I've got the upper and lower A arms out of my '54 to replace the bushings and was thinking of using the Aerostar front coil springs.  I read on here before that they give a little better ride but will drop the front about 2 to 2 1/2 inches.  I'm going to use Granada spindles when it goes back together.  Does anybody know just how much the Granada spindles will lower the front?  I wouldn't mind a little drop but I don't want to go too low.  Any experiences you've had or advice you can offer would be appreciated.  Thanks

Butch

Butch Lawson

Manchester,  TN

The Granada spindles drops the front ~2". I also have the lower A arm spacers that lower it another inch. I had to trim the lower bumper so it wasn't riding on it all the time.



I think your 4-41/2" drop may be too low.





Johnson Rod



Southern California

I've heard that the S-10 springs will fit too - and they are a bit higher in ride height than the Aerostar parts - but lower than the stockers.

 
 Steve Metzger       Tucson, Arizona

Thanks for the responses.  If the Granada spindles will lower it two inches, I guess I had better stick with the stock springs.  Anything more than three inches is going to be too low.  Thanks for your help.

Butch Lawson

Manchester, Tennessee

Butch Lawson

Manchester,  TN

 If you lower the front end with Granada spindles or springs do you need to use a different shock???

Thanks Mo Mike

I'd rather be lucky than good.................

    but good ain't bad!!

Mike, No you don't have to change the shocks because the A arm bumpers and frame stops limit how far the wheel can travel.





Johnson Rod



Southern California

Mike - The big ride height difference between the Granada / Versailles spindles and the earlier parts is the distance between the spindle centerline and the lower ball joint mount. The Granada part has its spindle moved upward on the upright so the wheel center is raised (therefore lowering the ride height) - but the spring / shock /bump stops etc remain as before. This change made room for bigger brake rotors and got the upper ball joint away from the tire sidewall.

When springs are cut - the shock settles to a different point on its internal valving - and you get a different rebound rate at static ride height than you had before.

The Granada upright takes a "small pin" lower ball joint that older Fords (like my '56) don't have - so you end up having the lower taper opened up to the "big pin" size for a direct fit. The Versailles upright is made for the big pin size so it fits "as is". Many use the Granada upright and "selectively" open up the lower taper to maximize the ride height change. There can be a down side to this if the ball joint pin is not properly supported. It needs seated enough so that the full strength of the pin is utilized - and the retaining nut is fully engaged.

 
 Steve Metzger       Tucson, Arizona

THANKS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MO Mike

I'd rather be lucky than good.................

    but good ain't bad!!