same year trucks (66) different front springs? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

fleetman · 03-21-2012, 07:12 PM

going to cut my front springs . i didnt want to cut trucks original springs so i picked up 2 from a board member locally- off of his 66.
when i saw his i knew they were shorter and beefier. so i have measured them.
pair A : 13 1/4 coil is 11/16 thick
pair B : 12 3/4 coil is 12/16 thick

can anyone explain how these stock springs can differ in the same model truck ?
i am wondering if i should just get some aftermarket drop springs ! because i have no idea how a 1 coil cut on A and B would compare in drop and ride characteristics !

any thoughts ! thanks

Portmod7 · 03-22-2012, 10:12 AM

My truck is a 1968 small block truck, but evidently they offered the option of putting "big block" springs in the front. It's even listed on the SPID on the glovebox door. So they are stiffer, and the front of the truck rode higher.

Not sure if they did that in 66, but I thought I'd share the information.

Portmod7 · 03-22-2012, 10:19 AM

Also, I see a lot of questions about cutting coils. Here is a basic spring rate calculator. It will give you a basic idea of what gives a certain spring it's "rate" (i.e. 440lbs/in.).

http://www.engineersedge.com/spring_comp_calc_k.htm

As it says, the BEST way to get the most accurate rate is to actually test the spring. Manufacturers of springs all have their own alloy they use, and the different alloys will have an effect on spring rate. Also, as you can see, this method is for a spring that is wound in a cylinder. When you "pigtail" the end such as the top of our front springs and both ends of our rear springs, it effects the rate.

In any case, this should give you an idea of what to expect when you shorten your spring by a certain number of coils. Hope it helps!

**N2TRUX** · 03-22-2012, 10:24 AM

I will assume that there were different springs for 6 or 8 motors since a BBC wasnt an option. I really can't say, but I suggest cutting the taller coil. I have found that the shorter and thicker the coil, the firmer the ride becomes when cut.

SCOTI · 03-22-2012, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fleetman

going to cut my front springs . i didnt want to cut trucks original springs so i picked up 2 from a board member locally- off of his 66.
when i saw his i knew they were shorter and beefier. so i have measured them.
pair A : 13 1/4 coil is 11/16 thick
pair B : 12 3/4 coil is 12/16 thick

can anyone explain how these stock springs can differ in the same model truck ?
i am wondering if i should just get some aftermarket drop springs ! because i have no idea how a 1 coil cut on A and B would compare in drop and ride characteristics !

any thoughts ! thanks

Which pair of the springs (a or b) were from your truck? If it was the taller pair, swap the shorter ones as is & see if there's a difference.

theastronaut · 03-22-2012, 04:17 PM

I have seen an under seat build sheet on a '65 C10 (before spid's)that listed heavy duty springs (F&R) as one of the options.

fleetman · 03-22-2012, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Which pair of the springs (a or b) were from your truck? If it was the taller pair, swap the shorter ones as is & see if there's a difference.

mine are the taller thiner ones (the ones i dont want to cut.... they even still have factory green paint brushed on them).

i have a hunch that the shorter beefier ones probably have equivalent ride hight compared to taller thiner ones ? seems logical. also seems logical cut shorter ones would offer stiffer ride !
i see my choice now is get aftermarket drop springs or find some tall ones like mine to cut.

yup.

fleetman · 03-22-2012, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Which pair of the springs (a or b) were from your truck? If it was the taller pair, swap the shorter ones as is & see if there's a difference.

mine are the taller thiner ones (the ones i dont want to cut.... they even still have factory green paint brushed on them).

i have a hunch that the shorter beefier ones probably have equivalent ride hight compared to taller thiner ones ? seems logical. also seems logical cut shorter ones would offer stiffer ride !
i see my choice now is get aftermarket drop springs or find some tall ones like mine to cut.

yup.
my 66 has 283 . not sure what was in 66 with short beefy springs.

03-21-2012, 07:12 PM	#1
fleetman Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: dunedin, fl Posts: 173	same year trucks (66) different front springs? going to cut my front springs . i didnt want to cut trucks original springs so i picked up 2 from a board member locally- off of his 66. when i saw his i knew they were shorter and beefier. so i have measured them. pair A : 13 1/4 coil is 11/16 thick pair B : 12 3/4 coil is 12/16 thick can anyone explain how these stock springs can differ in the same model truck ? i am wondering if i should just get some aftermarket drop springs ! because i have no idea how a 1 coil cut on A and B would compare in drop and ride characteristics ! any thoughts ! thanks

03-22-2012, 10:12 AM	#2
Portmod7 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Aztec, NM Posts: 388	Re: same year trucks (66) different front springs? My truck is a 1968 small block truck, but evidently they offered the option of putting "big block" springs in the front. It's even listed on the SPID on the glovebox door. So they are stiffer, and the front of the truck rode higher. Not sure if they did that in 66, but I thought I'd share the information.

03-22-2012, 10:19 AM	#3
Portmod7 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Aztec, NM Posts: 388	Re: same year trucks (66) different front springs? Also, I see a lot of questions about cutting coils. Here is a basic spring rate calculator. It will give you a basic idea of what gives a certain spring it's "rate" (i.e. 440lbs/in.). http://www.engineersedge.com/spring_comp_calc_k.htm As it says, the BEST way to get the most accurate rate is to actually test the spring. Manufacturers of springs all have their own alloy they use, and the different alloys will have an effect on spring rate. Also, as you can see, this method is for a spring that is wound in a cylinder. When you "pigtail" the end such as the top of our front springs and both ends of our rear springs, it effects the rate. In any case, this should give you an idea of what to expect when you shorten your spring by a certain number of coils. Hope it helps!

03-22-2012, 10:24 AM	#4
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	Re: same year trucks (66) different front springs? I will assume that there were different springs for 6 or 8 motors since a BBC wasnt an option. I really can't say, but I suggest cutting the taller coil. I have found that the shorter and thicker the coil, the firmer the ride becomes when cut. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

03-22-2012, 04:17 PM	#6
theastronaut Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Anderson SC Posts: 3,871	Re: same year trucks (66) different front springs? I have seen an under seat build sheet on a '65 C10 (before spid's)that listed heavy duty springs (F&R) as one of the options. __________________ Project Goldilocks '66 C10 Short Fleet BBW Build '65 C10 Highly Detailed Stock Restoration Thread '78 Camaro Targa Roof Build '55 International Metal/Body/Paint Work '66 F100 Full Rotisserie Restoration '40 Packard 120 Convertible Coupe Restoration How To Restore and Detail an Original Gauge Cluster How To Detail Sand Body Panels, Edges, Corners, Etc



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