Anybody have a good source for front lowering springs for a 54 Chevy? I was just going to cut a coil or two from the stock ones but would rather buy new ones. If I do end up cutting the stock fronts, does anybody have any suggestions as to how many coils to cut? I have 3 inch lowering blocks for the rear that I haven't put on yet and I want the rear to ride about an inch or so lower than the front. Thanks!
I have been looking for opinions on this for a while. Looks like the rule to go by is no more than 1.5 the first go around. Its a pain, but if you gotta take em back out it and cut some more, it is worth it. A few guys have cut too many and can't drive it. As far as buying, Jamco (which I think is out of business right now due to the death of the owner) and Eaton spring co. have lowered springs that are not suppose to sacrifice any ride.
If you are looking for lowing springs for your 54 Chevy,Jamco can help you, we are starting to take orders for springs mostly at this time, we hope to be selling our full line shortly. Call 707 544-4950 you may have to leave a message on what you want, but we will call you back. Things are still tough since the sudden p***ing of my dad. Tony Genty
sorry to but in, but are the springs the same right thru' the '49 to '54 range? I wanted to put 4" blocks out the back of mine, anyone done this?
4 inches will be alot...it has been done, however, if you drop it that much you will more than likely need to notch the frame and possibly raise the driveshaft tunnel. Go for it!!!
Thanks Bigtoe! About how much will you be asking for a set of front springs? Sorry for the loss of your father.
Nice to see JAMCO will still be around. I ordered goodies for a Merc from your dad a few years back, nice stuff. My 54 will need some springs this winter.
Eaton here in Detroit will make you a 2 inch drop spring. dont think they go any less or more than that..I cut 1.5 coils out of my stock front springs with a grinder and a cut off blade. measure twice cut once. go slow, use a cool rag on the side of the spring you are keeping. and let the spring cool on its own ..do not force cool it. you can take out as much as 2 or maybe 2.5 coils but i would aproach it slowly. Yes it is time consuming and taking things apart and putting tham back togeather to see how it sits but thats what getting it right is all about. its not that difficult. and its cheap. cut the stock springs..if you **** it up or dont like it spend 160 to 180 bucks on some new springs.
My 53 has 2 coils out of the front springs. It rides like ****!! And it is unsafe. Go with Jamco or Eaton. It might cost more money but do it right the first time. The only other option I have found that is any good would be to put dropped uprights on it with a new stock height spring with 1/2 to 1 coil cut out of it. That should give you 2 1/2 to 3 inches of drop and still have a good ride
yeah i would think that 2 coils could do that to the ride. mine with 1.5 out rides different than before but it isnt bad or rough just a little more firm. but i can see where 2 coils could start the path to a poor ride due to spring rate changes , they compound over the entire spring and as you shorten it they do tend to become much more stiff than before, and the pssibility of bottoming out your suspension is a reality too
Springs are the same. Here's a tip though: 53 and 54 uprights/spindle mounts are lower than the 49-52. If you can get your hands on some 53-54 front end parts, you can have factory lowering and better brakes. Those uprights combined with 1.5 coils cut will make you very happy. You could probably get away with more than 3" with no problem. I did it on my '50 by measuring the spring while it was still compressed and figuring out how many coils I wanted to remove. Then I took it out and cut it with a sawsall, but a cutoff wheel works great too. I got at least a good 4" drop, but I used the 54 uprights.
Thanks Irs30! How's the ride with two coils cut? Don't want it too rough but the stance you have is exactally what I want! How much worse is the rear with gas shocks? thanks.
On the concrete neighborhood street's it bottomed out with regular shock's,$80 dollar air shock's took care of that, but as far as the the front never had a problem, it cruises great down the highway loaded with 4 people and a cooler full of oat soda's for our final destination great. I got the 3"block's from a local auto part's store had to modify a littl to get them to fit but nothing major, that and the fact that the rear spring's are worn the hell out give it a taildragger stance with no air in the shock's..good luck, Ryan
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