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  1. #1

    Default How much drop before c/c plates are needed?

    Looking for information on cutting springs, such as how much a coils or 1/2 coil equal in actual ride height. how much can one do without c/c plates, and anything else related.
    I’m really hoping for responses from people with experience. Not interested in “just buy some springs”
    I’ve got an 83 if it matters, it looks like a 4x4 in my opinion.

  2. #2

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    IMO--Every Fox Mustang needs C/C plates regardless of ride height.
    Jeremiah

    1986 Mustang GT 5spd, 3.27's
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  3. #3
    Moderator wraithracing's Avatar
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    Unfortunately it's hard to give you specific answers due to difference in the vehicles, different springs, different mileage, age, wear, tear, etc.

    As mentioned above CC Plates are the second part I add to every Fox I own with full length SFC being the first. Both from Maximum Motorsports. The only way to get a decent alignment on a Fox and especially a lowered one is with CC Plates. Caster is not adjustable in stock form on the Mustang with quality CC plates you can add caster that will help improve high speed stability of the vehicle.

    I have done the cut coils in the past for budget reasons. It does work, the results can be mixed in my experience. The actual spring rate will go up due to the nature of cutting off the coil. Sometimes this is a benefit, but sometimes it can make the ride more harsh than wanted. I don't think I have ever cut more than 1/2 coil off GT/RS/TRX springs and that generally gives me enough of a drop for my tastes. I would say in most cases the drop is around 3/4" -1". Again this can vary depending on the age of the springs, the mileage, the alignment of the vehicle, etc., etc., etc. So there are no guarantees that even the same basic vehicles cut the same will have the same drop. There is too much slop in the overall tolerance of the Foxbody vehicles and very seldom are two exactly alike.

    If this is a budget thing for cutting the coils, I have been there and get it. If you can afford springs then I highly recommend the Eibach Pro Kit for most street driven Foxes. Nice lowering with improved handling, but doesn't beat you to death with harshness. If you can afford the whole kit with struts and shocks its an excellent upgrade for most Foxes. The H&R Sport springs are another great option again for a nice drop with still a decent ride quality. Good Luck!
    ​Trey

    "I Don't build it hoping for your approval! I built it because it meets mine!"

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  4. #4
    FEP Power Member richpet's Avatar
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    Agree with the CC plates and decent ability to get a good alignment.

    I cut 1/2 a coil from my '83 hatchback springs when I built it. As mentioned previously it does make the ride harsher. IIRC I ended up around 3/4" lower.

    IF you decide to buy a set, I used the LMR springs in the Granada and am very happy with ride quality and they were less expensive than most others.

    A big factor in whatever spring you use is also using a good shock/strut to control the action of the spring.



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  5. #5

    Default

    The plates are not much. But I would also add the ford performance springs are cheap and excellent.
    1984.5 G.T.350 5.0 CFI AOD Convertible (TRX package, loaded)
    K&N filter in a stock dual snorkel, GT40 heads, Edelbrock 3721 intake, MSD 8456 Dist., MSD 8227 coil
    Comp cams XE254H, hypereutectic pistons
    Hooker Super Comp Shorty Equal Length Headers, catted BBK H-pipe, full custom duals
    Maximum Motorsports caster/camber plates and strut tower brace, 3.73 rear, dura grip (both Yukon)
    Ford Performance Springs, Firehawk A/S 225/55r16 on LMR TRX r390 wheels (street)
    Federal 595 rs-rr 245/40r17 and 255/40r17 on OE cobra r wheels (race)
    AOD rebuilt with a 6 clutch direct drum, Koline steels stacked with 8 clutches, Kevlar band, superior shift kit, new torque converter. --Everything else stock and fully functional.

  6. #6

    Default

    Thanks for reply’s, I probably should’ve been a little more descriptive. The car has been stashed for decades and my cash flow sucks, that said it’s coming along slowly and when funds allow I’ll be able to do it right with tie rod ends, cc plates and actual springs. Hopefully I’ll bee ordering sfc in the next month or 2 but it’s still got the 7.5 rear and crappy ackerman and front brakes. So for now I’d like to get rid of the 4x4 look within a $0 cost. Sounds like 1/2 a spring will help enough for now

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