C-2 Front Spring Removal - Ride Height Problem

[Keith B.]

I was visiting a friend over the weekend and was looking at his car (small block 66)and noticed a considerable difference in the ride height of his car vs what mine is.

I have been body off restoring a 67 small block convert. and have replaced all the bushings but kept the original springs in the front. I am assuming they were original because they had pieces of the ID tag still on them although you could not read them. I measured from the lip of the fender well to the floor on his and it was 26" all around. The car sits real nice. When I returned to measure mine I found it to be 28 1/4 " in the front and back (do not have the radiator in or the seats) but there is no way I am going to move it 2 plus inches)

I have pictures of the car prior to restoration and it sat high in the front. I believe that the springs are sitting correctly in the A-arm and they do have the tight coils up. I am thinking of taking 1/2 a coil out of the spring to help lower the car. Now that it is assembled I was wondering what the best way to get the spring out is. I really had a tough time trying to use a spring compressor because the coils are so close together-- is there a better tool I can make to compress the spring. I have seen pictures of removing the spring by removing the frame side of the A-arm from the frame. I don't what to rip apart the ball joint if I can get it otherwise. Is there something in assebly I might have done that would not let the car settle on the spring. If so what can I do now to change it? Thanks as always.
Keith

[Stephen L.]

Re: C-2 Front Spring Removal - Ride Height Problem

Before you do anything check the height of the car at the locations and specs as shown in your Assy Manual. You may want to check your friends also to see how much difference he is from the AIM.

I had a friend make a tool to remove and replace the springs. It replaces the shock "position". In my case I "broke" the front end assy at the UPPER ball joint pin where it goes thru the steering knuckle. If you loosen the nut about 1/16" but leave it threaded on the joint pin you can use the spring force to break open the pin fit without damaging the rubber etc. Tap the knuckle in the area adjacent to the pin and the pin should release. After the joint loosens then place the spring compressor in position and relieve the tension on the ball joint and remove the nut completely. This allows the A-arm to swing down and the spring comes out thru the bottom. Be sure to get the car high enough off the floor to allow for the swing clearance.

There are generic springs out there that are stiffer than originals that result in high front ends. Possibly yours were replaced in the past and stickers reapplied..... Purchase a set of the truly correct spring rate for your engine, A/C equipped etc car and you'll probably come out with a nice ride height. They are typically pricey.....

Send me your e-mail and I'll send you a picture of the spring compressor. I don't know if I can attach pictures here.......sllavigne@charter.net
Steve

[Jerry Coia]

Re: C-2 Front Spring Removal - Ride Height Problem

Keith,

I removed both front springs on my 1963 roadster the easiest and safest way I could figure. I used a 1/2" threaded rod and had a plate welded to the bottom. I then had a large square nut made from 1" square stock and had it threaded with a large washer. I then took out the shock and put the rod through the opening. I then tightened the nut to where I could release the ball joint with ease. I just eased off of the nut and the "A" frame spread itself slowly and safely. I did put a safety chain in the spring "just in case". If you any other info, send me an email.

Jerry