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Author Topic: coil spring install 79 pinto sedan  (Read 9503 times)

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Offline Reeves1

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Re: coil spring install 79 pinto sedan
« Reply #30 on: May 07, 2017, 11:32:32 AM »
My notes show the springs as M2 with 302w & A/C.
I cut them down to 3 & 3/4" short of 6 full coils.

With my B2 engine, which weighs more than a 302w, it looks like the ride height may be OK (still do not have the car done). It will settle over time as well.

My headers will add weight , over say exhaust manifolds, of light weight ones made for a 302w.
Mine have 2" 18ga tubes to 3 1/2" collectors .
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Offline jwpauto

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Re: coil spring install 79 pinto sedan
« Reply #31 on: May 07, 2017, 11:57:14 AM »
I used the same M2 coils, have them cut to same size as stock springs that came out. I have replaced all the bushings and ball joints. As you can probably seem I'm doggone up the finish on the coils trying every which way to get them in...


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Offline Reeves1

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Re: coil spring install 79 pinto sedan
« Reply #32 on: May 07, 2017, 05:24:09 PM »
Same size / length as OEM will have your front end sitting too high, with a 302w.

I set the spring on the floor. Used a square & marked a line up the coils, then cut them down to 3 3/4" less than 6 full coils (circles).

You may need to go even less..... so do not torque the ball joint, as you may well have to remove the coil to cut more off.
Use a zip blade, NOT A TORCH !
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Offline jwpauto

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Re: coil spring install 79 pinto sedan
« Reply #33 on: May 07, 2017, 07:39:20 PM »
So we ended up using external spring compressors and binding the springs with ratchet straps. Had a heavy guy stand on the crossmember while we jacked up the car, secured the spindle and cut the binds.
This is a very sketchy way of doing it, but the spring compressors simply could not compress the spring enough to be installed.

Everything else pretty much went right together. Now both front and rear have upgraded brakes and 5x4 1/2 wheels.

The ride height is even right now front and rear, but you can see the springs are slightly bowed due to the spring rate. We'll see how it settles with the weight of the motor, we can remove and cut the springs again if necessary and the rear ride height can be set with the air shocks.





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