The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Best way to lower the front end.

I am working on my 48 1/2 ton. I had a 71 nova front stub welded in. It was supposed to be lower than what is currently is. I already have new front suspension parts installed. Not too happy with the ride height. What is the best way to lower the front end around 4" without replacing parts? Can it be done? My body guy installed the suspension said the front springs seems real tight. They almost broke a spring compressor.

Tom

Smaller wheels?

Im not sure what you could do without changing any parts, And I wouldn't cut the springs, But CPP makes some pretty cool drop kits for not a lot of money, they had a set of drop spindles for $275 a set

Tommy2tone.......get your front coil springs changed out for a lower softer set.
You might find that the Nova this front end came out of may have had extreme heavy duty springs fitted to compensate for a big block engine or better handling and are way to tall or stiff for your light little 1/2 Ton Truck.
This should only cost around $100 and you should be able to specify how low you want the front end dropped.
A GOOD suspension shop will be more than willing to help out.All the best.

Didn't see 4" drop spindles. I saw 3" drops. Could you cut just 1" from the springs?

Tom

Cutting 1" from the springs could actually lower the truck 2"!
This is because of where the spring sits in relation to the length of the swing arm.
The danger of cut springs is that they don't maintain tension under certain conditions and can fall out of the spring mounts at the most inappropriate moments!
Most states deem this practice illegal and will void any insurance if you have or cause an accident.

An old trick we used to do was find a set of springs out of a six cylinder model and fit them to our V8 models, which gave us a drop in ride height and a smoother ride for no cost at all!

Get a proper re-set pair fitted specific to the ride hight you want and weight of your truck.

Rent a crane, and drop a really big weight onto the front end from about 50 feet up. I guarantee the front end will be lower after this procedure!
Jerry

ha ha funny........................NOT

When I got my truck it almost had the front bumper on the ground [72 Nova]The springs had a coil and a half cut off.New V8 springs brought it up 2".So maybe one coil cut is about right for you.Since the shock passes through the spring it won't come out of place.Cutting coils will make the ride crap,also you may bottom out on bumps.My opinion would be dropped spindles.I'll look through my receipts for the part # of the springs if you like

funny would be....."let ya front tyres down"
Ha ha ha ha

p.s. springs won't fall out, but they dislodge from the spring mounts and can put the front end out of kilter and destroy the spring pads.

Dropped spindles would be the sensible option. I know they 'cost'
but they don't affect your front end geometry and avoid the dreaded bump-steer. Then,and only then,consider shorter springs.
Cutting springs is a sure way to destroy the spring rate and results in a poor ride.
Just my 2cents worth!
Jock.

I'd go with the dropped spindles too, but make sure your scrub line is going to be o.k. with this first. I've seen a lot of IFS trucks that are down nice and low but are not only illegal, they are downright dangerous.

Definitly dropped spindles,that is usually good for about 2 1/2 inches of drop.I have cut springs with good luck,just dont get carried away and cut off too much.usually cutting one coil off will give you a pretty good drop,course if you do cut the spring make sure to get the front end alligned right after you do. 2 1/2 inch dropped spindles plus cutting out one coil will bnring you down about 4 inches.Also rather than cutting your stock springs there are shorter springs available from the aftermarket suppliers.Just my 2 cts.worth