I've never seen anyone document a first gen Bird and exactly how coil spring swaps make your car look before and after, so maybe this will help someone.

(Click on the URL's below the pictures to get the full-size images from my website.)


Problem: Stock replacement springs a little too high. After 4 years of waiting for them to "settle out" they never came down.


http://www.1969fb.com/pics/1969firebird/Final_CoilSprings_1_StockReplacement.jpg



Solution Attempt #1: Hotchkis 2" lowering springs.
Result #1: Too low with my big 17" tires. Could barely even get a finger between the tires and inner fender well. Looked mean as hell, though.


http://www.1969fb.com/pics/1969firebird/Final_CoilSprings_2_Hotchkis_2InchDrop.jpg


Solution Attempt #2: Stock spring was 11 coils, Hotchkis was 8 coils. Stock spring was also about 5 inches taller uncompressed. So I figured I could cut 1 coil from stock spring and be safe.
Result #2: WRONG!!! This lowered the stock spring 2", not the 1" I was expecting. Now I was back to the height of the lowered Hotchkis. Ugh. Fail.


Sorry no picture of this failed attempt.


Solution Attempt #3: Global West 1" drop springs
Result #3: Perfect ride height, IMHO. Good ride quality. These are keepers.


http://www.1969fb.com/pics/1969firebird/Final_CoilSprings_3_GlobalWest_1InchDrop.jpg


Comments and suggestions welcome.

Thanks,
Thomas

Nice, thanx for posting. I just replaced my front springs for standards. I am pleased with the stance now, I´ll see if I can get some pics.

wow, this looks familiar! Just saw this some where else....lol

I just placed an order today with Eaton. I hope the ride height is correct. I wanted to match the rear leaves I got from them.

I cut my springs from Eaton and it sits at the perfect height IMO. I love the stance of yours.