I know, another spring question. I'll try and keep this brief. I just picked up the recommended 6041 springs for my '69 SB and plan to lower it about 2" from stock.

I received an email from Hotchkis confirming that their drop springs are 600 lbs. I printed a pic off of their spring and it is exactly 2 coils shorter than the stock 6041. Given this, they must be a different spring? Any input?

On cutting I have 2 questions:
1. Is it better to cut the frame end or the control arm end? There seems to be a difference of opinion from past threads.
2. Is it better to index in the control arm or the frame?

I've read 2 1/4 coil cut for a stock height. Has any one done 3 coils? If so, what was the drop from stock?

I'm ready to cut this weekend and would appreaciate a bit of input in re-hashing this one more time.

Thanks!
Noel

The only answer to this is to remember that giving you an approximate number of coils to cut off is just that. An approximate and nothing else.

I used the 6041 springs in just about every Guldstrand car I did while I was working there and has been the most used spring in the projects I have worked on since leaving there in the middle 90's. Overall a good choise, just remember to balance out the rear with at least a 220lb rear spring, and dont run too big of a sway bar.

To answer your questions considering which end to cut, I have always cut the control arm side. This is the way it was origionally done back in 66-67. It is eaiser to locate the spring in the frame cup with a/the flatter end. Indexing really isnt too much of an issue, but it should be indexed in the frame. The frame and the flat end of the spring are a near perfect match.

As for cutting to a ride height, the idea of this is to set the front ride height to "Designed" ride height. Which is 9 to 9 1/2" from the center of the forward lower control arm bolt to the plane of the ground (depending on overall tire diameter). This sets up the inner pivot (control arm bushing) and the ball joint paralelle.

From my experience your free height measurement of the spring should be around 13 to 13 1/2". Which is approximately 3 coils and at a rate of right around 675ish pounds. This sets the fender height to roughly 25 1/2" with a 24.8" tire (245/50/16).

Other variables in height are engine weight, battery relocation....and so on.

If I may add, you can do the initial cut of 2 1/2 coils then install them and drive them for a couple of weeks (spring settling), measuring the front height every couple of days and when it no longer looses height, pull them out and cut them to you're desired ride height. This will help you from going too low.

chicane,
what would you consider too big of a sway bar with the 6041 springs?
i was considering these springs but now think they may be too stiff. i run a 1 inch front bar, aluminum head SB, battery in trunk, no fiberglass anywhere.
i have plans for autocross and plenty of summer street driving.
thanks,
kip

Anything over an inch, and an inch is on the frindge. And no I dont think that these springs will be too stiff, as if you are going to go cone killing, the 6041 spring is just about perfect for low to moderate speed autocross.

The 6041's, a set of stock valved Bilsteins and a bar of 3/4 to 1 inch, a good set of 16+" wheels and tires along with the Guldstrand modification would definately bring a smile to your face.....without braking the bank.....

Chicane,

Thanks for the reply! This has been really helpful. I will start with the 2 1/2 cut and see where it settles.

I just bought rear multi-leafs. I think they are around the 200-210 mark. I bought an Addco sway bar. It is 1 1/8". Had it purchased before buying the springs. What is the negative in having a bar this size with this spring rate?

Again, thanks for your input.

Noel

Understeer is the byproduct.