I had replaced all springs and shocks and for the longest time just assumed that was stock height. After a couple comments about how high the front end was I decided to cut and lower the springs. Reading on here it was stated that 1/2 a coil = approx. 1 in. I wanted 1.5 in, so I cut out 3/4 of a coil. That dropped my front end 3/8in. I talked to a guy that bought rear springs from the same parts store I did for his 62 1/2 ton, He told me he had to use a comalong to compress the spring enough to bolt his shocks on, So putting 2 and 2 together I realized these springs are far from stock specs. I ended up cutting out a total of 1 3/4 coils, So anyone doing this just keep in mind that even if springs are new they may not be factory spec'ed. Below is the before and after.

 

It dropped the frontend almost 2"

 

It all depends on the spring's "spring rate" A 4 cylinder or V6 spring will have a lighter spring rate than a V8. This means a heavy front end applies more weight on the spring. A light spring will compress more than a heavy spring. A light spring will give a softer ride while a heavy spring will give a much firmer ride.

To get an idea on third gen spring rates, go to the junkyard and measure the wire thickness of different springs. Even an RS with a V8 will have a smaller wire thickness than an IROC with a V8. Both springs are designed to ride at the same height (how much the compressed) but the RS spring will be softer. If the IROC spring is used with a light front end, it won't compress enough.

Aftermarket replacement usually don't have different selections. To them, one size fits all.

 

Yes I understand all that...My point is when I asked for v8 springs(this was a v6 car) they told me they only list 1 set for all makes and models. Now Im not saying this piticular place is on the ball, my springs were diffinetly higher and heavier than the heaviest stock spring for any bird. just look at the height difference with almost 2 coils cut out. In my oppinion it was a one size fits all from this auto store.

 

there are many different v8 springs, so the parts store is full of it. You probably ended up with the moog iroc springs, they are quite stiff and most people here who get them end up with the front of the car looking like your did. Trimming is what you have to do, and it seems to have worked out well.

 

Here's what your car is supposed to look like .... i.e., when you replaced the springs, this is what it put it BACK to.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/hist...od-1986-a.html