Pinto Car Club of America

I have a 1971 runabout and if I am understanding correctly the front spring from the factory is about 9.5" tall, correct? If I were to order an aftermarket 8" spring would it effectively lower my car 1.5" or would this just screw the geometry of the front end up too much? Any input is greatly appreciated.

I put a set of stiffer "lowering" springs in my 71 2.0L runabout and it ended up raising the front end some.  I assumed my 5 year old factory springs had sagged due to all the rough road travel.  There is a chance your 40 year old springs may have sagged some too.  The stiffer spring rate did aid handling.

I did not save the stock springs (so no measurement confirmation).  The stiffer springs have about a 9" un-installed free length now (not sure what it was prior to install).  The stiffer springs came from Racer Walsh back in 1975.  RW presently advertises 8" springs for the 71-73 Pinto's.  Not sure if the 8" is free length or installed loaded height.  A call to them is recommended.

Due to the spring not resting at the ball joint but inboard, a 1" shorter installed spring height will lower the front end more than 1".  Based on rough lever ratio measurements, a 1" reduced loaded spring height would drop the front end by about 1.7".  Again a call to RW for recommendations is in order.  Changing the ride height on a unequal length A-arm suspension will change camber and a realignment would be good.

I had pretty much been counting on the need for a realignment when all of this was said and done. I went ahead and ordered the 8" springs at a much stiffer than stock rate, hoping I didn't go too stiff. Seems like this may drop me about 3 1/4" or so which is about what I was hoping for. I bit the bullet and went ahead and got new shocks a sway bar all new control arm bushings radius arm bushings and ball joints while I was at it so I will have a nice little project on my hands. Excited to see how she handles when it's all done though.