Tech Question - Mustang II Coil Springs

Q -Mike,

I have just finished my second Mustang II front suspension installation and once again am unhappy with the springs supplied with the kit. I think the rate is way too high for my application (1951 Ford Pickup w/GM small block). The supplier says "give it time, the springs will settle." My question is how much can one expect the springs to settle or sag after installation? I need about 3 Inches of drop to get the lower suspension A arms level with the ground.Onmy first project car, I cut the coils and it sat right until a few months later when the springs settled and then it was too low. If I am going to have to remove the springs on my current project for cutting, I'd rather order a new set with the right spring rate and loaded height. I just want to make sure I get the right springs this time, and hopefully get a smoother ride too. - Warren

A - Warren,

1st thing I need to know is the truck completely finished? Remember springs hold weight and if all the items are not on the vehicle then the springs are not holding all the weight they are designed for. Once the vehicle is all together, you need to drive it. Not you and your buddies pushing up and down on the bumper for that ain't the same. Drive that puppy, and I mean drive it like you almost stole it. Don't baby it. Get on it. Mash the accelerator. Stand on the brakes. See if it will take the corner on 2 wheels. Work that suspension. We want to get everything seated and flexing. Now, will coil springs settle? Yes. How much? If it is the right spring, not much. Maybe a quarter to one half Inch. If the springs are too strong they will never go down. However if the springs are too light they will start off high and over a short amount of time they will began to collapse. This is because the springs are over stressed. Or because they were cut with a torch, but you will directed to a web article about this later. Most Mustang II parts suppliers offer at most 4 different springs. A few, our dealers, offer up to 23 different springs. These many springs are needed because of all the possible ways the MII can be fitted to a vehicle and all the possible engine combinations and locations. We have developed a "cheat sheet" for picking the right spring based upon standard engine weights and mounting locations. While using this sheet will get the right coil over 90% of the time, it does give us the needed benchmark should your require a different spring. Should you be in the 10% who needs a different spring, simply tell us what needs to be different and by how much and we will swap springs. You get to pay all shipping costs. Here is the "cheat sheet" for picking the hopefully right spring. Mustang II Coil Springs Now a few words on cutting coils. It can be and is done. There is a right way and a wrong way. Go here to learn which is which Cutting Coil Springs with Calculations and Cutting Coil Springs.