im looking to lower my bel air atleast 2" or as much as i can. for the front i found 2" and 3" lowering coils i think i have seen 2" drop spindles before, anyone got a link? if i was to use just the 2 or 3 coils, would i be able to align the car correctly, or do i also need the spindles? can i use the coils and the spindles combined? the rear is getting 3" coils, were can i find shocks to match? (front shocks too) thanks, Zodiac Matt
I would use one or the (spindles or springs) other...not both....if you need to drop it a little bit after adding the spindles, you could trim part of a coil off the springs. Drop spindles will be for use with disc brakes.
so 3 inch coils will be fine? i will still be able to have enough room to set the alignment right? just wanna make sure before i order the time and my instructor lets me use the lift at my college
Might need to get some offset upper control arm shafts? I had to do that after cutting the springs in my 55 down about 2-3 inches. Look and see how many shims there are in it, if it's about out of shims then you probably won't get the camber out without the offset shafts.
When I first lowered my '62 I cut 2 full coils off the front and the back (about 3-4 inches). On the front I had 205/65 r 15 on a 6" wheel which cleared fine and aligned fine, 275/60 r15 on the rear. Your results may vary, these cars are all over the place with frame and suspension tolerance. Now I have air bags and 2" spindles (Superior Spindle-> excellent fit, which are the second set; the first were FATMAN's and were a pain in the ass). I have no alignment issues with the bags on it and I do not have offset A arm shafts, rocker/front fender seam is 4 3/4" off the ground. I believe someone (Classic Industries maybe?) is making a drop spindle which can be used with disc OR drum brakes, if you wanted to keep the drum brakes. Marty McFly
thanks for the info, if i read correct, you were 3 inches lower, with stock spindles, had no alignment, casetor, or camber issues? did you have to have an alignment? what did you do for shocks?
You will be fine with a 3" drop using either/both methods. Car will align fine unless your crossmember has sagged a lot.
Just had mine ('61) alin'd w/ a heavy 4" (dropped A-arm's-2", and 2" coil's) it made the cut. W/ 2-3" coil's you should be fine. If you go w/ the dropped spindle's, the stock shock's will not have to be shorter. But the coversion to disk's will be $. The choice's are many. It's up to your pocket book and or talent's w/ a wrench!
Your should have no problem getting aligned after lowering it that amount, unless you have worn parts (bushings, balljoints)
Lowered mine via 1 1/2 cut coils, fronts and rears...alignment not a problem... handles better, too... R-
Front shocks were 2wd S-10 shocks, I looked in a Monroe shock book and found a longer travel, able to be compressed further, shock. This application should work but do yourself a favor and verify the dimensions for yourself, you may even be able to find shock dimensions online. The rears were stock, I seem to remember checking the travel with the rear springs out and seeing the stock shocks still had a little travel left when the rear end was bottomed out against the snubbers. Marty McFly
wow, thanks guys! so most people here agree/think that i will have no alignment problems with a 3" drop all around? will i need new shocks? while im under there should i do balljoints/tie rod ends and a new steering stabilizer? like i said, all of this will be done at school in a couple hours, but since its my steering/suspension class he said i can also do other work related to that field
just watch yer exhaust, headers and a low xframe wont work. my headers are about 5 inches from the ground at rest. any lower and ill be tearin em up on bumps.
Shorter coil's up ft. will need shorter shock's. If ya have extra cash, and the origanal's look worn (know anyone that is a pro?) yes some ball joint's/tie rods would be a good idea. Cross rerference Monroe number's and you may find a # for the rear. Dr.J used a Monroe # (rear) for his early El Camino. PM him and see if can help.
throw ball joints in it just for the peace of mind if anything. Use Rock Auto for Moog or Spicer. Great vendor with great prices. Good luck!
thanks guys, if anyone has a link to the 4 shocks i need i would greatly appreciate it, also, im not worried about the exhaust, i have stock ram horn headers, and im gettng my exhuast done soon, the guy knows i plan on lowering the car
We have both drop coils and matching shocks. Drop spindles will require the use of disc brakes, so if your not planning on going with discs, you have to go with coils or airbags. http://jamcosuspension.com/products/sfID1/6/listPage/1 http://jamcosuspension.com/gallery/?photoGalleryCategoryID1=2&photoGalleryID=3
jamco, your parts look very high quality, but also very very pricey, sorry man, i just cant afford that much for 2 shocks and 2 coils, but i do appreciate you letting me know about your site, do you sell the shocks seperatly? i did not see them
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