I had to order a lower ball joint last week because I damaged one of the first ones. I was able to get the new one pressed in and the A-arms back on the car. I ran into a little snag when I tried to install the coil springs. Unlike the stock springs, the two ends of the new springs are different, see the picture below.

Detroit Speed was closed today, and I was not able to find a clear answer online. It seemed like the springs fit best by placing the tighter wound end up in the subframe. I didn't want to delay the project any more than I have already, so I installed the springs the way that felt "right". I will call Detroit Speed tomorrow and confirm that this is correct.

UPDATE: I spoke with Mark at Detroit Speed today. The correct orientation for the 2" drop springs is for the flat (or tightly wound end) to go up into the subframe and the "loose" end to sit in the spring pocket on the lower A-arm.

After that, the spindles and hubs bolted right on.

I was anxious to get the car back on the ground to see how low the car would be with the new springs, so I put the new 13" rotors and brake calipers on. I still need to order brake lines and a master cylinder.

The wheels are back on and the car is back on the ground.

The front end sits higher than I want. In fact, it is close to the same height as the stock springs. Hopefully, this is not an indication of an incorrect spring installation! My plan is to order subframe to body bushings from Detroit Speed. They sell a set that is half the thickness of the stock bushings, so that will help somewhat. If it is still too tall, I will likely cut 1/2 coil out of the front springs. After that is fixed, the next step is to plumb the front brakes and install the rear brakes. I will be using a C5 Corvette master cylinder. I should be able to pick up a used unit from eBay within the next couple of weeks. Until then, happy hot rodding!

Created by Jess Cooper