Trying to do this project with limited resources, but want to do it right. I would like to drop my Pontiac 3" front and rear. I'm o.k with blocks in the rear but am hesitating cutting the coils in the front. JAMCO has coils and shorter shocks available for around $400. Is it a better way to go and can I expect a much better ride than if I cut the coils?
Why the resistance to cut coils? It's basically free cost. The spring rate does increase some since you have less coils. But that is usually a good thing on lowered cars. Sure there's a limit how much lowering can be accomplished by just cutting coils alone.
Aerostar coils? We use 'em on our '52-'59 Fords all the time. Drops the front about 2-1/2". May want to look into that.
I cut the coils on a 52 Olds that I had and it seemed to stiffen it up too much, but you're right, it's free. I may try it again. Thanks.
Fatman fabrication offers dropped spindles for our Pontiacs. Here's a link but you will have to contact them for more details. https://www.fatmanfab.com/product/dropped-uprights-and-dropped-spindles
And, a fellow Hamber has these listed for sale. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/49-52-pontiac-dropped-spindles.1228464/
I assume the 52 suspension is the same as my 50. Cutting the old tired front springs can be a little tricky because they likely are already sagging and not at the original height they were supposed to be. I cut 1 coil off, and it didnt seem to do much more than 1”, so I cut another off and it dropped almost 2” more??? (too much for 29” tires), but probably near the three inches you want. Since its the old threaded bushing style it takes a couple of hrs each time. Since I went too far I ordered 2” drop springs from Jamco. That was just about right not to hit tires when turning and compressing. Stock wheels pull the tires in more so you could go lower and probably be ok. However I put front disc conversion on and couldnt get deep back spacing without custom ordering. I went with 2” drop leaf springs from a local shop and two” taller rear saddles I made from 2” x 4” x 5/16” wall that I welded on so I have no loose blocks. I used koni adjustable rear drag shocks for a 70-74 dodge challenger. With the new springs in it has about an inch more rake than I like, but not bad.
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