how much to cut off coil spring?

[Faastone27]

Hey guys I'm in the process of completely rebuilding my front end. The guy i purchased the truck from simply heated the coils to collapse and lower the truck( i know that is totally the wrong way) So now i decided to do it correctly and i ordered 2.5 drop spindles and 1"lowering springs. But i want a total of 5" drop so obviously that means i need to cut another 1.5 " off my coils to get desired drop About how much should i cut off the coils to achieve another 1.5" i think one full coil would be to much? Thanks for your help

[LEEVON]

From experience, 2.5 spindles and 1" springs will be lower than you think. I would put them in and see where you're at then cut as needed. but no more than 1/4 round at a time. It's always been trial and error for me.

[Faastone27]

Originally Posted by LEEVON

From experience, 2.5 spindles and 1" springs will be lower than you think. I would put them in and see where you're at then cut as needed. but no more than 1/4 round at a time. It's always been trial and error for me.

OK That is probably a good idea. I know from previous experience that it will also settle a little with all new components. Thank You!

[LockDoc]

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Normally cutting one coil off of the fronts gives a 2 1/2" drop.

LockDoc

[Faastone27]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

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Normally cutting one coil off of the fronts gives a 2 1/2" drop.

LockDoc

Thank You i figured one full coil would be to much. I think I'll do 1/4 coil and check it from there and sneak up on the desired drop/ Also i have been reading up on bump steer fixes and came across a great thread with solving this I believe i will also do this while I'm at it.

[Rod Run]

Anything more than one coil is going to make your ride much more harsh. Usually if you need more drop than that, you would want to buy a different coil

[CC69Rat]

Originally Posted by Rod Run

Anything more than one coil is going to make your ride much more harsh. Usually if you need more drop than that, you would want to buy a different coil

I second this ^^ -- Think of a diving board that's 12 ft long. a 250lb guy jumps on the end, it recoils, and boing he's in the water. The diving board is designed for a sepecific weight and torsional rigidity.

Now, lets cut 2 ft off the diving board. Same guy .. bounces on one end.. is the board stiffer or softer ? Your coil spring is going to work the same way. I understand making the spring shorter to lower the truck but that spring is nothing more than a thick metal bar that's coiled up to form a spring and torsional rigidity. Cutting the spring lowers the truck, yes.. but it also changes the spring rate much like that diving board.

Also, if you cut it off, use a grinder / ziz wheel not a torch. Heat will also weaken the spring. Cut springs work, yes but I've never talked to anyone who likes the ride quality afterward. It will make your truck ride like a train car. I'd sell the 1" drop and buy some 2" if you want it lower. .. just me. Hope this helps.

[RenoKeene]

What you have will be enough drop without clearance problems. Put it together and take a look at it. You can always cut a spring if you don't like it.

[LEEVON]

I know you already ordered 1" lower springs, but for what it's worth I have a recipe that has worked great for the last 6 or 7 trucks. I combine 2.5" spindles with HD coils and one round cut. What are HD coils you ask? Well, for example search Rockauto for coil springs on a C20 and other trucks. You will find four or five part numbers, with details of the winding thickness, load rating, and length. I use a Moog spring that is a little longer, thicker wound and has a higher load. That way, after one round is cut, your back to the original capacity. Rides like a dream, combined with a sway bar. I don't remember the part number at the moment.

[Faastone27]

Thank You all for your input. I hopefully will be putting it back together today if I can get to my shop. we got some snow last night and wasn't even able to get out of my sub. I did cut 1/2 coil off thinking it should get me close to my desired drop. No big deal to change them out if I need too! LOL!

EDIT: So i went aheqad and just purchased 2" lowering springs. They were only $99.00 Thought that was the right thing to do!

[LEEVON]

Just in case, found an old post I made with the part number:

MOOG 6454 springs. They start at 13.61" free height, have a load rating of 3841 lbs, and a spring rate of 1060 lbs. Here are the specs.

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=200827