The Oldsmobile Connection

[Brianritchie21787]

ok, so I was browsing JCWhitney.com and found this Lowering kit. After countless hours looking for lowering springs and coming up with nothing I'm thinking about giving them a try, but I'm not sure the front springs on my car have enough travel to use them. I'm also afraid the long threaded bolt could cause clearance issues on rebound so they might need some trimming... what do you guys think? waist of time?

[Brando]

:lol:

TOC Admin
Brando

[87Delta]

http://kalecoauto.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=11

Only $19.99

:lol:

[88 Coupe]

Brianritchie21787 wrote: ........ but I'm not sure the front springs on my car have enough travel to use them. I'm also afraid the long threaded bolt could cause clearance issues on rebound so they might need some trimming ........ waste of time?
In addition to all of the above, add: Would it be embarrassing if one should break when all my Buds were watching?

Built my own version when I was in my teens.

If you can't get dropped spindles, and only want 2-3 inches, cut half to three quarters of a coil out of the springs. If you're going lower, air bag it.

I've always cut the coils. If done properly, it works fine.

Regards, Norm

[Brianritchie21787]

ha....... ha. I'm looking for an alternative to cutting my springs, or having an expensive custom set made specifically for my car. Well, thanks for the help 87 delta, errr lack therof. :roll:



Brian

[Brianritchie21787]

Quote: If you can't get dropped spindles, and only want 2-3 inches, cut half to three quarters of a coil out of the springs. If you're going lower, air bag it.



Regards, Norm

Thanks for the serious inquiry. Airbags are out of my budget right now.

Quote: Would it be embarrassing if one should break when all my Buds were watching?


So you dont think these will hold up to everyday driving?

Quote: I've always cut the coils. If done properly, it works fine.

I'll have to pay a friend to remove the old ones, since im not completly comfortable with removing them myself yet. I've never seen it done so im eager to learn... and besides, I wouldnt want to loose an eye :wink:

One more question, will the coils from an 83 caprice swap over? I can get them for free and I'd rather cut those up then the ones i have now incase i mess up.



thanks norm,
Brian

[88 Coupe]

Quote: ........ Airbags are out of my budget .........
I know that. That part was for anyone else who might be reading.

Quote: ........ So you dont think these will hold up to everyday driving? ........
Short answer, they will not.

At the risk of sounding like a d**k: My posts are always based on my own experience, not what I've read on the internet. If I have any doubts, I will state them.

Questions about my reasoning, the situation, numbers, why I might be mistaken, etc, are welcome, as my memory is not always as accurate as I'd like it to be.

Quote: ........ will the coils from an 83 caprice be identical? ........
No idea.

If I had both I would measure them. Alternate would be to compare OEM replacement specs.

I've used the Moog catalogue to cross '57 Olds front coil dims to my original '50s. Normally I just measure them.

If you choose to cut them, have it done correctly by a pro, and do not let him cut more than one coil.

Regards, Norm

[Brianritchie21787]

Quote: At the risk of sounding like a d**k: My posts are always based on my own experience, not what I've read on the internet. If I have any doubts, I will state them.

And I respect that, thanks for your help

Brian

[88delta88]

Brian,

I tried the coil clamps just for the hell of it. They suck. They are usually harder to get on than you think, plus, you need at least 2 on each coil to make any sort of a noticable difference. I lost one while driving once, and the bolts bounced off my tire, and clanged around the fender well, before falling to the road. Could have had a major tire blow out ;-) The things you learn along the way...

When I replaced my struts, I did my research, and cut my coils. I've been driving with them like that for well over 2 years now, with NO problems whatsoever.

You have a very good idea with buying an extra set of coils to do the cutting with. If something goes wrong, or you dont like the ride height (or the ride quality) you can swap them back easily. I think you'd be able to pick up a good cheap set of coils for under 50 dollars.

Rule of thumb - cut no more than 1/2 a coil at a time. You may be installing and removing the springs a few times to get the perfect height. Its hard to tell before you cut how much to remove.