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By easyissy - 14 Years Ago
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I recently purchased a set of '90 Ford Aerostar springs to lower my '58 Ford Custom 300. I noticed a pretty big differnece in the overall height of the new springs compared to the old springs. Do I need to use shorter shocks or will the stock shocks work? Thanks in advance 
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By Bob's 55 - 14 Years Ago
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If all you did was change springs then no you don't have to (considering they are in good shape). You will have the same amount of travel with the shorter springs. If you do decide to get new shocks may I suggest KYB Gas-a just all around. They improved the both the ride and stability of my '55.
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By easyissy - 14 Years Ago
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Well, I was more worried about the length of the shock. Since the springs are shorter, should'nt the shocks be too?
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By Bob's 55 - 14 Years Ago
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No, because you didn't change the amount of swing of the A arms. And the stops are still located in the same place.
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By easyissy - 14 Years Ago
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Thanks Bob for the info
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By texasmark1 - 14 Years Ago
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how about some before/after pics when you complete the install? I have a 57 Fairland that I am considering doing the same treatment to... thanks, Mark
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By easyissy - 14 Years Ago
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No problem Mark. The only problem is it's going to be a while before I finish. I'm redoing the whole front end, not just the springs. I'm going to install all new bushings, tie rods, shocks, etc. Here's the before pic: 
And here is how it sits now: 
It's gettin there though. I'll post the after as soon as there available.
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By miker - 14 Years Ago
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I've got a post down in stuff that fits on these springs in my 'bird. They actually raised my car slightly, but the old springs might have been cut. I needed more shock that I had, and even with a stiffer replacement I'm still not dialed in. When I get the car to it's final hieght, I'll measure for the shocks, but I expect them to be about the same. Not sure how the wieght difference will affect a full size car, or what the changes in the a frames is in 58.
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By LordMrFord - 14 Years Ago
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If somebody wants find shocks for custom setups, this might be helpful.
http://www.monroe.com/assets/downloads/english/08_MountingLengthSheet.pdf
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By easyissy - 14 Years Ago
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Here's that after pic that I promised regarding the Aerostar springs in a full size '58. Before: 
After: 
Seems like it only lowered it a couple of inches. I still have to install some front end parts like the bumper,hood, etc. which may make it a little lower. Also I've heard people say the springs should settle in after a while. Is this true? May need to cut them a little 
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By easyissy - 14 Years Ago
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Anyone know roughly how much these springs will settle? I'm tempted to cut them down but I don't want to be buying new springs because they settled too low. Thanks
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By Missouri Mike - 14 Years Ago
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I put shorter springs in my '70 Ford short bed stepside pick up and a friend who works in a rod shop told me to expect it to drop up to two inches or so when the engine, sheet metal. radiator, a/c etc go back on and another inch after it gets driven around and the springs really settle in. Don't have it back together yet, so I don't know for sure. Mike
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