Alternate shocks or hack the wheel wells on a Shell Valley? - Page 2

Jack21 · #21 (**permalink**) 10-19-2002, 01:41 PM

ACC427US,

Using a non-coil over front suspension, the front coils are fatter than the rears. Front spring rate for smallblock varies from 330lb/in - 380lb/in. Rears are 175lb/in - 225lb/in.

After assembling, and disassembling front suspension, and cutting up springs to get the ride height where I wanted it, I gave up and installed coil-overs. Got the Carerra shock and spring package from RCC Specialty Products in Ft Worth. Also got their tubular lower control arm which gives the shock a little additional travel. (Uppers are Heidts, strut is stock w/urethane bushings). Now, I could set the front ride height by adjusting the collar on the shock.

But my suspension woes weren't over yet. Damn uppers, with Fords wonderful way of setting and maintaining front end alignment would not stay put. One bump, and the alignment collapsed. RCC had an alignment saver that I didn't think was as well thought out as it should nave been. Bethania Garage has an MII upper control arm bracket that's beefy, and works. Arms adjust with shims and stay put.

Dirty Harry · #22 (**permalink**) 10-21-2002, 10:37 AM

Jack21,
My car uses a 4-link triangulated setup with coil-overs on a narrowed 9" with a truck housing. Kinda heavy, very strong, pretty low-tech.