The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop 1955 Front Suspension

I have a 1955 second series with a 1978 Camaro front suspension. I recently cut the front coil springs to lower the front end. The truck squeaks like crazy now. Can someone tell me if the upper spring or lower spring that is most likely causing the squeak? Can I fix the squeak without taking out the spring? I know that it's a tuff call, but, what is the most likely issue?

How did you cut the spring...with a saw or torch?

Did you deburr the cut end?

Did you cut it so the new cut end is riding in the same spot as before you made the cut?

Maybe the HiPo Shop guys can help...

Mike B

Mike got it, but in my experience even professionally cut coil springs that ride metal to metal will squeak. I think you need to replace your coil spring insulators (these are made for nearly all vehicles up through the 80s). You compress the spring, slip the pad underneath the coil, turn the spring back to its original location if it is top-oriented and then un-compress it. They don't change the height, but they do make things quieter. If you cut the coil with a torch and didn't chamfer the cut edge after you cut it, I'm afraid you're going to have to remove it. If the edge is cut crudely enough it will cut through any insulator and you'll have the same problem. Good luck.

Oh, forgot...you have to remove the shock absorber, also. Physically impossible to slide the pad in unless you do this.