockwise which does not put the bottom on top of the lip as it is going the opposite direction. Is this OK to do? What are everyones thoughts on this? It will let the top sit flush and the bottom is still flush it is ust not at the end where the indentation stops

01-29-2010, 10:51 AM	#7
Fitz Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Tucson Posts: 2,183	Re: coil springs not sitting flush I have ECE 2" drop springs on my 67 and they line up perfectly. Call their tech line. ECE is a top notch outfit and they stand behind their stuff.

01-29-2010, 12:26 PM	#8
vegaschevy Account Suspended Join Date: May 2009 Location: las vegas nv Posts: 1,493	Re: coil springs not sitting flush Here is a few pics, THe stock spring compared to the ECE spring. When I align the tops you can see the only issue will be on the bottom control arm when installed. I do not see where this would be to big of a problem if at all as you still have a good contact area on the control arm. It just does not go as far as the stock spring. I think this will allow the truck to sit a hair lower in the front as the coil ending is on the inside of the control arm which is where most pressure is for holding the truck up. Both springs are identical compared to stock.

01-29-2010, 05:50 PM	#9
hayhauler71 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: St. Paul MN. Posts: 1,996	Re: coil springs not sitting flush x2 on calling tech support and send them the pics you showed us.

01-29-2010, 06:21 PM	#10
rodstored-72 chevy truck fan Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Gilbert, arizona 85298 Posts: 2,008	Re: coil springs not sitting flush vagaschevy, i had (have) the same problem on my '72. i installed 2" lowering springs & one spring does not "sit" right. the front view of the truck looks slightly higher on that side. i am told that the end of the spring is "sitting" on the sleeve pocket the it is supposed to slip into. unfortunatly i can't fix it unless i take apart the front end. i wonder if you could cut off a small leg of the spring to "make" it fit. i don't think that would hurt the ride quality...?? anyways i will be watching this to see how it pans out. good luck!!

01-29-2010, 07:47 PM	#12
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,856	Re: coil springs not sitting flush They are probably fine. Now go out and slowly hit a few speed bumps in a shopping center to seat them. You will probably hear a "bang". Measure before and after doing this. __________________ Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads

01-30-2010, 12:48 AM	#13
Kayotic Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Lawrenceville, Ga Posts: 300	Re: coil springs not sitting flush I agree with 70c10 above... I would install with the top of the spring lined up as should be and drive a couple miles, allowing them to settle. __________________ Atlanta Craigslist Hurst Indy Pickup Truck 3-Speed Shifter - 5010016 Last edited by Kayotic; 01-30-2010 at 12:48 AM.

01-30-2010, 01:05 AM	#14
Becker67 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Pueblo West, Colorado Posts: 265	Re: coil springs not sitting flush I had the same problem with my springs as well. I bought mine from cpp. I went and bought a set from ece and they fit perfect. __________________ Kevin 67 custom cab big window swb 350/700r4 4/6 drop tilt,a/c 69 custom/10 swb 350/350 4/6 drop tach,tilt 71 cheyenne super swb 454/700r4 4/6drop tach,tilt,a/c,bucket seats,speed warning 96 gmc swb

01-30-2010, 01:12 AM	#15
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: coil springs not sitting flush vegaschevy... Are you sure they are 2" drop springs? Not that it happens a lot but there's always the chance to receive different springs than what you actually ordered. I would give Stan/Mark a call and tell them the issues you are experiencing. __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

01-30-2010, 12:56 PM	#17
chevy_mike Never Ending Projects Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 3,836	Re: coil springs not sitting flush Remember, dropped springs are rated based on new stock height ones. Your almost 40 year old ones have sagged. That is why so many people get disappointed when they buy xx" drop springs and their truck ends up slightly lower or some cases even higher. Their original springs has sagged so much, they were like dropped springs. That's why ECE put pics up showing what trucks would look like with which drop. Also different spring rates will play into things. A 500 lb/in spring the exact lenght as a 600 lb/in spring will sit lower because it only takes 500 lbs to drop an inch. I would have called ECE yesterday while they were open. Don't know if anyone answers the phone on the weekends. Good luck. __________________ . 1965 C10 Panel, Tiki Express http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=506580 SOLD 1968 Chevy C10, Long, Fleetside, Hot Rod Hauler http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=313233 SOLD 1965 Chevy C10, Long, Fleetside, Hot Rod C10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=415702 SOLD We were given two ears and one mouth for a reason... listen twice as much and speak half as often...



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01-30-2010, 01:13 PM	#18
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: coil springs not sitting flush Mike they are in on Saturdays... had to make that call on more than one occassion. vegaschevy... did you measure the height of the truck prior to installing the drop? __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

01-30-2010, 02:38 PM	#19
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,700	Re: coil springs not sitting flush Align the top of the spring. Don't worry about the bottom. In post #1,... you need to rotate the spring clockwise. All springs are the same,... no left and rights. I would drive it. If you don't like the height,... start trimming them until they set like you want them to. The only other option is another set of drop springs.

01-31-2010, 07:31 PM	#20
cobrajet21 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Danville, VA Posts: 122	Re: coil springs not sitting flush I bought both small block and big block springs from ece and both sets had this problem, if it is one. I figure I'll wait till I have some weight on them and then see what the deal is. __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=288820 68 Chevy CST project 02 Chevy Silverado Ex.cab 71 Ford Torino Cobra

04-06-2010, 03:27 PM	#22
67chevemall Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: NB Posts: 3,367	Re: coil springs not sitting flush Return them and just cut your coils..... my $0.02 __________________ 1968 Chevy C10 307 3ott fleetside 1967 Chevy C/10 V8, 3spd, fleetside lwb.Sold 1967 Chev C/10 step, 383, M21. SOLD

04-07-2010, 09:19 AM	#24
BluTrukker BOHICA Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Stewartville, MN Posts: 440	Re: coil springs not sitting flush So did they finally settle in to the pocket? __________________ Trying to save someone from their own stupidity is like teaching a pig to dance. It is a waste of your time, and it annoys the pig!

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