Just dropping the front an inch or two?

If this is dumb, tell me now! I want a mild "rake" - could I just go with two front springs to bring the front down a little? The gap between the tire and fender is driving me nuts! If this is not the way to go, let me know what else I should do. I love the level the back end is at right now so I would like to leave it.

I want the front to have a gap exactly the same as this SS! How much of a drop would that be?



Thanks!

Try a set of 9C1 springs with 1 to 1.5 coils cut. Should put you where you want to be. I'm sure you can find a set of those springs for free somewhere.

Find someone parting out an SS and get the front springs from them. I hate cutting springs since it changes the characteristics of the spring. Better off finding some that are already at the hight you want.

Just don't use dramatic tire sizes to provide a rake since it'll screw up your abs function.

If you do cut the springs be sure to add different shocks. The ride of the car is determined more by the shocks then people think. Any of the performance/regular replacement shocks for the Impala SS will fit an function fine on your Roadmaster sedan.

While I didn't get to drive my car very far or very fast after the H&R springs were installed. I also added Edeldbrock IAS front shocks and Bilstien rear shocks, and that made all the difference on the world. The cushy bouncy ride was gone, the car rebounded only once but not harshly over bumps. I was so looking forward to giving it a nice long drive through some twisty roads but the poor little 305 had different ideas and decided to spin a bearing on the maiden trip after the install.

Why do my cars always break when I am just leisurely driving them? I have yet to break a car while I have been beating on it, go figure.

Will SS springs give me the kind of drop I want? The gap between the tire and the fender seems to get bigger everyday

I would like at least 2 inches gone. What aftermarket springs would do the job?

Vogtland springs ftw.....

SS springs in the front will definitely drop two inches off a RMS spring. If that RMS spring is sagging, the different will be less.

^^^ The gap is big enough for me to believe they were replaced quite recently before I bought it. It has the gran touring suspension and is bouncy and rides like a cloud.



What is that, like a 9 inch gap?!?! It's driving me crazy!

If I was you, I would find a set used of ss springs, or Bill's idea of cutting one coil off a set of 9c1 springs. After this weekend, I may have a set of ss springs with 80k on them for sale. Just have to see if mine are sitting correctly in the lower pockets. If they are not and need adjustment, or are upside down, I will not need my extra set. If I find they are sitting correctly and I still have the gap I do now, I will need to change them out.
And get a set of Monroe Severe Service shocks. This with the ss springs will give a lower stance and ride firm, but not harsh.

How will the ride be if I keep the stock shocks in?

JRS9C1 wrote:

How will the ride be if I keep the stock shocks in?

The problem with the fronts, is getting them off. I usually have to brake them to get them out. If you can get them out without damage go for it. But you are not going to feel the full affect of the springs till you get a firmer than stock shock under there. It will sit lower, but still may be floaty.

How much are the shocks for the front? Anyone got a link?

shox.com has the best deal on Bilsteins.

$309 for bilsteins (set of four) Should I just replace all four or is it an option to do just two?

Hey, I'd run the cut springs. Nothing wrong with it. It may increase the rate just a bit, but who cares? I don't think the SS springs will give you the drop you are after. I'd also go with the Gabriel HD shocks for 20 bucks a piece with a lifetime warranty from Autozone. Dropped and firmed up for 40 bucks?

But hey... that's just me.

I am thinking about cutting them just to be cheap - but I don't know how

jus wait for mod day im sure someone will help ya !!!!!!!!

JRS9C1 wrote:

I am thinking about cutting them just to be cheap - but I don't know how

Don't cut your stockers Tom
You want to cut 9c1 springs.

Starting with the side that sits in the lower A-arm pocket. Just look at the very end of the coil, and cut straight down to the coil below. This will remove one coil.

If still in doubt, like Rich said, wait for mod day.

IMPALADAKID wrote:

JRS9C1 wrote:

I am thinking about cutting them just to be cheap - but I don't know how

Don't cut your stockers Tom
You want to cut 9c1 springs.

Definately!!! Do NOT cut those mushy crap stockers!!! Cut 9C1 springs.

No I'm not cutting the stock springs - Maybe SR has some 9C1 springs around here...

Here is my Caprice with hotchkis springs and stock wheels. It gave a nice rake, which i wasn't looking for. I have more pictures, I just can't find them at the moment.

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btw my caprice always seemed to have a low front rake to it,never thought much of it until i got got the 17" 55 series tires on it, then i noticed the air dam would scrap my dirt driveway, driveway is at a good angle to the sideway,took a shovel to that (i rent so i cant do to much)i was going to drop it 2" until i seen how much clearance i had with the stillen front bumper to the sidewalk ,which i couldnt slide my hand between the 2, yeah its that close,if i went with 45 series tires, it would of never worked.. so im guess im saying is think about the areas u drive around in etc

I agree with wayne. Thats why I took them out. I would scrape the air dam going into 80% of all driveways. Then I took the air dam off, which made the car look like crap. I had enough and just returned it back to stock and sold the 20" wheels I had on it.

waynes91 wrote:

btw my caprice always seemed to have a low front rake to it,never thought much of it until i got got the 17" 55 series tires on it, then i noticed the air dam would scrap my dirt driveway, driveway is at a good angle to the sideway,took a shovel to that (i rent so i cant do to much)i was going to drop it 2" until i seen how much clearance i had with the stillen front bumper to the sidewalk ,which i couldnt slide my hand between the 2, yeah its that close,if i went with 45 series tires, it would of never worked.. so im guess im saying is think about the areas u drive around in etc

Look at this rake with stock suspension. My old 91 I had a few months back.

With any lowered car you have to be more aware of your surroundings and be more careful pulling into driveways and parking lots and over speed bumps... Small trade-off AFAIC. I think any lower than 2" from stock SS height will be tough to drive around on, as you will find most shallow inclines to be "too steep." Lower than that, go with air.

yep gastt ,the same,nice memory , the same color as mine was b4 i painted it dcm