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lowering spring options

Printed From: The Ford Torino Page
Category: Model Specific Forum
Forum Name: General Automotive Technical Discussion
Forum Description: Technical Automotive discussion of anything not specific to mid-size Ford/Merc
URL: https://forum.grantorinosport.org/forum_posts.asp?TID=21692
Printed Date: 26-March-2026 at 1:48PM
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Topic: lowering spring options
Posted By: n2fordwagons
Subject: lowering spring options
Date Posted: 04-May-2025 at 5:56AM
Has anyone tried the Hotchkis lowering springs that they market for 65-66 Galaxies?  I’m looking for pictures of 72-76 Torinos with them installed. Or Eaton 2” lowering springs. Exploring options to lower my 72. 

Thanks. 




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Jeff

72 base Torino (modified)
72 Gran Torino Squire



Replies:
Posted By: 72FordGTS
Date Posted: 05-May-2025 at 2:42AM
Other than Comptom's restomod project, which isn't complete, I don't know of anyone else on the forum who have used them.

https://forum.grantorinosport.org/73-gts-restomod_topic19657.html" rel="nofollow - https://forum.grantorinosport.org/73-gts-restomod_topic19657.html

If you do end up using them, post pics.

Alternatively, you could use something like the CVPI springs and cut them to the stance of choice.  Of course you can't do that for the rear springs.


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Vince

1972 Ford GTS Sportsroof - Survivor, One Family car

GTS.org Admin


Posted By: aquartlow
Date Posted: 05-May-2025 at 6:27AM
Originally posted by 72FordGTS 72FordGTS wrote:

Other than Comptom's restomod project, which isn't complete, I don't know of anyone else on the forum who have used them.

https://forum.grantorinosport.org/73-gts-restomod_topic19657.html" rel="nofollow - https://forum.grantorinosport.org/73-gts-restomod_topic19657.html

If you do end up using them, post pics.

Alternatively, you could use something like the CVPI springs and cut them to the stance of choice.  Of course you can't do that for the rear springs.
Vince, not to be argumentative, it is a bit more involved but one can cut a set of rear springs and reform the ends of the rear coil springs. I had to for my Ranchero, since no one at the time had the needed/wanted height and/or spring rate options. My front springs are actually '99 Ford Lighting coil springs cut down to an overall height of 10.75", so I had to come up with a set or rear coil springs that no one had as an option. I do not want to say heating any active coils is a good thing even though I did that on my first vehicle(it was fun removing highway reflectors), but I did cut the rear coil about 1/2 to 1 full coil with an angle grinder/cut off wheel, then used an Oxy/Act torch to heat and help reform the inactive coil "pigtail" that locates the spring, either in the upper or lower portion. Again, this is just an option, but my set have been in service since '11 or so with no breakage or sagging. I believe I did choose a "lighter" Thunderbird rear coil spring prior to cutting so the spring rate wouldn't be too bad or ride too rough. Hope this is helpful 


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www.supermotors.net/22468
Yeah, It's a Hybrid...It burns gas and tires.

No matter how good she looks, somebody, somewhere, is tired of her sh*t.

Beauty is skin deep, ugliness goes clear to the bone.


Posted By: pyntre
Date Posted: 06-May-2025 at 3:31AM
I put a complete coil over set up in the front 
of my 75 , love the ride and adjustability!!
I’d post pics but this site is too technical for this old guy !


Posted By: n2fordwagons
Date Posted: 06-May-2025 at 4:06AM
Originally posted by aquartlow aquartlow wrote:

Vince, not to be argumentative, it is a bit more involved but one can cut a set of rear springs and reform the ends of the rear coil springs. I had to for my Ranchero, since no one at the time had the needed/wanted height and/or spring rate options. My front springs are actually '99 Ford Lighting coil springs cut down to an overall height of 10.75", so I had to come up with a set or rear coil springs that no one had as an option. I do not want to say heating any active coils is a good thing even though I did that on my first vehicle(it was fun removing highway reflectors), but I did cut the rear coil about 1/2 to 1 full coil with an angle grinder/cut off wheel, then used an Oxy/Act torch to heat and help reform the inactive coil "pigtail" that locates the spring, either in the upper or lower portion. Again, this is just an option, but my set have been in service since '11 or so with no breakage or sagging. I believe I did choose a "lighter" Thunderbird rear coil spring prior to cutting so the spring rate wouldn't be too bad or ride too rough. Hope this is helpful 

Great to hear from you. I’ve been thinking about doing this, since we discussed it years ago at the Moonshine Festival. I’ve got a spare set, so will definitely give it a try. 

-------------
Jeff

72 base Torino (modified)
72 Gran Torino Squire


Posted By: 72FordGTS
Date Posted: 06-May-2025 at 11:30AM
Originally posted by aquartlow aquartlow wrote:

Originally posted by 72FordGTS 72FordGTS wrote:

Other than Comptom's restomod project, which isn't complete, I don't know of anyone else on the forum who have used them.

https://forum.grantorinosport.org/73-gts-restomod_topic19657.html" rel="nofollow - https://forum.grantorinosport.org/73-gts-restomod_topic19657.html

If you do end up using them, post pics.

