Sagging springs

[Cal Cobra]

Hi guys,

I just picked up a 66 coupe and it looks like the rear leaf springs have settled about 1.5 in. lower than the front. Is there any negatives to cutting some of the front coil spring to level / lower the front?
Thanx, Dave

 

[NorCal66]

Eek, the high front look isn't the look most go for You could cut coils, but if the front springs are old you may want to consider swapping them out for a pair of 620s. Have you done the shelby drop yet? This will also lower the front end about an inch. What leaf springs do you have on back now? Do you have any lowering blocks on them?

 

[Snail50]

the factory stance is slightly nose-high, but if the rear of the car is already sagging, cutting the front springs will only make the matter worse. for not to much $, you can get replacement rear leafs in either stock height or "1 drop, and 1" drop front springs.

FYI, if your suspension is shot, and you replace everything with a 1" lowering setup, the car may just sit higher than when you started. Also, the nose will still sit higher because you've restored the car to its stock stance, now only 1" lower all around.

 

[Cal Cobra]

Ooops, guess I should mention it is a 6 cyl. The suspension is stock and other than sagging rear springs it is in good shape. The stock suspension is very soft so if I go with performance coils up front, I'll have to upgrade the rear too.....i'm guessing. I would rather lower the front than raise the rear to level things out. What does the Shelby drop consist of ?

 

[t_chelle16]

the factory stance is slightly nose-high, but if the rear of the car is already sagging, cutting the front springs will only make the matter worse. for not to much $, you can get replacement rear leafs in either stock height or "1 drop, and 1" drop front springs.

FYI, if your suspension is shot, and you replace everything with a 1" lowering setup, the car may just sit higher than when you started. Also, the nose will still sit higher because you've restored the car to its stock stance, now only 1" lower all around.

I agree. It would be better to replace the rear leaf springs first and see if that helps. If after that the front end is still too high for your taste, then lower it. Cutting the coils to even out the ride height at this point is just going to be a band-aid and not a good overall solution. If your springs are already sagging that much, they should be replaced before they break (I had it happen) and cause serious problems.

-Chelle

 

[Snail50]

the stock rear leafs are very flimsy anyway. I have the M+ GAT setup front and rear on mine, and I'm happy with it.

THe Shelby drop consists of lowering your upper control arms 1" do a search for "Shelby Drop" on this forum, and you'll find a lot of good info.

 

[Cal Cobra]

Thanks guys, i'll look into new springs. Dave

 

[Hack]

I agree. It would be better to replace the rear leaf springs first and see if that helps. If after that the front end is still too high for your taste, then lower it. Cutting the coils to even out the ride height at this point is just going to be a band-aid and not a good overall solution. If your springs are already sagging that much, they should be replaced before they break (I had it happen) and cause serious problems.

-Chelle

What happened when your springs broke? I'm asking because I have no idea how old mine are.... Will something bad like, "AAAARRRGGHH!!!! I wish I had comprehensive insurance" happen? Or something bad like, "oh darn, guess I need a tow."

 

[t_chelle16]

One side of the axel ended up getting shifted about 3" backwards. It wasn't bent or anything, just cockeyed. It dented the already screwed up quarter panel and rubbed the tire (had to drive it 10 miles home). Not a whole lot of damage, but still not very fun and it could have been worse. I now absolutely HATE the sound of tires rubbing on metal.

-Chelle