Coil Spring Question

Saturday, I disassembled my front suspension. I was told that 77-79 T-Bird springs would work, and lower my wagon about 3/4". So, I had grabbed some coil springs out of a '79 T-Bird in a Pull A Part. Comparing the front T-Bird springs to the wagon springs, the T-Bird springs are about an inch taller than the wagon springs. They have the same number of coils. Does that sound right? I don't want to go through the trouble of re-assembling everything to have it sit higher, or have it not change at all. I don't have the correct tools to disassemble this thing again without tearing up my new ball joints. I really need to get this right, the first time. Any opinions or input is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

If you need it right the first time buy them new and made to your length. You don't know the condition of the springs and one side may end up sagging.
I would just find a company that makes your springs and tell them you want it lower one inch.

 

I found several companies that will make them. Unfortunately, prices start at $500 for a set, which is not in my budget. So, I gotta make due with what I got.

 

I bought custom made springs from Eckler's (Dearborn Classics is their Ford line) for about $200 for my '69 Fairlane wagon. I wanted a 3" drop but they make them in 1" drop increments.

I agree with the comments regarding junkyard coil springs - you don't know what they're going to end up doing to your ride height until you get them installed. Been there, done that. I'd rather cut a coil of your original springs than trust the junkyard ones. On your original coil springs you at least know what you're starting with. Good luck.

 

Assuming $200 is for just the fronts? As you would have leaf rears, correct? I've got coils on front and rear.

Do you have a link or phone number for Ecklers? I had seen you mention Ecklers in previous posts, but could not find anything on them when searching the web.

 

Ok. Think I found it.

http://www.dearbornclassics.com/57-72-galaxie-front-custome-lowering-coil-springs.html

Unfortunately, they only go through 1972 models. Either way, I did find someone that will make them for a little more than that, but after you add shipping, etc, the total is $500 for the set of 4. Y'all have probably heard the saying "Wish I had been born rich, instead of so good looking...."

 

Send a PM to SquireDon....

 

Saw you found the link; you're right on the leafs - I ordered custom leafs for the rear as well.

 

That's easy, cut your stock springs. A lot of people look down on cutting spring, but people have been doing that since the beginning of custom cars. It's really no big deal, but you DO have to be smart about it. It goes 1/4 coil, 1/2 coil, 3/4 coil, full coil. Anything over that full coil will be too low, and a full coil I would NOT recommend. Most importantly, cutting your coils will change your spring rate to a stiffer rate(which I like)but you'll NEED to compensate with a good pair of(softer) shocks to get that "sweet spot" ride. I'm only telling you this cause you asked for opinion's, and this is mine. Also, I have done this many times with different cars with great results.

 

Ah, I only thought you wanted fronts.

Will the $500 eventually be in your budget?
The reason I ask is that if the lowering of your wagon is just for aesthetics, then you may want to save up and have it done right.
Maybe in the mean time cut them like Hfab5 suggests.
But to me if there are no problems with the originals then I would wait on it.

 

Cut the coils 3/4 of a coil. Did this on my 63 Galaxie and 87 2wheel drive Ramcharger. Check your bump stops and replace if needed. You can also trim them a bit.

 

Thanks for the input guys. $500 may be in the budget one day, but it would be nice to take care of it, while I have it apart. Think I might cut the fronts to drop enough to match the rear.

 

Who told you that 77-79 T-Bird springs would work? Has it actually been done?

 

Try giving Jamco (http://www.jamcosuspension.com/) and Eaton Springs (http://www.eatonsprings.com/) a call. Either would do custom for under $200 a set before shipping, and both have excellent reputations.

In the end, Eaton was able to sell me a set off the shelf. They were listed as a different application, but fit my specifications (and my Commuter) and ended up saving me money.

Hope this helps.
Paul

 

I knew they would swap over no problem, but who told you they would lower the car...??? As years have gone by I've seen wagon and sedan of the same era sit at different ride heights front and rear, so unless you saw the diner car sitting on all fours you really would never know. But also due to age and wear I, IMO think you would be better off in the long run getting new.... when budget allows.