Lowering my 78 help
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 165
Likes: 7
From: Louisville Kentucky
Lowering my 78 help
Just put 18" 245/45 front and 255/45 rear bolt on no spacer or adapters. Original suspension...want to lower front maybe 1.5" and rear maybe .75-1"
ill try to post a pic
ill try to post a pic
Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 357
Likes: 8
From: Champaign Urbana IL
may as well upgrade suspension while your at it. But yeah removing the coils is very easy compared to some other cars. Just gotta get that first one done then its a breeze. I bought moog coil spring replacements for cheap rated around 500lbs, cut 3/4 coil off and dropped it about 1.5 inches.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 64
Likes: 1
From: Lambertville Michigan
Cutting the coils seems like a good idea.
What about the shocks? Seems like you would now be more likely to bottom them out now that you are starting out 3/4" short. Did you add a 3/4 " spaced on the bottom so the shock length stayed the same after you cut the springs?
What about the shocks? Seems like you would now be more likely to bottom them out now that you are starting out 3/4" short. Did you add a 3/4 " spaced on the bottom so the shock length stayed the same after you cut the springs?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,223
Likes: 4
From: Regina Saskatchewan
If you're going to cut the spring , go with Bilstein Sports. The sport is stiffer and has a shorter valving for lowering springs. The Bilstein HD's are more comfortable and have longer valving.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 165
Likes: 7
From: Louisville Kentucky
thanks, so I should be fine cutting 1 full coil off correct? Roughly how much will that lower the front end?
Also, using the 10" bolts to lower the rear end. Is there fluctuation with the amount you can lower the rear with the bolts or is it a set number?
Last edited by psublett; Sep 9, 2013 at 07:54 PM. Reason: add pic
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,116
Likes: 598
What is the offset of the wheel you purchased. Any problems with fit in the back where the parking brake cable on the trailing arms ?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,272
Likes: 17
lowered mine right at 1 1/2" on the front , used an angle grinder cut just like butter. looking at your picture, lower the front first, bounce it down the road a bit, align it and then lower the rear. that way you can use the rear to level it also. you can take the rear all the way down to the end of the threads if thats what it takes. you will also need to set camber and toe on the rear. I used nylocks and also drilled a cotter pin hole. best to keep at least three threads below the nut. C4 stock spring bolts are 10", folks over there might give you a set cause when they lower theirs they use 12" bolts. hope this helps
Last edited by oldalaskaman; Sep 10, 2013 at 01:09 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,524
Likes: 61
From: Medina Ohio
Typically the 8" bolts are the upgrade to lower the rear. Stock are 6.5". Some guys have gone to 10", but have had to cut a little off as they are so long they can hit the ground.
I'd do 8" and see where it gets you.
http://www.vbandp.com/auto-parts/c2-...ategory_id=113
I'd do 8" and see where it gets you.
http://www.vbandp.com/auto-parts/c2-...ategory_id=113
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,272
Likes: 17
yes it lowered it 1.5 inches
the coil springs are not difficult to remove, only takes time , a diy spring compressor documented in willcox tech papers does wonders. they are very easy to re install once cut,
the C4 bolts work fine, if they wind up being a bit long after you have your height...use that angle grinder and cut them off. better to much than to little, I hate doing things twice. if you ask in C4 those folks will probably send you some for free I used my 10" C4 bolts on my C3 , no issues
the coil springs are not difficult to remove, only takes time , a diy spring compressor documented in willcox tech papers does wonders. they are very easy to re install once cut,
the C4 bolts work fine, if they wind up being a bit long after you have your height...use that angle grinder and cut them off. better to much than to little, I hate doing things twice. if you ask in C4 those folks will probably send you some for free I used my 10" C4 bolts on my C3 , no issues
Last edited by oldalaskaman; Sep 10, 2013 at 07:53 PM.