Alternatively, you could use something like the CVPI springs and cut them to the stance of choice.  Of course you can't do that for the rear springs.
Vince, not to be argumentative, it is a bit more involved but one can cut a set of rear springs and reform the ends of the rear coil springs. I had to for my Ranchero, since no one at the time had the needed/wanted height and/or spring rate options. My front springs are actually '99 Ford Lighting coil springs cut down to an overall height of 10.75", so I had to come up with a set or rear coil springs that no one had as an option. I do not want to say heating any active coils is a good thing even though I did that on my first vehicle(it was fun removing highway reflectors), but I did cut the rear coil about 1/2 to 1 full coil with an angle grinder/cut off wheel, then used an Oxy/Act torch to heat and help reform the inactive coil "pigtail" that locates the spring, either in the upper or lower portion. Again, this is just an option, but my set have been in service since '11 or so with no breakage or sagging. I believe I did choose a "lighter" Thunderbird rear coil spring prior to cutting so the spring rate wouldn't be too bad or ride too rough. Hope this is helpful 


Not argumentative at all!  I forgot that you had done the custom lowered rear springs on your car, so yes I agree it's totally possible.  It's just not always feasible for all people as it requires more skill and is a bit more involved than just cutting the front coils.


-------------
Vince

1972 Ford GTS Sportsroof - Survivor, One Family car

GTS.org Admin


Posted By: 72FordGTS
Date Posted: 06-May-2025 at 11:31AM
Originally posted by pyntre pyntre wrote:

I put a complete coil over set up in the front 
of my 75 , love the ride and adjustability!!
I’d post pics but this site is too technical for this old guy !


What coilovers are you running?


-------------
Vince

1972 Ford GTS Sportsroof - Survivor, One Family car

GTS.org Admin


Posted By: DJsTorino
Date Posted: 06-May-2025 at 2:08PM
Originally posted by n2fordwagons n2fordwagons wrote:

Has anyone tried the Hotchkis lowering springs that they market for 65-66 Galaxies?  I’m looking for pictures of 72-76 Torinos with them installed. Or Eaton 2” lowering springs. Exploring options to lower my 72. 

Thanks. 



I've got the Eatons in the rear of my car but I think its just an inch lower. I know I got their fronts and cut 1.25 coils out to lower the front. I've been very happy with the Eatons


Posted By: pyntre
Date Posted: 06-May-2025 at 3:59PM
PMT Fabrication 


Posted By: n2fordwagons
Date Posted: 07-May-2025 at 1:25AM
Originally posted by DJsTorino DJsTorino wrote:

Originally posted by n2fordwagons n2fordwagons wrote:

Has anyone tried the Hotchkis lowering springs that they market for 65-66 Galaxies?  I’m looking for pictures of 72-76 Torinos with them installed. Or Eaton 2” lowering springs. Exploring options to lower my 72. 

Thanks. 


I've got the Eatons in the rear of my car but I think its just an inch lower. I know I got their fronts and cut 1.25 coils out to lower the front. I've been very happy with the Eatons

Thanks.  My biggest concern is spending almost $400 on a pair of Eaton springs, and not getting the desired drop.  Which is why I'm hoping someone with experience with them can chime in with pictures.


-------------
Jeff

72 base Torino (modified)
72 Gran Torino Squire


Posted By: n2fordwagons
Date Posted: 12-May-2025 at 6:45AM
Here’s the final result. 

I used new Lesjofors 4127521 springs on the front, cutting a coil. 

On the rear I used a pair of springs from my 73 Torino sedan parts car. 




-------------
Jeff

72 base Torino (modified)
72 Gran Torino Squire


Posted By: 72 RS 351
Date Posted: 12-May-2025 at 1:50PM
That's a great stance, the height and tires fit really well. Thanks for the pictures.

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Don
73 Ranchero "Sport 72 front end", floor shift/console, planning EFI 7000 rpm 351 stroker
73 Ranchero GT 351C-4V &4R70W for sale later.
92 Lincoln Mark VII SE GTC, OBDII 347/4R70W


Posted By: 72FordGTS
Date Posted: 14-May-2025 at 8:35AM
The stance looks awesome.  What is the application listing for those coils?  Any specs on them?

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Vince

1972 Ford GTS Sportsroof - Survivor, One Family car

GTS.org Admin


Posted By: n2fordwagons
Date Posted: 15-May-2025 at 8:14AM
Originally posted by 72FordGTS 72FordGTS wrote:

The stance looks awesome.  What is the application listing for those coils?  Any specs on them?

Thanks.

I found them on RockAuto over six months ago, searching for:

https://www.rockauto.com/?carcode=1141287" rel="nofollow - 1972 FORD TORINO 5.0L 302cid V8

Rockauto doesn't list them any more.

However, it lists the following applications:

FORDFAIRLANE1966-1970
FORDRANCHERO1969-1971
FORDTORINO1968-1971
MERCURYCALIENTE1966-1967
MERCURYCAPRI1966-1967
MERCURYCOMET1966-1969
MERCURYCYCLONE1966-1971
MERCURYMONTEGO1968-1971

I couldn't find any specs on them.


-------------
Jeff

72 base Torino (modified)
72 Gran Torino Squire



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