Front springs after LS swap?

[FLYNAVY30]

I have a '72 3/4 ton C20 that I swapped the original 402 big block in favor of an LS6. After taking all that weight off the nose, it now sits pretty nose high in the front. Would I be better cutting a coil off the original big block springs, or replacing them with the small block springs from the C10? Some may disagree with me, but I personally preferred the slightly nose low rake of the original truck.

Thanks!

[crazy longhorn]

I like a nose down rake also Here goes...I would opt for the light weight spring set, maybe let em settle in a tad & see how you like the height? If you opt to cut a ring, figure about a 2" drop on the suspension. When you cut the spring, it will make it effectively stiffer. You may also need to cut bump stops on the lower arms, & relocate the shocks on top... (been there) best of fun, Longhorn

[BR3W CITY]

ls's are even lighter still; the sbc springs are your best bet. Cut BB springs will still be stiffer and probably bouncy, plus you change the spring rate when you heat/cut them. Springs are cheap, you can find some used sbc springs easy, or go right ahead and order some nice aftermarket springs.

[crazy longhorn]

Cut is ok on a spring,if done properly...(figure no more that 1 full ring, if you want it to ride). Heated is a BIG NO- NO, on a spring! Some will say do not use a torch to cut....I tossed mine upside down, in a 5 gallon bucket of water. Just left the last 1" exposed, for cutting? Longhorn

[littlevictories]

man i will never cut a spring again. makes the ride so harsh.
springs are cheap. I figure my time is worth about $50/hr

and hour to pull em
another hour to cut em
another to bolt em back in
im money ahead just buying em like i want em
and if i change my mind there's always someone to buy em

[FLYNAVY30]

yea, for the price, Ill probably go ahead and swap in the small block springs in the front and see how she looks/rides and go from there

[Hart_Rod]

Cutting one complete coil gives you approximately 2" worth of drop. It's worth it just to see what it gives you.

[crazy longhorn]

Originally Posted by Hart_Rod

Cutting one complete coil gives you approximately 2" worth of drop. It's worth it just to see what it gives you.

Agree with the 2" per coil drop just to add, you need to start with the litest spring, as they do get effectively stiffer, as you shorten them My thoughts ,are that the BB spring, with a cut coil will be way harsh on the ride? Longhorn

[FLYNAVY30]

the ride quality issue is why Im leaning towards the small block 1/2 ton spring from the C10

[crazy longhorn]

I think that you are looking at the situation properly When /if you cut the springs, there will be a couple other issue to address. I pulled the bottom rubber 'snubbers', & cut the bump stops off. I did leave the stear stops in place, & opted to drill a hole in the lower arm, to use a traction bar snubber. The other spots to watch....I flipped the sway bar upside /down , for clearance, & fabbed some shock extenders, to keep the stock length shock. If you are not "crazy" into fab, I think that Porter- Built, can help you on the shock extenders? Any ?, post em up...or shoot me a pm, on my setup? Best of fun...Longhorn

[First c10]

I dropped my truck before the all aluminum ls swap. After it raised the truck front about 1 inch. I plan to put 1" lower springs to put it back to before ls stance.