cut springs

[cordovaass]

i dont know if this question belongs in this furom or not but any ways...
i have a 69 impala and i want to cut the front springs because when i bought it the rear springs were already cut.... i want to get an inch of drop, does anyone know how much to cut???

[sv650s]

you don't have to cut the springs, you could just set a blow torch on them and the heat would make them collapse.

[MagicRat]

Originally Posted by sv650s

you don't have to cut the springs, you could just set a blow torch on them and the heat would make them collapse.

You can do this, but its worse than cutting, because its less controllable and predictable than cutting.

[curtis73]

Yeah, just don't cut springs. Head to the junkyard and get some 9C1 cop car springs from a 91-96 taxi or cop car and you'll be happy. In fact, get some regular Caprice springs (or from a roadmaster, or fleetwood) while you're there. You could also hit some Impala SS forums where there are guys selling their stock SS springs for cheap.

Although all B-body frames are interchangeable back to the 60s, spring rates were different depending on body sheetmetal weight, engine options, A/C or not, etc. In general a late model caprice spring will keep you about the same height or drop you up to an inch. A 9C1 spring should drop you between .5" and 1.5", and an SS spring should drop you about 2" to 3".

Its a bit trial and error, but the springs are practically free and it sure beats destroying the springs you have.

[MagicRat]

Good post, also:
Try here
http://www.classicperform.com/fullsize.htm
They seem to have dropped spindle kits, which would lower the front end while retaining the stock springs and proper suspension geometry.

Also they have air ride kits, which can replace the front, back or all steel springs with air springs which are height adjustable.

[cordovaass]

Originally Posted by curtis73

Yeah, just don't cut springs. Head to the junkyard and get some 9C1 cop car springs from a 91-96 taxi or cop car and you'll be happy. In fact, get some regular Caprice springs (or from a roadmaster, or fleetwood) while you're there. You could also hit some Impala SS forums where there are guys selling their stock SS springs for cheap.

Although all B-body frames are interchangeable back to the 60s, spring rates were different depending on body sheetmetal weight, engine options, A/C or not, etc. In general a late model caprice spring will keep you about the same height or drop you up to an inch. A 9C1 spring should drop you between .5" and 1.5", and an SS spring should drop you about 2" to 3".

Its a bit trial and error, but the springs are practically free and it sure beats destroying the springs you have.

what year ss???

[curtis73]

Originally Posted by cordovaass

what year ss???

94-96