econo-fix for front suspension

[jwinkler]

Hi all -

I've just been through every CR topic that matched a search on coils and springs, and haven't found the answer, mostly because everyone is heading in a coil-over direction.

I'm looking for a quick fix to adjust my front ride height. Ultimately, I want to get the Don/DV 4-corner coil-over setup, but we've got a big Cobra gathering coming up, and I'd like to simply get the car set up to code.

The attached image shows how high the front fender sits above the tire - my guess is that when it was built (turn-key in Fargo circa 1992), they didn't cut off the 1.5 turns recommended in the build manual. I tried to locate the recommended '72 Pinto 1600cc springs, but that doesn't seem to be a reference that computes with Autozone et al. Can Don or DV post the correct height for front springs? I've gleaned from other discussions on this that 350lbs is the spring rate I need for a 351 (although *please* correct me if I'm wrong here). A part number that I could use at Autozone and/or Summit would be most appreciated.

Also, using a spring compressor, is it pretty straight forward to change them? Had the wheel off, and with that and the build manual, it looks like (with the compressor in place) I could detach the shock and bottom spindle attachment, and be good to go. Is it too much to hope for that it would be this easy?

Thanks,

JLW

PS - also increased my rear ride height by turning the monster bolts in the rear - that was pretty neat. As much as the front was too high, the rear fender was almost sitting on top of the wheel!