My '37 ford coupe has a Fatman front suspension and I would like to lower the front end one inch. I have not weighed the front end, but the coupe is all steel and body is stock, running a chevy 350 motor. I am thinking about cutting one coil on the front springs to get it down an inch. OK or bad idea? Other suggestions?
Thanks
If it were me, I'd buy a set of dropped spindles-you will keep you current spring rates (meaning, ride quality)-if you go with shorter springs you will lose suspension travel, which usually means you will up the rate of the springs-that will make the ride more harsh (generally)-
On my coupe the distance between the bottom of the grille and ground is currently 6 1/4". If I go to 2" dropped spindles the distance between the bottom of the grille and the ground would be 4 1/4". I currently have P185-70R-14 wheels/tires on the front. Anyone have theirs this low without trouble hitting on driveways, speed bumps, etc.? I guess I could go to a taller front tire, but again that's $$. Is 4 1/4" asking for trouble? I am a pretty careful driver.
On my coupe the distance between the bottom of the grille and ground is currently 6 1/4". If I go to 2" dropped spindles the distance between the bottom of the grille and the ground would be 4 1/4". I currently have P185-70R-14 wheels/tires on the front. Anyone have theirs this low without trouble hitting on driveways, speed bumps, etc.? I guess I could go to a taller front tire, but again that's $$. Is 4 1/4" asking for trouble? I am a pretty careful driver.
I don't think so. If the front end needs to be lowered 1" then a 2" shorter tire would lower the front end 1". P185 60R 14's are shorter but there may be an looks or a rubbing (when truning) problem. Just have to look at tire sizes and heights. My point is that it may be a lot cheaper to buy two tires than springs or spindles.
Biothree, thanks for your thoughts. I get it about checking tire heights. And, Shine, you are probably right, and your reply made me smile. I do have another nice original grille, but don't want to use it to replace one that being stupid caused it to be needed.
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