hey guys, ive decided that the best option for me to lower my sedan delivery is by shortening the coils. Does anybody have any suggestions on the best way to go about doing this? what is the maximum drop i could obtain? any suggestions are greatly appreciated Shawn
Mine have been cut 2 coils ( on my 53' Hardtop) and I'm in the process of raising it back up!! Looks cool, but no shock travel. I'm gonna cut them 1 coil this time. Should drop it about 1.5-2.0 " I already have dropped uprights and spindles from fatman, so it should drive a little better this time....... Spoons
When cutting coils: 1) easiest way to cut 'em is with a cutoff wheel - you'll zap thru them in no time! 2) Depending on the geometry of your front suspension, the amount of drop you get is *about* double the amount you cut off. If your coil-to-coil distance 1-1/2", for example - you'll see a 3" drop with one coil cut. 3) Measure the amount of free travel you have at the bump stop - typically these are close to the springs, so the amount of material you take out of the spring is *roughly* the reduction in free travel. 4) Most guys go too far on the first cut. When in doubt - take less off - not more. A good starter cut is a little less than one coil. Drive it a while and see if you like it thataway. 5) If you ignore #4 and end up with a bouncy suspension, you're probably on the bump stops. You can pick up some additional travel if you pull the bump stops - just be prepared to hear a loud BANG! from time to time as the suspension goes metal-to-metal. With time and practice driving, you can pretty much avoid the metal-to-metal event. 6) if you ignore #4 and don't like #5, there are rubber inserts and spaces which can be placed on the spring mount to bring the suspension up somewhat. 7) almost forgot...Depending on how your springs are set up, cutting from the top is best. If your spring has a flat top (coil end is tapered making for a flat surface) at the top and open at the bottom - then cut from the bottom. I've done both types of cut with decent results.
When I got my 50 Chevy, someone had cut the coils way too much, and even though it looked cool, rode like crap. I went ahead and ordered new coil springs from a place called Coil Spring Specialties. They have a website, just do a search, and you can get a quote online. You tell them the car, how much you want it lowered, and they send you a quote. I got mine 4" lower than stock, but at the same spring rate. They were about $105 for the pair. I know cutting them is the cheap, fast way, but you cant beat the ride on springs that are made correctly. No wham on the bumps.
what if your coils are narrower at the top and bottom. can't cut the coils or they won't fit in the seats
52 chevy c-dan d-liveree? should be the same. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=81077 otherwise, no.
I put a smallblock in my 50 delivery and cut the front coils 1.5 loops. I also trimmed down the rubber snubbers so only 1/2 inch was sticking up. The car didn't get super low but the ride was still ok. It took a big dip to bottom out.
Don't use a torch like the guy in the pics! Its way to easy to get them too hot and then you will loose even more spring rate. Also after you cut off, say 1 coil, drive the car a few HUNDRED miles before deciding to cut more! The springs will settle some.
I've been told by a couple people that you can still cut from the top and the weight of the car will hold them in place. I haven't done it myself though. Can anyone speak from experience?
i heated my springs on my 53 pontiac. and let the weight of the car bring it down on blocks that were level at 2.5 inches. i heated the top and bottom the center is not collapsed. i have put over 500 miles or more rides great and dosent't bang. also i trimed down my bump stops.
I cut the coils on the Stude last weekend... First, I cut 3/4 of a coil off. Didn't do anything. I let it sit overnight...drove it all over, hit bumps..still, didn't lower it at all. Soooo, I pulled the coils and cut a full coil (1 and 3/4 total.) Whoops. That put her on the ground. Lowered her more than 3 inches. I tried to pull her out of the shop only to fuck up the front air dam and drag a bunch of rocks trying to get her back in. Bought a new set of springs from TRW, cut them 1/2 coil at a time and ended up removing 1 and 1/2 total. Car sits perfect. Moral of the story..new springs will lower diffrently than old springs, even though they are the same length, diameter and application. -Abone.
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