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Old 01-12-2019, 11:47 AM   #1
Mattchu60
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Lowering springs not fitting in pockets - Normal?

I bought a set of lowering springs from belltech for my 87 c10. When I tried to install them this morning I am finding they do not lineup with the factory spring pockets very well. Is this just the way they are? I tried taking them in/out several times - but they will only align with the top "D" shaped pocket in one direction. This leaves the lower end of the spring about 90 degrees off where it should line up. Its darn annoying to me - I don't feel this is right and its allowing the bottom of the spring to slip out of place.

This normal? Just live with it or send em back and try again with another company? I went with belltech as they seem to build top-notch stuff - but this seems wrong to me. Tried calling but they are not open on weekends.

Picture of the springs install into top "D correctly - bottom not lining up.




Picture of the pocket with no spring - you can see the indented area where the spring should extend into.

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Old 01-13-2019, 07:37 PM   #2
Wikid61
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Re: Lowering springs not fitting in pockets - Normal?

Part # & what drop are they?
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Old 01-13-2019, 10:56 PM   #3
Mattchu60
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Re: Lowering springs not fitting in pockets - Normal?

They are belltech 4702 - 2" drop springs.
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Old 01-14-2019, 07:20 AM   #4
homemade87
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Re: Lowering springs not fitting in pockets - Normal?

Are the springs side specific based off the D pattern on the top . I dont know about these springs but it was a question in my mind . Have you tried both on that side to see if one is a better fit . Could affect the orientation of the spring in the pocket .

Just thinking out loud . I am like you . I dont think I would like the way the spring is sitting in the lower pocket .
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Old 01-14-2019, 08:46 AM   #5
Dead Parrot
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Re: Lowering springs not fitting in pockets - Normal?

Any chance you were sent the wrong springs?

Won't hurt to call Belltech and ask how they should fit.
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Old 01-14-2019, 09:26 AM   #6
Mattchu60
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Re: Lowering springs not fitting in pockets - Normal?

I'm going to call belltech today and see if they have any ideas. The "D" in the top pocket only allows it to be positioned one way, i spent a good 2 hours trying to get it to fit in the top the way it needs to but no go. Part number is stamped on the spring and matches what they say fits.
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Old 01-15-2019, 02:05 PM   #7
Mattchu60
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Re: Lowering springs not fitting in pockets - Normal?

Update: been working with Belltech and sent some pictures. they noted this is the first they have heard of fitment issues with these springs,but said they are made correctly - the person I worked with was responsive and seemed to want to help. They mentioned that the control arm looks different than they are used to, however its a stock control arm - maybe they were changed throughout the years. I am going to return them to summit for a refund at this point.
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Old 01-15-2019, 02:21 PM   #8
Wikid61
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Re: Lowering springs not fitting in pockets - Normal?

If indeed you have the upper coil seated properly in that 'D' configuration, the bottom coil tail should be in that groove. This coil looks like a half wrap short making it a 3" drop coil. One wrap being 2" as a rule of thumb. I know its tough to photo, but if you could pix that upper coil pigtail in its proper seat, that will greatly help. BELLTECH may have had a coil mislabeled/numbered & sent you an incorrect pair. Also lay the new coil on it's side & measure it total length (pix) then lay it along side your stock coil & pix it too. Thanks.
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Old 01-15-2019, 02:24 PM   #9
lolife99
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Re: Lowering springs not fitting in pockets - Normal?

Line up the “D” shape for the upper spring coil and don’t worry about the bottom.
I can’t believe you didn’t get this answer before now.
No different than c10 owners cutting stock springs 1/2 coil or 1-1/2 coils.
These springs are the same. No left or right. Just a top and bottom.
Get the springs in and get an alignment and you will be fine.
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Old 01-15-2019, 03:01 PM   #10
Wikid61
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Re: Lowering springs not fitting in pockets - Normal?

If that is the case, BELLTECH should state this w/a instruction-bulletin in each coil set.
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