How much to cut off front springs?

[akfox1]

Please have a look at the picture. I think the ride is too high on my 69. I am planning to cut off about one coil, at the bottom of the spring (lower a-arm end). This should still fit in the pocket, correct?
Anyone done this? How much drop will I see? How can I tell if the spring is properly sitting in the pocket?

Thanks to everyone on this board.

 

[CQRT]

What a beautiful Vette and incredible countryside!

With all due respect, I wouldn't do a darn thing to that car . . . but if you must, I'd suggest buying new, shorter springs and saving the factory originals.

 

[akfox1]

Thank you, CQRT.
If it were original, I'd not mess with it either. Let's just say it's been around the block with Bubba a few times already - back from the grave, so to speak.

After 7 years and a frame-off, now it is more "modified" than "restored" with a non-matching engine and lots of aftermarket parts. New 17" wheels and a new Keisler 5 speed will be ready in about two weeks.
Just want it to sit about an inch lower to have the right stance.

 

[CQRT]

Good call - - wow- I had no idea - - it looks perfect ! We're in a similar position with our `74 - - newer, better hp engine, different steeringwheel & seats, wheels, etc. Now all I gotta do is finish installing the new carpet and sell it !

 

[JohnZ]

Please have a look at the picture. I think the ride is too high on my 69. I am planning to cut off about one coil, at the bottom of the spring (lower a-arm end). This should still fit in the pocket, correct?
Anyone done this? How much drop will I see? How can I tell if the spring is properly sitting in the pocket?

Thanks to everyone on this board.

Just remember that for every inch you shorten the spring (at the bottom), the spindle will move up 1-5/8" (not 1"), and the spring rate will also increase, causing more ride harshness. The spring is located within 3/8" of the stop in the upper frame pocket; doesn't matter where it ends in the lower control arm pocket - that hole is just for water drainage. You can check the location of the upper end looking up through the shock absorber hole in the lower control arm.

 

[akfox1]

Just remember that for every inch you shorten the spring (at the bottom), the spindle will move up 1-5/8" (not 1"), and the spring rate will also increase, causing more ride harshness. The spring is located within 3/8" of the stop in the upper frame pocket; doesn't matter where it ends in the lower control arm pocket - that hole is just for water drainage. You can check the location of the upper end looking up through the shock absorber hole in the lower control arm.

Thank you!
It is done - one coil removed. What a major PITA.
Just got them put back in tonight, but the car is still up on stands awaiting the transmission, so I can't see the fruits of my labor. Also ordered the longer bolts for the rear from VBP, but they have not arrived yet.

 

[akfox1]

The wheels are on, the transmission is in (but not tested). I had to put it on the ground just to see the new stance. This is what I was shooting for.

What a difference new wheels, tires, and ride height make.

Hoping for a test drive tonight.

 

[davethepackerfan]

Looks awesome! What did the ride heights end up at?

 

[Dave L.]

Nice looking car. It looks fast standing still!

 

[cfour93]

Excuse me i think i found my dream car..... You have got to be proud this is one sweet Vette

 

[mainelaker]

What size wheels & tires did you end up with?? They look awesome, I am on the fence with my 1979, one part of me wants to just keep it stock with some meaty 15's & the other part of me wants to put on some 17's with low profile tires & drop it like yours. I can't make up my mind.:confused

 

[akfox1]

THANKS!
Ride height is now 28 1/2 rear, 27" front. Wheels are 17" TTII's, with 255/50/17 rear (27" tall tire), and 245/45/17 front (25.7" tall tire). I cut off a full coil on the front and used the VBP 8" bolts in the rear.

Thanks for the kind comments. I took a lot of ideas from the other cars on this forum - what a great group!

Oh yeah, I drove the Keisler tranny tonight, and it is SWEET. Shifts very precisely, with no hunting or wobble in the shifter at all. Nice and tight. The install was a pain, but I think I'm gonna like it a lot.