73aussie455

I'm trying to workout the best way to lower the front and rear of the big Delta. I cant find any lowered or lowering springs for these so I was toying with the idea if cutting some off the stock height coils on the corners of the car.

Is there another way or is this the accepted method for lowering these coil suspension cars.

Inline

You should have "spring-foundries/workshops" what ever they are called, if we have in Finland too.
They can do you totally new custom springs for height you want ( they arent even expensive, atleast here) or then modify your old spring's ride-height without cutting it, by compressing it and setting to new height at oven.

joe_padavano

I've cut front springs on several cars with no issues. The only problem is that the relationship between the amount to cut and the amount of drop is trial and error. On an A-body, one full coil gets you about two inches drop at the front. Again, no idea how this relates to a full size.

At the rear, the springs typically have a reduced diameter coil at each end, so you can't easily cut them.

I've used both a cutoff wheel and a torch. When using a torch, I submerge the spring in water so just the amount I want to cut off is above the water line. This prevents torch heat from damaging the heat treat of the spring steel.

Also, keep in mind that cutting the springs will increase the effective spring rate.

oldcutlass

Do the rear springs have a pig tail on each end? Those cannot be cut.

Mr Nick

I have no problem cutting springs, the proper way.

Another option is to spec "universal" springs that will suit your needs.

https://www.hypercoils.com/suspension-coil-springs/

oldcutlass

Or... go straight to moogs xref chart below. Probably less expensive.
https://www.moog-suspension-parts.co...il_springs.asp

cdrod

A few years ago, I wanted to lower the rear ride height of my 2003 Toyota 4Runner (it had a ridiculous rake, and the a$$ end was way too high, IMO) but none of the aftermarket companies made lowering springs for this vehicle. So I called Eaton Spring in Michigan, he looked up the spring specs in some database and built me a custom pair with a 1-1/2" drop. The stance was soooo much better! The ride was not noticeably compromised and the lower center of gravity in the rear made the handling much more stable and predictable.

The only problem I had with this approach was the pigtails were too tight on the spring ends to fit the axle pads. So I sent them back to Eaton and they opened them up a bit. You could avoid this issue by making a template of your current pigtails or make a "go-no go" gauge out of some scraps of wood so they can test fit the springs before shipping them to you. I think the cost was around $180 for the pair. Hope this helps!

Rodney

https://www.eatondetroitspring.com/o.../parts-lookup/

csouth

Call Eaton Detroit spring and they can make springs that are lower than stock. They are $189pr. Check out the vehicles look up and find yours. They go up to 2" lower than stock

https://www.eatondetroitspring.com/a...tion/delta-88/

73aussie455

Wow thanks for the link guys!
I cant believe Eaton springs list my car, well sort of.
https://www.eatondetroitspring.com/a...tion/delta-88/

Could the big Delta go under the guise '1973 2 DR Holiday Hardtop Coupe?
I've never heard it referred to as a Holiday model, otherwise that's the one.

Koda

Holiday means hardtop in Olds speak.

Edward Weiss1984olds

napa auto parts- under 1984 s10 front coils- 4 different spring rates, will fit all A bodies and G bodies. under 100$ for a pair.

csouth

Last I heard the Delta wasn't an A or G body...

oldcutlass

He just needs research the physical sizes and end types of the springs on the car. Then look at the springs that have those dimensions and go for a lighter spring rate and/or shorter length.

73aussie455

"oldcutlass;1088484]He just needs research the physical sizes and end types of the springs on the car. Then look at the springs that have those dimensions and go for a lighter spring rate and/or shorter length."

I'm not going for lighter springs as I don't want the car bottoming out, so i'm getting lowered HD springs for the corners to drop the ride height and stiffen it up to protect the bottom when loaded or doing dumb stuff..

Thanks for all the links and help.
I've found several company's that do specific springs for the '73 Delta's including HD, lowered and variable rate.
Prices range from under $50 pair to over $200 per pair and of course, none are available in Aust.

I'm a bit limited on what I can do as legislation here says you cant lower a car more than 1/3 its original spec suspension travel. And in case your wondering, my Delta is a cop target as it's left hand drive.
This from the vehicle modification rules:

*either front or rear, the suspension travel must not be reduced by more
than one third of that specified by the vehicle manufacturer

*the vehicle must also retain 100 mm ground clearance which is measured
between any part of the vehicle and the ground

*coil springs must not be shortened by cutting, and no suspension
component is to be subjected to heating

At least now I have something to go by and a host of suppliers. Unfortunately the last spring/ suspension resetting workshop closed here 4 years ago.

Local Hero

I cut the springs on ALL my cars. The Vert in my avatar has one coil removed from all four springs. The Delta in my signature had one coil removed from brand new fronts. My G-Body beater wagon has the stock V6 springs in the front but holding up a 350 sbc.