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Old 03-18-2014, 07:51 PM   #1
THRASHER
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Default 1956 Ford Victoria

Any one know what the spring rate is for factory front coil springs on the 56 Victoria ?
I want to purchase shorter springs but keep the ride
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Old 03-18-2014, 08:14 PM   #2
parklane
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Default Re: 1956 Ford Victoria

Get a pair of Ford Aerostar coils. Moog # CC850. These will lower the car about 2" and the ride/handling will be 100% better. These are a progressive coil.
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Old 03-18-2014, 08:15 PM   #3
rick55
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Default Re: 1956 Ford Victoria

Most people stateside use Aerostar springs. Apparently drop the car about 1-2".
You could always cut 1/2-3/4 of a coil for about the same effect, the Aerostar method is probably the recommended route.
You beat me to it Parklane!!
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Old 03-18-2014, 08:16 PM   #4
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Default Re: 1956 Ford Victoria

I'll second that, having done it. I think someone posted the lengths and rates of the coils springs over at y-blocksforever a while back, this and that section.
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Old 03-18-2014, 08:40 PM   #5
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Default Re: 1956 Ford Victoria

Quote:
Originally Posted by miker98038 View Post
I'll second that, having done it. I think someone posted the lengths and rates of the coils springs over at y-blocksforever a while back, this and that section.
Just looked and couldn't locate it. If you can find it relay the info for me. Thanks
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Old 03-18-2014, 09:03 PM   #6
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Default Re: 1956 Ford Victoria

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Here is a copy of a posting on the HAMB.
Check out the full post.
THE H.A.M.B. (http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/index.php)
- The Hokey Ass Message Board (http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=5)
- - CHEAP and Great Alternative Coil Springs '49 thru '59 Ford and Merc (http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=260795)

Fairlane Dave 04-27-2008 09:31 AM
CHEAP and Great Alternative Coil Springs '49 thru '59 Ford and Merc

I posted this information in my thread about cutting coils, but I wanted to start a new thread specifically about these coils so people can find it easier later.

Here's the story....

3" drop front coil springs are over $200 for '49-'59 Fords and Mercs at just about any place that sells them. A friend of mine works at a parts store and was looking for a cheaper alternative, so he started digging through the Moog catalog. He discovered that Aerostar coil springs are almost identical in diameter, coil width and top/bottom shape as the original springs, but they provide approx a 3" drop. Better yet, they are only about $60!

Details on the part:
Moog PN CC850
Fit 1990 and other year Ford Aerostar (3.0 or 4.0 engine)
They are $65 at O'Reilly and $52.79 plus shipping at Rockauto.com.

Dimensions:
Diameter: 4.07"
Wire Diameter: 0.735"
Free Height: 11.65"
Load Height: 10"


The pics below are of my car with 2 coils cut out for about a 4" total drop from stock height and with the uncut Aerostar springs with about a 2-3/4" drop. I think they will settle to about 3" or 3-1/4" in a few months of driving. (My car was almost undrivable with 2 coils cut). The Aerostar springs drive like butter...way better than the old original springs.


2 coils cut:
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d5...ve/Carlow2.jpg

Uncut Aerostar Springs:
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d5...rlaneAfter.jpg
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Old 03-18-2014, 09:04 PM   #7
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Default Re: 1956 Ford Victoria

http://forums.y-blocksforever.com/To...px?PageIndex=4

http://forums.y-blocksforever.com/To...words=Aerostar

These two will get you started. Search word "Aerostar". They wander a bit spindle and spring combinations. The second one has some links to the topic on other sites.

Rick beat me on the post.

Last edited by miker98038; 03-18-2014 at 09:05 PM. Reason: Update
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Old 03-19-2014, 02:15 AM   #8
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Default Re: 1956 Ford Victoria

Will these also fit the '55-'57 Birds? is the drop similar? about 2" ? has anyone with an early bird done this, and if so how was tire clearance? any answers/ opinions/ suggestions appreciated. Thanks , Jim
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Old 03-19-2014, 07:57 AM   #9
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Default Re: 1956 Ford Victoria

the cars may handle better but they look like crap to me but that's just my opinion.
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Old 03-19-2014, 09:29 AM   #10
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Default Re: 1956 Ford Victoria

Mine has Aerostar springs with 1" spacers. I like the height, not too low and with a slight rake to it.



Last edited by raceron1120; 03-20-2014 at 04:10 AM.
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Old 03-19-2014, 11:54 AM   #11
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Default Re: 1956 Ford Victoria

Alaska Jim, I sent a pm with bird specific info.
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Old 03-20-2014, 02:31 AM   #12
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Default Re: 1956 Ford Victoria

raceron1120, I really like your car had one similar about 40 years ago. I really like the color. wish I could find one at a reasonable and affordable price
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Old 03-20-2014, 04:53 AM   #13
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Default Re: 1956 Ford Victoria

Looks nice Raceron. I have not had mine out on the road yet. Not expecting a great handling machine but it should be a fun ride. If Spring ever gets here, I might get back out in the garage and get it ready for the road!
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File Type: jpg Vic2.jpg (34.6 KB, 19 views)
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