lower a 73 impala

can i cut the rear springs or do i have to heat them up. any info would be cool. i know its the cheap way but thats the point, im broke

 

Heat = bad.

 

thats what ive heard but if i cut them will they stay in the cup on top of the spring

 

just cut them,one coil at a time.make sure to use a SPRING COMPRESSOR to take out the fronts.each coil removed usually takes out roughly an inch of height! don't go below the scrub line either!

 

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don't go below the scrub line either!

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what the hell is that

 

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don't go below the scrub line either!

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what the hell is that

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imagine your car sitting on the rims with no tires. that's the scrubline. keep everything above that point, or you could get in a hairy situation if you get a flat.



ed

 

sweet thanks for the help hopefully get it done tonite

 

coilsprings.com ......... just have new dropped springs made

 

Use a cut-off wheel or chop saw to remove a coil or wrap. If more than a couple inche's are removed, plan on some shorter shock's to help with ride. For now you can add some weight in the trunk to give you an idea where you want to sit.

 

are the rear coils tapered or pigtailed ?.....then it is more tahn just cutting them......and be careful taking the springs out....you have no idea how much force is behind those things......i would use a coil spring compressor...or get someone who know what they are doing to help you ....THEY CAN KILL YOU !

 

A couple of ways to lower pigtail springs:

First, what I did on a 67 Chevelle. Use those JC Whitney spring raisers in reverse. Basically a clamp in the middle three loops of the coil, with one on each side of each coil. If you clamp about three coils you lower about three inches. And you can undo it if you want to change.

Second, you could heat and bend. I've heard but never tried this method. Heat the pigtail area so you can flatten the top end of the spring, but leave the pigtail connected. That way the pigtail will still hold the top in position in the cup.

Good luck cheapskate.


- alchemy (fellow cheapskate)

 

if you do any heating and bending to make a new pigtail...let the spring cool at room temperature. If you quench it, it is way more likely to break.

 

I like to run a chain through the spring and the frame. Then bolt together two links. This will keep it from flying out. It never hurts to be too safe.