hi, i'm working on a 51 vic coupe and want to lower it. i remember reading somewhere that ford aerostar coil springs will fit directly and drop the front about 2". is that true? also i also seem to remember that it was a moog part number, maybe cc150? can anyone confirm this info? thanks
They have been popular for that for a while now. Here, some interesting reading from a while back. Ford Shoebox - Definitive Guide for using Aerostar Coils | The H.A.M.B. (jalopyjournal.com)
Got them on mine and they work nice, along with blocks in the rear gives a nice drop without a crappy ride for very little money. Seems that the price of those Aerostar coils have gone up some in recent years but still a relative bargain.
Changing spring height will destroy any hope of getting the camber angle you need. You should get a dropped spindle setup to keep wheel alignment adjustments possible. Alignment shops will not work on front end alignment if spring height is changed to lower the car.
That’s interesting. I have probably had 30 or 40 vehicles lowered with shorter coil springs that align, drive, and wear tires just fine. It’s been done for years.
Not all alignment shops will work with you. Most are “toe and go” shops. But not all alignment shops are the same. We lowered lots of rides. The alignment shop we used never said no. Our cars are simple. Some old turning plates, measuring tape and a bubble gauge and we’re good. Put Aerostar springs on my merc. Bubble gauge said all is well.
The camber does change with the dropped springs and if out of range with the eccentric, a camber kit will fix it. Easy to install and allows you to use shims to make the adjustments.
Shorter spring’s definitely affect the alignment, the question is if there’s enough adjustment to correct it.
A couple more thoughts on the Aerostar’s, but my experience was my 55 bird. I replaced previously cut stock springs so mine didn’t lower. The ride improved significantly from the progressive spring windings. Softer on small bumps, but increasing stiff on big ones. Car never bottoms driving. The Mustang sites show spacers to raise the car if it’s too low. They’re the correct diameter for the Aerostar’s. The Mustang guys use them to tune ride height for cars too low, and they work elsewhere. Alignment and bump steer were not a problem
Not to toot my own horn, but I am the original finder of the Aerostar spring swap. I worked at O’Reillys and found them in the catalog by specs. I ordered about 5 different sets and found the Aerostar springs were the best for what I was looking for on my shoebox. They worked great as everyone has found out. My friend Dave had a 57 ford and we tried them on his and they worked great there too. Get them, the ride is good and the price is good as well. CN
Maybe I was just unlucky. In the '60s in Denver no one would even try to align a car with shotened front springs. They wouldn't even talk to you, just NO! Today I know equipment and better training for those using it have changed drastically. That's good but I am too old to worry about such things now.
Had them in my old '49, 3 years and lots of miles and my alignment was fine. Rode like a dream too. We owe a debt of gratitude to @CyaNide for his homework. Now we need a similar option for 49-54 Chevrolets. MOOG #8558 is about a 1" drop but it'd be nice to have an "off the shelf" option that offers more.
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