lOWERING FRONT SUSPENSION

Discussion in 'Technical' started by K. Merring, Mar 15, 2002.

  1. K. Merring

    K. Merring Regular

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    You need to check the shock travel. Look at how close the top of the shock body is to the top. Spacers up to 1" can be used to space the top mountng before they will hit the hood braces.:oops:
     
  2. wardf

    wardf Ward Frahler

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    Fatman Fab. offers a 2" spindle for the mav that you wouldn't have to move the upper shock mount at all.
     
  3. K. Merring

    K. Merring Regular

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    I am referring to those who have cut a coil and also to use shock extensions on the rear if lowering at least 2" as many have done.
     
  4. Ryan

    Ryan Ford Addict

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    Even if you move the shock mount up you will hit the rubber bump stop above the upper control arm before you use the extra travel. I've had a coil cut for about 4 years and never noticed any bottoming out.
     
  5. William

    William Member

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    /So what do you have to do to lower the front? Just cut the coil spring if so how much??? Is that all there is to it??? someone who could give me some details on how to do it would be nice.

    Thanks William
     
  6. Ryan

    Ryan Ford Addict

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    I cut a whole coil off my front springs. With a v8 I think it lowered about an inch and a half. Not sure how much it will with a 6 cylinder. Use a spring compressor to remove the spring. Cut a coil off, I used a hacksaw. and reinstall.
     
  7. Maverick Man

    Maverick Man The Original Maverick Man

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    damn Ryan u used a Hacksaw! thats mighty determined of you or your just crazy! j/k. I used a high speed grinder worked well. 10 sec and its cut.

    As for the orginal question sorry never used any stock extentions. Just remember you need hood clearance if you do so. And as far as the back I have heard of people going 2 inches in the rear but man I only have 1 inch block in the rear and that is way low. To fit my J-60 M&H in the rear I have to put it in sideways first then mount it. So unless you got small tires on the rear or 14 inch rims with small tires or even heavy duty rear leafs with killer shocks I wonudn't go 2 inches in the rear.

    But if you do it.. I'm sure it will look cool.

    Good luck
     
  8. K. Merring

    K. Merring Regular

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    I dropped 2" in the rear with 4 leaf springs.
    I suggest the bottom plates be drilled to 3/8" and have a set of new U bolts made as longer/ heavier for that much drop.
    Use shock extensions on the bottom. Blocks can be made by welding 2- 4" long peices of 2" angle into a square with stiffiners on the end and drilling the locating hole as needed.
    I also have a 'front' roll bar mounted on the rear.:oops:
     
  9. wardf

    wardf Ward Frahler

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    Ken I assume you did this to your comet, I mean lowering the rear by removing the leafs. how is the ride? and what size were the u-bolts before? I looked at your pic in the photo gallery, are you going to lower the frontend to level it up. the comet looks good.
     
  10. K. Merring

    K. Merring Regular

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    I went to 4 leaf springs from 3, then lowered by placing 2" blocks between the springs and the axle pads. The U bolts are made locally by a shop. The change in size is from 7/16 to 3/8" and made longer by 2".
    The photo you see is out of date and does not show this as the lowering was done last fall.
    The front is lowered by 1-1/4" and car now has a small rake to the front. Ride is somewhat firm but not harsh.:)
     

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