Hi gang, I read through an old thread today that popped back up regarding Arostar front springs in '49-'59 Ford passenger cars. Sounded like it worked great, and several were happy with the drop and the ride characteristics. My question is this, With all the Falcon people on the board, has any body run across a front spring that will drop a Falcon 3" or so, and provide a reasonable ride? I'm almost to that point on the Girlfriends Ranchero, and would prefer it to cutting springs. Any body?
i would actually like to know also. i have seen cars with a shelby set up on the front with cut springs, but if there is an alternative to cutting springs it would be great
Isn't there a modification that can be done to the location of the upper A frame? I was thinking that it moved the A frame down 1 1/2" and cut one coil for a 3" drop, good ride and better handling. Maybe look on a Falcon site,,, just saying.
Babyearl, that's called The Shelby drop. You redrill and move the upper arms down 1", and it increases the camber curve to better keep the contact patch of the tires on the road through turns. It does lower the car a little, but in my experience, not that much. I was just looking for any experience with later model coils that might be the right length to do the job without a cut.
Yes, but the Mustang springs out there have tendency to heavier spring rates, and a stiffer ride. If I was going to build this trucklet for me, that's how I would go. This is for my tiny adorable Asian girlfriend to put around in, so it needs to be comfortable.
Six banger Falcon springs are soft, and don't respond badly to cutting. I've cut many sets to lower these cars, and they all ride just fine. 1 to 1.5 coils should should get you there, and for cheap too. If you screw up, easy to find more. -KK
There is spring shop in Phoenix located at the corner of 55th Ave & Maryland,I think they are part of Eaton they would have the info you need to cross reference for a fit.
I had 2" drop springs which were rated "heavy duty sports" and with a 6pot and it would bottom out to bump stops all the time- and i'm not that heavy either! I would recommend dropped spindles and stock springs. We can get 2" dropped spindles here. and if u wanted 3" i'd put a 1" drop spring on top of that. I used to hate closing my eyes and gripping that big wheel every pot hole i saw at last second in anticipation of that "SMASH!" sound. Maybe for cost try cutting original springs first and see how goes?
Kustom Komet, thanks man! I've had a pair of cut coils in my personal '62 for about twenty five years or so, so I know it will work. I was just hoping someone else had come up with something a little more modern and maybe a progressive rate. As I said before, this is for my girlfriends trucklet, she would prefer that I not drop it at all, but that's just not possible with me! So ride quality is absolute paramount on this deal. Jeff B2, Thank you very much! I have seen that shop before in passing, and I have to run over to Glendale powdercoat today or tomorrow, I'll stop in and see if they can help... Xppetey66, Do you have a web address for the company making the drop spindles over there? I believe they should interchange with American stuff. Might be worth looking into. Thanks guys
www.rodshop.com.au Search under stub axles. I just checked and it had a notice that they are evaluating supply vs demand needs, so maybe shoot them an email or search ebay over here.
Jamco Makes 3 inch drop springs, and you can also get three inch drop springs from Dearborn Classics. In fact, I think i'm going to order a set this weekend.
Thanks guys, I cut them about three years ago and the Ranchero morphed into a wagon that has been driven continuously for almost a year now. It looks like this... like I said, it wasn't a matter of not knowing I couldn't cut them, been there done that, just looking for a more modern spring rate.
A: Three year old thread! B: You'd damn well be ahead to do a thorough search before you send money to Jamco. Just send your money to me.I won't ship you any product either, but at least I'll use it to work on a hot rod.
2001-2 Eldo rear springs should fit , they are about 1/4 inch smaller in diameter, just a tad stiffer will lower car about 2.5 inches. Moog 81009 or wrecking yard. Hoop
X2 words of wisdom. I bought a new set of moog springs for a v8 and they were way too stiff.Just collecting dust now.
Cool Hoop!!! I sat and looked at a Moog catalog 'til I was cross eyed and didn't see that one. I'll check it out tomorrow...