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1970 TORINO SUSPENSION
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Posted by: SINGLE_SHOT

I am looking to lower the ride height of my 1970 Ford Torino GT. I think I have the rear under control but I am concerned about the front. I was thinking of putting bags in the front coil springs but I am concerend about the stiff ride and the bags rubbing on the coils, also the cost of compressor, valves, hoses gauges, etc

I have also though of cutting a few coils out of the springs or heating and compressing them. What do you think? What are coil over systems?

Single_shot

Posted by: merczephyr

Coil-overs are where the spring is mounted on the shock. The factory coil spring is removed completely for these to be installed.

The airbags won't lower your car, if they are installed inside the original springs. You may be able to find air springs to replace the coil springs, then you can adjust the ride height with airpressure. (costly)

Cutting coils has the effect of stiffening springs up, but usually for the worse. If you don't remove more than on coil, they may be survivable. Most cars I've seen with cut springs rode like they had solid mounted the control arms, with no movement.

As for Heating coils, I'd say do not do it under any circumstance. by heating the springs, you remove the "spring" from the metal, usually winding up with springs that can't rebound as well, so you wind up with a mushy, uncontrolled ride, or with bricks for springs. You also alter the temper of the steel, and cause them to become brittle, which can cause them to crack/break.

Posted by: SINGLE_SHOT

Would a coil over kit work for this application?

Posted by: merczephyr

You should be able to find something that would work, but they are not cheap either.

Posted by: SINGLE_SHOT

Well what would be a cheaper solution?

Posted by: MadScientistMatt

Global West sells springs for Torinos - I seem to remember them being used back when Hot Rod tried to make a Montego handle. If you don't want just a set of springs (and if you're lowering it right, shocks), you can try cutting the stock springs. The usual rule of thumb is that you can cut a coil and a half before getting in trouble.

Posted by: SINGLE_SHOT

I couldnt find springs for torino's on global west i could find other item but not springs.

Also it is said that the last two springs on each side are "dead' springs should i cut one coil or 3/4 of a coil of each or side or should i just take 1 1/2 off the top

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