Has anyone used coil spring spacers (lift blocks) on the front end suspension springs to provide a little lift. I need about 1 to 2 inches. Are they reliable and are they hard to install?

 

Kent, are you talking about the metal screw jack type or the rubber disc that insert in-between or under the coil spring? In my experience they both will rise the vehicle but with a much more rigid effect on the ride, especially the metal ones. I had to install a set of the rubber ones and it worked but it was a pain.

(how come the smiles keep changing postions?)

 

I used the metal ones many years ago I just screw them in with the end of a lug wrench, jacked the car up some to get some pressure off the springs; as OldF1 mentioned the ride was much stiffer.

 

I was talking about the blocks that fit in between the coils. I hadn't gotten that far as to metal or rubber.

 

I used those in a previous vehicle and they didn't raise it as much as firm up the ride.

I may be reading between the lines a little bit here, but when you mention coil springs and need a few inches, I'm assuming that you have installed an IFS on your truck and it dropped it down a little too much.

If that is the case then there are a couple things that cause that. First, the Mustang II type IFS' naturally drop the front by about 3-4 inches, then the probable change to 15" wheels will drop in another one.

But one factor that the companies that sell these installations don't seem to grasp, is that the standard springs they sell with them are too light for truck application. I'm not exactly sure of the numbers, (like 350 is wht they sell and 425 is what works better) but (again assuming you have one of these) if you were given the lighter springs (and yes they will send those even if you told them you have a truck) they will also cause the truck to drop another inch or two - and you rride will be mushy.

I might look at installing heavier springs as opposed to blocking them. Just a thought.

Here is a link to some discussion on spring weights:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ng-enough.html

Or this one on spacers and custom springs:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...front-end.html

 

It's always easier to give good answers if you provide us with all the details: What year truck? what suspension? Front/rear? What engine? Why do you want to raise it? I can only assume you have a non stock suspension since Ford did not use coils 48-60.
In general, the rubber blocks that are shaped like short dog bones will raise up a coil spring with some increase in ride harshness. Biggest problem we found with them is that they tended to migrate around in the spring to one side making the spring bulge, and/or sometimes fell out when you hit a deep pothole or jacked up the wheel to change a tire. The metal ones are not a good ideal, they can stress the springs and cause them to break.

 

You are right about the details. My truck is a 1950 F-1 with a TCI Mustang II IFS installation. Engine is a 351W with C4 tranny. I think my mistake is I ordered the suspension with 2" dropped spindles because I wanted it low. I guess that proves to be careful what you wish for!!!

When installed I cut about 1/2 a coil to get the springs installed and after all the helpful advise from FTE folks, I am thinking I need to get some new springs. My A arms sit slightly positive of level at the moment but I am concerned that once they settle in, I will have clearance issues with the tires.

 

Yep most of the folks who sell the TCI kits don't tell you that the base installation will drop the front down 5-6 onches to start with. Add another inch for the 15 inch wheels you are installing on that smaller bolt pattern (the one that now matches you 9" rear end) add two more inches for drop spindles and another 1 to 2 inches if you have the 325 or 350 springs.

So you may be looking at as much as an 11 inch drop. Watch out for the speed bumps.

It shouldn't hurt anything, but if you are running a stock flathead 239 (which is actually a pretty heavy engine) or any big block engine, chances are you ride will be mushy and your handleing in corners will not be as solid as with the heavier springs - especially when cornering to the right (like on freeway on ramps).

I'd put some miles on it to see how you like it before making any changes. You can always change out the springs for under $100 if the ride is too soft, or the spindles for $200 if the ride is good but just too low - depending on how you like the ride versus the height.

 

Yes, change out the springs first. look around on the Mustang and racing sites for used springs, they should be cheap. Don't cut the coils unless the IFS manufacturer tells you it's needed, that's what spring compressors are for. Ask here for help if you still have problems installing them, there are little tricks to make it easier. Even new aftermarket springs are pretty inexpensive with a wide range of deflection, diameter and lengths available. If that doesn't bring you up enough, I'm sure you can find someone who wants the dropped spindles willing to trade for their set of stock height ones.