Drop Spindles

[ROYCEO]

Does anyone have a source for drop spindles that fit a 55 Bird? I haven't been able to locate anything. The previous owner of my car replaced the front springs and it sits too high. I don't care for the "gasser" look. Thanks, Royce

[TNcoupe]

Is it original Y block engine?

[ranchbird]

Fatman fab makes dropped spindles there petty spendy $575 then you need 75-80 Granada rotors and 75-80 camaro calipers,and you would need to change the master cylinder to a dual reservoir, another option would be Jamco suspenions they don't sell spindles, but they have complete kits to lower front and back or individual components like in your case front lowering springs that come with matching shocks. A buddy bought some for his 56 ford to lower the front 3" and is very happy with them.

[TNcoupe]

That's where I was headed with it. I put the Ford Aerostar rear springs in the front of my 55 T bird and they are about 3 coils shorter but have equivalent spring rate. I also shed some weight off the front by pulling the Y block and swapping to an aluminum top end 302 with a C4 which helps the new front springs too.

[ROYCEO]

Thanks for the info gentlemen. Everything is factory stock on this car except for the wheels and tires, 12 volt conversion, and change to alternator from stock generator. I think I will probably shorten the springs I have on it now. I just spent a ton of money rebuilding the engine and the stock market isn't helping either.
Royce

[paul2748]

If you are going to shorten the springs you have, do not use a torch. Use a cut off wheel or some kind of saw

[55blacktie]

Cutting the stocks springs to get the desired ride height will be a trial-and-error process. I doubt you will enjoy removing and replacing the springs multiple times to get it right, but maybe you have more patience and skills than I. I rapped a chain through and around the springs to avoid injury. They have been known to fly out. You can also use a spring compressor, but space is limited, and they are not 100% safe.

As it's been said, don't use a torch. They could loose their temper and turn to mush. I would stick the spring in a bucket of water and use a cut-off wheel. Removing a full coil should result in a 2" drop. I don't know that I would remove more than 1 full coil. Cutting the springs will also make them stiffer.

[55blacktie]

If you cut your coils, do not cut the end with the flat coil. I would only disassemble one side at a time.