cutting springs, quick question

[ImpalaSlayer]

ok so when you guys cut a coil off the springs do you cut it off the top (the smaller part) or the bottem. also i got a set of springs from killjoy and one seems to be longer then the other? is there a right and left? also just so im clear 1 coil would be if i went to where the end is and went straght down till i hit the next one correct? i just dont wana mm that sits retarted


oh and as for the ride height sensor. which way to i move it and how much?

thanks Dave

[whd507]

if its tapered, I'd cut the other end, yes 1 coil is straight down from the original end.

unless the end positions need to be at a set clocking, I'd cut 1/2 or 1/4 at a time to see how much it drops. (drive between installs to settle them)

[finster101]

Cut the larger end which should be the bottom. You will see how the rubber seat in the lower control has a pocket for the end of the coil. Cut 1 full coil and the orientation of the spring should not change. Wrap ths spring with wet rags to isolate the heat and use a sawsall or dye grinder.

[ImpalaSlayer]

good tip on the rag. was wondering how to cut it with out heating it. thaks guys

[justbob]

Cut the top of the spring 1 full coil for a 5/8" drop resting to a 7/8" to 1" within a couple days (deponds on your mileage, mine was about 46,000). Mine have been cut for about 3-4000 miles and this should have been done when i bought the car. It handles far better, very little to no difference in ride quality and a far better look. Lower the back so the lip is right at the top of the tire and be prepared for compliments. Good luck, Bob. Also mark the orientation of the top mount and reinstall the same way.

[ImpalaSlayer]

so 1 tells me to cut the bottem end one tells me the top. :confused:

[O's Fan Rich]

so 1 tells me to cut the bottem end one tells me the top. :confused:


So, split the diff and take it out of the middle.



Off the top.... off the top....

[justbob]

So, split the diff and take it out of the middle.



Now thats funny!!!!

[ImpalaSlayer]

top being the tapered end?

[justbob]

No if i remeber right the bottom is tapered a little. The top winds up and fits snugly into the top mount.

[O's Fan Rich]

top being the tapered end?

I cannot recall...:o

The top being the upper end... I think the bottom is the tapered end... I'm old and it's been awhile.

[KillJoy]

:rolleyes:

Cut 1 full coil from the big end.

Move the Ride Height Sensor 1/4 - 1/2 of the way to the left.

KillJoy

[ImpalaSlayer]

ok i got it now the tapered end is not to be cut

[Zack]

Using a recip saw or cut off wheel will not get the coil hot enough to warrant a wet rag to cool it down in fear of comprimising its mechanical properties.

A Torch however....

[finster101]

I cannot recall...:o

The top being the upper end... I think the bottom is the tapered end... I'm old and it's been awhile.


That is my problem. I can not remember which is the top or bottom without looking, but definately cut the big end.

[BAD MERC]

I cut one full coil off the top of mine at 28K miles and should have done it the day I bought it. Lowered stance, better handling and not too difficult. I used a carbide wheel on a die-grinder and she dropped 1.25".

[magindat]

:rolleyes:

Cut 1 full coil from the big end.

Move the Ride Height Sensor 1/4 - 1/2 of the way to the left.

KillJoy

Bingo :beer:

[magindat]

Using a recip saw or cut off wheel will not get the coil hot enough to warrant a wet rag to cool it down in fear of comprimising its mechanical properties.

A Torch however....

Doesn't hurt and lets you handle it for re-assembly right away.

[magindat]

That is my problem. I can not remember which is the top or bottom without looking, but definately cut the big end.

Big end = top

[magindat]

The only thing i can add here is to spray the cut with etching primer and then paint - overkill - but a good thing to do.

[finster101]

The only thing i can add here is to spray the cut with etching primer and then paint - overkill - but a good thing to do.


+1 on that.

[Krytin]

No torch!!!!

[bob6364]

Does anyone have a pic of the ride height sensor in the new position?

[bob6364]

guess not :confused:

[ImpalaSlayer]

http://kode3.smugmug.com/photos/227059636-M.jpg funny you ask bob i just dug this up for ctrlraven lol. i ended up not moving mine i like where mine was. do not move it all the way or youll be sittin on the axle lol just move it to the right a notch or 2

[ChiTownMaraud3r]

ImpalaSlayer, do you have pics of the car now lowered? And what did you end up using to cut the springs?

[ImpalaSlayer]

i dont have pics chitown, i started using a hack saw untill my buddy found the cut off wheel. thank god he did hack saw woulda taken all day.

[Embassy]

:rolleyes:

Cut 1 full coil from the big end.

Move the Ride Height Sensor 1/4 - 1/2 of the way to the left.

KillJoy

:up:

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/623916/fullsize/mm2004s-pics-embassy.jpg

[bob6364]

http://kode3.smugmug.com/photos/227059636-M.jpg funny you ask bob i just dug this up for ctrlraven lol. i ended up not moving mine i like where mine was. do not move it all the way or youll be sittin on the axle lol just move it to the right a notch or 2

COOL thanks this weekend i'm dropping the rear some to see how I like it :D

[Marauder]

My sig has mine dropped. I did 1 turn. My car was only in my hands for 2 months before she got work done.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y46/diablo1200/jh02.jpg

[CKMustangCobra]

I think I have to do this... maybe 3/4 coil. Are there any how-to guides posted someplace with pics? I don't want to go at it totally blind.

[finster101]

Don't waste your time on 3/4 coil. Cut 1 full coil, the spring sits back into it's original position in the strut and you will like the result. If you do not have the know how or the tools. Take it to a front end shop. These things will bite if not handled properly.

[CKMustangCobra]

I've got the tools and the know-how. I just don't like flying into ghetto jobs blind. I've cut my fair share of springs (mostly on Mustangs) and I usually don't like the result.

I've read nothing but good things about it on this forum and given this cars suspension geometery I can see it working, but softening the rebound.

I've read that cutting a full coil will drop it to a lower height than I desire. I'm pretty sure I am going to go to a bigger tire up front so I can start rotating and I don't want the fender to possibly interfer with the wider tire.

[finster101]

First, it was not my intent to insult you. Sorry if you took it that way. My car has been lowered for well over a year now and I am pretty happy with the result. The car stays much flatter in the corners, but there is some added stiffnes over bumps. All in all I am happy with it.