What I learned about cutting coils

Got the Aerostar coils in this afternoon. Wow, what a great ride! This is the best the car has driven since I got it 6 years ago. Obviously better than the worn out, and tall, original springs and even better than the Springs n' Things springs that I cut one coil out of.....and clearly better than the 2 coil mistake. The pictures below are with 2 coils cut and then with the uncut Aerostar coils. I think once the Aerostar coils settle, it will be dead perfect - right at the whitewall line. They appear to be about a 2-1/2 to 3" drop from stock.

For those who are interested, the part number for the Aerostar springs is Moog PN CC850. They are $65 at O'Reilly and $52.79 plus shipping at Rockauto.com. These should fit on any '49-'59 Ford or Merc. I'll probaby start a separate post about this so it will be easier for people to search later.

2 coils cut:


Uncut Aerostar springs:

 

Very Cool-
My Edsel needs to lose a few inches in front.
What size ties do you have?

 

I agree with all of this. The tapered bump stops work much better as is than when they've been cut off flat.

 

Here's something else to consider: When ordering coil springs, the drop springs are based off the car's ORIGINAL ride height...not the "tired old, worn out spring height" you're looking at 50 years later. So when you order 3-inch springs, the difference might be only an inch and a half, because the original springs are already drooping an inch and a half.

I learned that from JAMCO on my '54 Buick. We figured out a really good height by accident--my friend was sitting on the front fender while I was walking up with a couple beers. "Hey! That's the perfect height!" I jumped on the fender so he could see it, he agreed, and we broke out the tape measure; 2 inches difference over what it was and what it should be. Called JAMCO and they sent 3-inch springs, and the wheel opening was the exact same distance from the ground.

-Brad

 

Thanks Rusty!! When I put the shackles together I tightened the nuts until they bottomed out. I am going to try backing those off first. I think it's binding up the more I think about it. If that dosn't do it I'll try the second leaf.
Jeff