Cutting coils at 150k

[rocky]

So the nice mean ride height I've seen people say the achieved by cutting 1 coil but IIRC these were much lowere mileage cars than mine. I'm at 150k and thinking about going 3/4...hate to do it twice but also would hate to cut too much!33799
Doing it now btw:)


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[breeze]

Replaced mine with moogs and wish I would have cut some

[rocky]

33810
33811
Before after
One coil on front and some bs'ing in the rear


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[justbob]

Sickness brother. I can't stand the AWD look of stock. Give her a week or so to settle some more before you cut anymore, readjust the rear, or align it. It will drop a hair more.


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[rocky]

Thanks well see how it sits in a week, hope it doesn't settle much I like how it sits now


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[1Marauder]

How hard and how long did it take?

I'd like to lose 3/4 too!!!!

How does it handle? Turn in better? Less sway?

Looks sweet!

[rocky]

How hard and how long did it take?

I'd like to lose 3/4 too!!!!

How does it handle? Turn in better? Less sway?

Looks sweet!

Real hard and long..TWSS

Was a big pain! I just haven't actually wrenched in a while but it sucked. Upper ball joint nuts were a pain. I'm pretty sure I lost 2-3 inches in the front, forgot to measure tho. Does seems to handle maybe a little better...idk think you compromise ride comfort ability for the low stance.


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[justbob]

Normally very little change in ride, maybe at worst 10% harder. Cornering is improved 10 fold. Lane changes are immediate and flat, ZERO body roll at any speed. Truly one of my favorite mods yet.

As for time, normally 2-3 hrs total, sometimes a lil less.


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[rocky]

More I drive it the more you're right bob, took me all day but I was doing other stuff too. Maybe 4hrs committed to it...


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[Blk Mamba]

I had it done when I put new struts on, at about 100,000 miles, I like the way it handles now, but be sure to do the alignment at the same time.

[Blk04MM]

Can I lower with a 255/295 combo? That lowering just looks too good

[rocky]

That's a lot of real estate on the ground! I've got 235/50 255/55 so no probs here but I think some others with more meat have done it too33822
Seems to have settled ok and no rubbing. Full tank and have put about 300 miles on her. And fwiw the lane changing and cornering are better now that I've drove her more but Oklahoma roads are crap and just a small decrease in ride comfort is very noticeable round these parts. I'm liking it tho:)


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[8UWITH6]

I cut a coil on my 35K mile car a few weeks ago and then put 1300 miles on her going to Louisville. I got a solid inch out of it and it didnt affect anything driveability wise. Visual impact was the best improvement. Yours looks lower than mine but every car is different.

[sflrainmaker01]

Rocky, I followed your post. But, I am unclear on what you did to the rear? It sounds like you cut one coil off of the front, is that correct? Top or Bottom of spring was cut?

[rocky]

Rocky, I followed your post. But, I am unclear on what you did to the rear? It sounds like you cut one coil off of the front, is that correct? Top or Bottom of spring was cut?

Cut one coil from top of fronts, cut 3/4 coil from CVPI rear springs and installed


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[sflrainmaker01]

Cut one coil from top of fronts, cut 3/4 coil from CVPI rear springs and installed


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So, did you just convert to rear springs or was it springs before and you just wanted to lower it some? Are the CVPI springs a new addition?

[rocky]

So, did you just convert to rear springs or was it springs before and you just wanted to lower it some? Are the CVPI springs a new addition?

Springs are new
Air bags on the shelf


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[sflrainmaker01]

Springs are new
Air bags on the shelf



So, basically, you did a coil spring conversion using CVPI springs. Sounds like you are reasonably happy with the set up. Any reason why you used CVPI stuff instead of regular CV or GM springs?

[rocky]

So, basically, you did a coil spring conversion using CVPI springs. Sounds like you are reasonably happy with the set up. Any reason why you used CVPI stuff instead of regular CV or GM springs?

Think I cut too much...car is level and handles good but is a LITTLE bouncy in the back. Went with CVPI because I thought they might be a good solid spring that would still have a good spring rate after I cut it.


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[sflrainmaker01]

Think I cut too much...car is level and handles good but is a LITTLE bouncy in the back. Went with CVPI because I thought they might be a good solid spring that would still have a good spring rate after I cut it.



Did you change the shocks too?

[rocky]

Did you change the shocks too?

Yes new shocks all around, Monroe severe service. Never heard of them before but they seem to be doing ok.
I may get another pair of springs for the rear and cut less...or bag it again and move the sensor. It's fine for now tho:)


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[sflrainmaker01]

Cool, thanks for the info!!!!!!!!!:beer:

[lifespeed]

Think I cut too much...car is level and handles good but is a LITTLE bouncy in the back. Went with CVPI because I thought they might be a good solid spring that would still have a good spring rate after I cut it.

That is very likely a symptom of a mismatch between the shock and spring. You probably need slightly less (or more) rebound damping in the shock. It is hard to tell without actually driving the car. Shoot, it is hard to tell even when you do drive the car.

Unfortunately, there are no inexpensive adjustable shock options for these cars, nor "performance" shock (Koni, Edelbrock, Bilstein, Tokico) options with correct non-adjustable valving.

This is a glaring hole in parts availability for the 2003+ Panthers, unless your budget includes custom Penske shocks. :rolleyes:

[rocky]

That is very likely a symptom of a mismatch between the shock and spring. You probably need slightly less (or more) rebound damping in the shock. It is hard to tell without actually driving the car. Shoot, it is hard to tell even when you do drive the car.

Unfortunately, there are no inexpensive adjustable shock options for these cars, nor "performance" shock (Koni, Edelbrock, Bilstein, Tokico) options with correct non-adjustable valving.

This is a glaring hole in parts availability for the 2003+ Panthers, unless your budget includes custom Penske shocks. :rolleyes:

Very good point, shock is resting at a point it normally bottoms out at...will probably blow them soon and get on that oreilly lifetime warranty lol
Raising it up a bit in the rear would probably help instead of spending $$$$ on custom shocks


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[lifespeed]

Very good point, shock is resting at a point it normally bottoms out at...will probably blow them soon and get on that oreilly lifetime warranty lol
Raising it up a bit in the rear would probably help instead of spending $$$$ on custom shocks

If you are hitting the bump stops on the frame that will make your ride bouncy! First have to figure out what problem you're facing. If the rear is lowered dramatically you are probably hitting the bump stops.

The reality is you can't run these cars too low in the rear without running out of suspension travel.

[justbob]

What was wrong with the air suspension??


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[rocky]

What was wrong with the air suspension??


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Compressor was coming on just a tad bit more than usual, wanted to experiment....when my knuckles heal I may go back to the air


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[justbob]

Compressor was coming on just a tad bit more than usual, wanted to experiment....when my knuckles heal I may go back to the air


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I wouldn't even let my knuckles heal. :)


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