Pinto Car Club of America

First off,  I have done a search on lowering the pinto and I am trying to figure out the right method with the 73 wagon I have.

I have a 74 wagon that I bought to use as a doner.  I understand that the front suspension parts on the 74 and 73 are different.  Can the 74 A arms and control arms be used on the 73 with drop spindles?  or can I just update the ball joints on the 73 A arms and control arms and use the drop spindles with them even though the spindles are about 1 inch higher? I know that it is easy to cut the springs and lower the front that way, but I want to take the car down a total of three inches in the front and I think cutting the springs would make them pretty short to get 3 inches out.  I understand that one coil equals 1-1.5 inches...that would mean about 2 coils to get where I want.  I have a set of blocks for the back, so the rear isn't going to be a problem.  I'm just trying to figure out what is best for the front.

Any one out there done a 3 inch drop to a 73 wagon?  I want the car to look cool and at the same time be safe and easy to drive. Right now it sits pretty high with the 14 inch wheels.  There won't be a problem with wheel clearance even when it is dropped 3 inches.

Thanks for any info and help. This is a great Pinto site!

A 3" drop is a lot.  The only bolt on method that I know of to lower a 71-73 front suspension is with lowering or cut springs.  I do not think springs alone will get your 3" drop and still have some up travel.  Maybe a combination of springs and low profile tires may get you there.  When cutting springs remember that cutting the spring 1" may lower the car 1.8" due to the lower control arm lever ratio,   Unless you have a lot of springs, make the first cut at about half of what you expect and repeat until you get to your desired height (its hard to put the springs back together).  Before cutting, another suggestion is to temporarily add weight to the front to lower it to the desired height and see if the remaining up travel is adequate for you.

I have read here that one or two people have removed the late model crossmember with suspension and transplanted it in to a early model.  This is probably more work than it is worth for a better appearance.

The 74 arms will not directly bolt up to the 73 chassis, most of the dimensions are different.  I have always wanted to try to make adapters/modifications in order to mount the late spindle to the early suspension but other priorities have prevailed.

Maybe somebody with experience lowering a early wagon will chime in.  My experience is with the early runabout.  I think the suspensions are the same (except for the spring rates) but not 100% positive.

Sorry for the late response, I've  been gone all week.  Thanks for the good info. I think I will try the springs and see what gives there. I'll probably have to settle for less than 3 inches. Even 2 will look better than it is now.