chewbacca116

Hey, everyone. I have a 67 fastback that currently has 15" magnum 500s (P225/60R15). I want to lower the front end slightly (1") so here are my questions:

1) what method should I use? So far, I'm looking at either lowering springs or changing my upper control arm. I'm leaning towards the springs due to cost, but wanted to get your input.
2) what is the consequence of lowering the car? stiff ride? tire rub? I'm not doing this for performance so much as for a more aggressive look.
3) what manufacturer would you recommend for these parts?

Thanks again. i want to do this right, so I want to thank you all in advance for your time and expertise.

L

69mach1377

How much clearance do you have now with tires turned and springs compressed? (as would happen while turning over bumps)

joe68stang

Go with the Shelby drop. It's free, looks great and handles even better. Don't do both. I tried the drop and 620 , 1" lowering springs. Way too low. I have 16" wheels and they hit the rolled fender. wound up putting in a 1" rubber block on top of the spring. Much better.

chewbacca116

What do you mean by a "Shelby Drop"?

L

69mach1377

Relocating the upper control arm like Shelby did for improved cornering geometry does not get an inch drop. Do a search here for more details.

67t5ponycoupe

There is a template in the FAQ for doing the Shelby drop.

bluestalliongt

where is the template i cant find it

eZ

if your only looking to drop it 1' have someone heat the spring to compress it a little bit. ive done this with all my cars whenever im looking for a very slight adjustment. car still rides fine might be a hair stiffer

supermanzx9r

here you go
http://www.nzmustang.com/TechData/armdrop.htm

coda618

The shelby drop changes the geometry of the control arms so that when the spring is compresed, the travel of the tire is up and in as opposed to up and out. Helps handling by lessening tire roll. The amount it actually lowers the car is subject to debate. However, I have never seen estimates more than an inch, but have read many articles that indicate no more than a half, if any. Regardless, the main reason for doing the drop is the improved geometry and resultant improvement on handling. This is why Shelby did this on the early cobras and his Terlinquas. Ford did it the other way as a happy medium between performance and tire wear considerations.

+1 on not doing both at the same time. You have some sizable tires and may run into clearance issues. Since the drop is free, I would try that first and see where that gets you. If there in fact is a negliible, or no, drop, at least you get the benefit of increased handling performance. Then if you still want more of a drop, you could try the one inch lowering srongs, or, just cut your exisitng springs. However, doing so is by trial. There is not an exact method of how much to cut of. However, I typically don't hear of people cutting of more than one coil. If you are doing this, do not cut off more than a quarter spring at a time and then check height each time. Other than that, I would give EZ' suggestion a shot. I hadn't heard of that before. You learn something new everyday (Thanks EZ).

Anyway, good luck.