Lowering Ideas
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 560
Likes: 1
From: Dacula GA
Lowering Ideas
Just finished the 68 BB Coupe including a complete front end rebuild with the 550# VBP springs. It was my understanding these springs should lower the front approx 1". This is a alum. headed car which are much lighter than their cast iron counter parts. This car has the L-88 flares so I have plenty of room to come down 2"+/-. Whats everyone's experience with these springs, did they lower the front enough to tell the difference? I have checked to be sure they seated in the perches so I assume they are in correct. What about trimming these springs a coil to get it down. Open for suggestions here. Thanks for everyones input you guys have helped me to no end with minor problems. The turn signal switch problem got corrected after my post, Shee-Mar out of Colo. sent me the replacement switch thanks to the Forum and the help I received from you guys.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,330
Likes: 1
From: Kerrville Texas
When you redid your front end did you tighten everything up with weight on it? If not loosen everything till hand tight drive around the block and re tighten with the car on the ground or on ramps.
Kona
Kona
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,162
Likes: 2
From: Beaverton, OR
On my '74 small block I put the same 550# coils on and didn't notice much difference. Unfortunately I was too stupid to measure before and after, but visually, I didn't notice much if any difference between the stock ones and these. Of course with my factory original stock springs, who knows, they may be saggy after that many years. . .
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: New Berlin WI
lowered mine
I finished this change about 3 months ago and recently had an opportunity to measure after the 4 wheel alignment.
I have a '79 4 speed car w/air if it makes a difference, but removed/kept off the AIR pump after the engine was rebuilt. Like you I installed the 550 lb. springs replacing the original factory L82 performance suspension.
Now that things have settled, the lower edge/lip of the wheel opening is 1" away from the tire. It was about 1.5" before. I am running the recommended P255/60/R15 on original factory aluminum rims. I also replaced the A-arm bushings, where more or less rebuilt the entire front suspension.
At one point I was going to cut off one coil. I am glad I didn't with my current setup.
Did you make certain that the end of the coil was located in the lower A-arm pocket correctly?
I have a '79 4 speed car w/air if it makes a difference, but removed/kept off the AIR pump after the engine was rebuilt. Like you I installed the 550 lb. springs replacing the original factory L82 performance suspension.
Now that things have settled, the lower edge/lip of the wheel opening is 1" away from the tire. It was about 1.5" before. I am running the recommended P255/60/R15 on original factory aluminum rims. I also replaced the A-arm bushings, where more or less rebuilt the entire front suspension.
At one point I was going to cut off one coil. I am glad I didn't with my current setup.
Did you make certain that the end of the coil was located in the lower A-arm pocket correctly?
Racer
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 422
Likes: 0
From: Owensboro Ky
Originally Posted by kona
When you redid your front end did you tighten everything up with weight on it? If not loosen everything till hand tight drive around the block and re tighten with the car on the ground or on ramps.
Kona
Kona
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 560
Likes: 1
From: Dacula GA
550 # Springs
Well to date I have not totally tightened the bushing bolts, they were finger tight until I put it on the ground. After lowering the car to the ground and moving the car forward and backward a few times I snugged the bolts with a wrench. I plan on a cpl of hundred miles before I torque the bushings, I used all Poly bushings so they are a little stiffer than the rubber type. I am going to double check the springs again to assure thay are seated properly, I checked that several times while the car was elevated on the lift. Thanks for all the suggestions I will follow up in a day or two. "RED-BAD" Thats sits good the way I wanted my 68 to sit.
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Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 294
Likes: 1
From: Racine Wisconsin
I measured all the fender openings and 4 location on frame to garage floor. According to a CF thread, cutting 1/2 coil from a 460# coil will lower the front by 1" and the 550# spring (not cut) will lower the front by 1/2." Based on a the reco of a CF thread, I cut 1/2 coil from the VBP 550# springs in order to lower the front by 1.5" On my ride, it turned out that the front was lowered by 1/2". I assume that without the cut it would have matched the ride height of the original FE7 spring. I'll drive it a bit and trim out 1/2 coil. For info, my front fender opening (measured through center of wheel perpendicular to floor, started at 28.5" and went to 28.0. I am after 27" These dimensions vary according to body mounts, so I also measures at the frame locations listed in the assembly manual.
