Cutting coils vs. moving spring pocket?

[4gotn1]

Anybody have any advice on which way is better to lower the front. I have a 55 Desoto I'm looking to get down about 2-3 in lower. I know some people have put spacers between the lower spring pocket and the lower A-arm. I also know some have just cut a coil or two. Which way is safer and more reliable? This car has been driven daily since I have had it running. Any help?

[Baron Von Mike]

I would not recommend cutting coils. I did this in my former Shoebox, and from then on the ride was very rough. EVERY bump in the road shook the car. Stuff started falling off from behind the dash. For a 2" drop on the front end, I only cut about 1/2 to 3/4 of a coil. You then have to reheat the coils to make them flat. By cutting them you will lose one of the flat ends. If you have the money, just get lowered, full ride springs and be done with it. You can just call a shop and tell them what car you have and what ride height you want.

Mike

[Model A Vette]

Cutting a coil spring makes it stiffer. That is what gives the bad ride - you suddenly have a HD spring.

[Paul]

I put 1" spacers between the lower A arms and spring pockets on the front of my '56 88.

this was years ago but,

it seems to me it was about 2" lower at the front bumper.

definately a mild drop.

after the alignment it rode every bit as good as it did before.

Paul

[DrJ]

If you think you might buy new shorter springs you might as well experiment with the old ones first. After all, you're maybe just gonna shit can them anyway, right?
If your spring is half way between the spindle and the frame pivot on the A arm then you only have to cut 1" of (compressed height) the spring off to lower the car 2".
If you only cut one coil I doubt you would notice any more ride difference than a new set of heavy duty shocks would do.
(put some new heavy duty shocks on at the same time though, since they will be out, on most cars)