[FC] shock absorbers and cutting stock coil springs

[Andrew Sego]

I spent Saturday addressing the brake issues with my van.  It has not seen the 
road in over 10 years, so I've been checking everything out carefully.  I 
rebuilt the master cylinder, wheel cylinders, and adjusters.  I replaced the 
shoes, hardware, and all the hoses.  I turned all of the drums too.  Now when I 
hit the brake pedal I know what to expect.  The only problem I ran into was 
trying to bleed and flush the entire system after I rebuilt the MC but before I 
worked on anything else.  Turns out the left front brake hose was 
clogged/swollen so bad that it wouldn't pass fluid.  

 
I also discovered that I have a bad lower ball joint on the driver side.  It has 
probably 3/16" of vertical play in it. When I get that apart I want to replace 
the shock absorbers and cut the springs to lower it.  I have read about the cut 
Mustang spring setup but I'd rather try cutting the stock ones first.  I am 
runing 215/70/14 tires and the nose sits much too high for my tastes.  Once two 
people are in the front seat of the van it sits about right, but I'd like for it 
to look right when it's sitting still as well.  

 
I think my plan is to cut 1, maybe 2, coils from the front and reassemble it 
with new shock absorbers.  Has anyone cut their springs and been happy with it 
in terms or stance and ride? 

 
Shock absorbers:  I've bought a few sets of shocks for cars from Clark's over 
the years.  At first they are good, but seem to wear out fast.  They list the 
same shocks for cars and FC's.  Seems like they would wear out even faster in a 
truck than in a car.  Can anyone recommend a good shock that I can buy at my 
FLAPS that will fit and function propperly but last longer than the Red Ryders?
 
I hope to have my rebuilt boomerang and new idler  installed before the 
holiday weekend.
 
Thanks for your help in resurrecting this old beast!
 
Andrew Sego