lowering 56 merc

Johnnydidd

Johnnydidd

Well-known member
Front of my 56 has been lowered by heating the springs causing them collapse a little to get a 2 inch lowering. the rear has lowering blocks of about 2 inches, I am replacing the rubber bushing on all of pivot points, everything is working great, except on the front where the coil springs have been heated way out of shape, I purchased a set used springs, which I will install, I like the looks of the lower front, how much I should I cut off of the new springs to lower it 2 inches.
 
Run a search, or go to the Ford group social site. The Aerostars are a progressive rate spring, and let you lower the car without bottoming. I replaced the cut stockers with Aerostars in my 55 bird, best $60 I ever spent. I didn't have to trim the bump stops, but I think on full size cars that might be different. Just search "Aerostars" if nothing else, all kinds of info comes up.

I've trimmed lots of used springs over the years. The problem is not knowing how much they've sagged, or weakened. You'll almost need to install them uncut, then remove them to cut after you see where you are.
 
I took the aerostars out of my '59, the 15" tires hit the inner fenders on turns. There is another spring, the Moog CC581 that I may try. But give the CC580 a go, the issue may be with the newer Fords.

I put the stock ones back in, less 1 coil. Not as low as I like, might take another 1/2 coil out of them.
 
Bob-93021 said:
Bob, How much lower was the front end after removing one coil?
Click to expand...

Not as much as I'd like. I have to take pictures of it soon. Here's one of it with the aerostars in it. They may go back in with a spacer up top. Spring rate of the OG ones is 414, with 1 coil out its 495.
 

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I keep botching the part number, the correct Moog part number is CC850, not CC580. I have dyslexia and mess up part numbers all the time.

These have a spring rate of 605 (lbs required to displace the spring 1"), which is a progressive rate so it may be a bit misleading. The CC851 is a little longer and has a rate of 440. These are about 1.25" higher installed. These I would be comfortable with whacking off a 1/2 or 1 whole coil, but run it through a spring formula so you know how it will end up. Stock Ford springs are around 415 for a spring rate.

The CC850 I would install as is. I still may toss mine back in with a spacer to give me more tire clearance.
 
I ended up using a set of old springs I got from a friend, I am cutting off 2" I will let you know how this works.
 
I'm an engineer so I like to know what I'm doing when I try a different spring. I want to know the outer diameter, wire size, # of active coils and the rate and so on. Plug the variables into an equation and anyone will have a better idea of what they'll end up with.

Moog has a PDF file online, you may have to search for it. I saved it here at work and have a hard copy at home. This document has everything you need.
 
Sal, I needed a set of spring asap, my merc was tying a bay at repair shop, that's the reason I went with used springs, they were cut down 2" installed this am sets good. Appreciate all you guys help
 
See how it rides, it may be just fine. I figure I'll be messing with mine again after I get some miles on it.
 
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