1956 Ford Victoria

[THRASHER]

Any one know what the spring rate is for factory front coil springs on the 56 Victoria ?
I want to purchase shorter springs but keep the ride

 

[parklane]

Get a pair of Ford Aerostar coils. Moog # CC850. These will lower the car about 2" and the ride/handling will be 100% better. These are a progressive coil.

 

[rick55]

Most people stateside use Aerostar springs. Apparently drop the car about 1-2".
You could always cut 1/2-3/4 of a coil for about the same effect, the Aerostar method is probably the recommended route.
You beat me to it Parklane!!

 

[miker98038]

I'll second that, having done it. I think someone posted the lengths and rates of the coils springs over at y-blocksforever a while back, this and that section.

 

[THRASHER]

I'll second that, having done it. I think someone posted the lengths and rates of the coils springs over at y-blocksforever a while back, this and that section.

Just looked and couldn't locate it. If you can find it relay the info for me. Thanks

 

[rick55]

Here is a copy of a posting on the HAMB.
Check out the full post.
THE H.A.M.B. (http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/index.php)
- The Hokey *** Message Board (http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=5)
- - CHEAP and Great Alternative Coil Springs '49 thru '59 Ford and Merc (http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=260795)

Fairlane Dave 04-27-2008 09:31 AM
CHEAP and Great Alternative Coil Springs '49 thru '59 Ford and Merc

I posted this information in my thread about cutting coils, but I wanted to start a new thread specifically about these coils so people can find it easier later.

Here's the story....

3" drop front coil springs are over $200 for '49-'59 Fords and Mercs at just about any place that sells them. A friend of mine works at a parts store and was looking for a cheaper alternative, so he started digging through the Moog catalog. He discovered that Aerostar coil springs are almost identical in diameter, coil width and top/bottom shape as the original springs, but they provide approx a 3" drop. Better yet, they are only about $60!

Details on the part:
Moog PN CC850
Fit 1990 and other year Ford Aerostar (3.0 or 4.0 engine)
They are $65 at O'Reilly and $52.79 plus shipping at Rockauto.com.

Dimensions:
Diameter: 4.07"
Wire Diameter: 0.735"
Free Height: 11.65"
Load Height: 10"


The pics below are of my car with 2 coils cut out for about a 4" total drop from stock height and with the uncut Aerostar springs with about a 2-3/4" drop. I think they will settle to about 3" or 3-1/4" in a few months of driving. (My car was almost undrivable with 2 coils cut). The Aerostar springs drive like butter...way better than the old original springs.


2 coils cut:
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d5...ve/Carlow2.jpg

Uncut Aerostar Springs:
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d5...rlaneAfter.jpg

 

[miker98038]

http://forums.y-blocksforever.com/Topic75912.aspx?PageIndex=4

http://forums.y-blocksforever.com/Topic19219.aspx?Keywords=Aerostar

These two will get you started. Search word "Aerostar". They wander a bit spindle and spring combinations. The second one has some links to the topic on other sites.

Rick beat me on the post.

 

[Alaska Jim]

Will these also fit the '55-'57 Birds? is the drop similar? about 2" ? has anyone with an early bird done this, and if so how was tire clearance? any answers/ opinions/ suggestions appreciated. Thanks , Jim

 

[darrell]

the cars may handle better but they look like crap to me but that's just my opinion.

 

[raceron1120]

Mine has Aerostar springs with 1" spacers. I like the height, not too low and with a slight rake to it.

 

[miker98038]

Alaska Jim, I sent a pm with bird specific info.

 

[Alaska Jim]

raceron1120, I really like your car had one similar about 40 years ago. I really like the color. wish I could find one at a reasonable and affordable price

 

[GAR64]

Looks nice Raceron. I have not had mine out on the road yet. Not expecting a great handling machine but it should be a fun ride. If Spring ever gets here, I might get back out in the garage and get it ready for the road!