Drop Spring Question - Fronts Cut 1 Turn

[Marauder]

In reading all the stuff about Eibach springs vs cut springs, I decided to go with stock MM springs with 1 full turn cut off.

According to what I read, KB cuts 3/4 turn off of his S/C cars and 1 full turn off of his non-S/C cars.

The guys here said 3/4 turn was good for 3/4" drop on their S/C cars. Can I expect roughly the same results with 1 turn cut off on my non-S/C car?

The springs I got were out of some else's MM who was happy with his Eibachs.

Springs had 4k miles on them before they were removed.

Would there be any reason for the spring to expand/contract becasue they were out of the car with no load?

I just want to make sure that in me cutting 1 turn off of the springs from another MM that the car will actually sit just a bit lower and not the same height cause the spring constant may have changed a bit cause of no load on them.

I just don't want to waste my time installing them when it won't do much for the ride height.

How long does it take for springs to sag? I know my '71 Nova has Saggy front springs but we're talking about a 33 year old car. :D I highly doubt my 14k mile MM has saggy springs....lol.

Thanks...
Danny

PS: Spring are getting put in tomorrow at a shop and then alignment. :D

[SergntMac]

What you're asking requires a lot of speculation at the present time. The "sag" factor...Well, it's just too soon to say. But, let's not underestimate the strength of the OEM spring. Likewise, resting uncompressed, I wouldn't expect too much change.

I can't say that 3/4 coil will equal 3/4 of an inch drop, I'm not sure it works out that way. However, I have 1 full coil cut, and I'm driving on 255/45 tires, with no other modification to the suspension. The center of my wheel well is 27" off the pavement.

On my KB#1x, Kenny's experiment was to cut 1 full coil WITH a S/C in place, and that must be where he drew the line. I have no complaints, neither has anyone who has driven the car. No evidence of sagging or wear problems on the OEM spring, and this is after 16,500 of vicious experimental driving by KB, and my additional 20K or since then. So, I think it's safe to say there is some room for error, wear, and personalized settings. You're going to love the ride.

[Marauder]

What you're asking requires a lot of speculation at the present time. The "sag" factor...Well, it's just too soon to say. But, let's not underestimate the strength of the OEM spring. Likewise, resting uncompressed, I wouldn't expect too much change.

I can't say that 3/4 coil will equal 3/4 of an inch drop, I'm not sure it works out that way. However, I have 1 full coil cut, and I'm driving on 255/45 tires, with no other modification to the suspension. The center of my wheel well is 27" off the pavement.

On my KB#1x, Kenny's experiment was to cut 1 full coil WITH a S/C in place, and that must be where he drew the line. I have no complaints, neither has anyone who has driven the car. No evidence of sagging or wear problems on the OEM spring, and this is after 16,500 of vicious experimental driving by KB, and my additional 20K or since then. So, I think it's safe to say there is some room for error, wear, and personalized settings. You're going to love the ride.
The center of my wheel well is 28-7/16" off the pavement with stock springs and 235/50-18 BFGs. This just may work out to a height that I'll be happy with. Zack's S/C car is 27-5/8" with 3/4 coil cut off. I'm "GUESSING" I'll be at roughly the same height since I have slightly less weight (No S/C) plus will have 1 full coil cut off.

Do you have pictures of your car's front ride height?

Thanks...
Danny

[SergntMac]

Do you have pictures of your car's front ride height?
How's this?

[Marauder]

How's this?
That looks hot!!!
:banana2:

[dwasson]

I'd love to do that to mine. If Michigan roads weren't so bad I might. Yesterday the radio traffic report was warning about "larger that normal potholes".

[DL04]

Danny if all goes well with the cut springs wanna sell your oem's?
Do you know how much to drop the rear?-or is it a wait and see type of deal/aka trial and error.

[Marauder]

Danny if all goes well with the cut springs wanna sell your oem's?
Do you know how much to drop the rear?-or is it a wait and see type of deal/aka trial and error.

Rear is wait and see trial and error....lol. :D

I'll see how the car looks once I have them in and see if I wanna sell my OEMs. If I do, you're #1. :D

[rookie1]

I saw mac's and Zack's cars at the last Windy City meet and the ride height on both of them looked just about perfect. It should've come like this from the factory. Neither looked lowered like some ricer, aestheticly, they just looked right.

[Marauder]

I saw mac's and Zack's cars at the last Windy City meet and the ride height on both of them looked just about perfect. It should've come like this from the factory. Neither looked lowered like some ricer, aestheticly, they just looked right.
I'm hoping to achieve the same stance....may come out just a tad bit higher cause I'm not S/C-ed and the front will have a slightly less weight. KB uses 1 turn for non-S/C cars and 3/4 turn for S/C cars. :D

My car in in the shop right now and will be ready later today....cross your fingers. :D

[martyo]

My car in in the shop right now and will be ready later today....cross your fingers. :D
Danny: Make sure you let me know how you make out. Did Bart remember me?

[Marauder]

Danny: Make sure you let me know how you make out. Did Bart remember me?
He did remember you....very nice guy and seems real honest.

[Marauder]

He did remember you....very nice guy and seems real honest.
Marty,
Same guy that did your car did mine so he was familiar with it.

Car looks great...not too low but you can see it. :D

[Warpath]

...Would there be any reason for the spring to expand/contract becasue they were out of the car with no load?

I just want to make sure that in me cutting 1 turn off of the springs from another MM that the car will actually sit just a bit lower and not the same height cause the spring constant may have changed a bit cause of no load on them...

Spring rate won't change by just removing and reinstalling the springs. There will be a difference from one spring to another (not much). So, your vehicle may sit at a different height than someonelse's. However, if you are not careful cutting the springs, you may overheat the end you cut and affect the heat treatment. You may end up softening that end of the spring which may allow the spring to sag on that side. Don't cut it with a torch. I think I've heard others use a cut off wheel. That can overheat the spring too if you get too aggressive.

[Marauder]

Spring rate won't change by just removing and reinstalling the springs. There will be a difference from one spring to another (not much). So, your vehicle may sit at a different height than someonelse's. However, if you are not careful cutting the springs, you may overheat the end you cut and affect the heat treatment. You may end up softening that end of the spring which may allow the spring to sag on that side. Don't cut it with a torch. I think I've heard others use a cut off wheel. That can overheat the spring too if you get too aggressive.
You're right!!! I cut them off with a cutting wheel that didn't heat the spring too much. It did get warm but you could still handle the end with your bare hands. I've been told cutting springs with a torch is a no-no. :D

But I am very happy with the stance of my car now. I'll post pix very soon. :D

[DL04]

DAMN - I'm jealous already. Cant wait to see the difference a full coil makes,did you notice a big change in the ride / feel with stiffer springs?
I was just searching some old threads -found where someone said 1 coil = 10% firmer ride.Hope you took a few before and after measuements.I hope you can make the meet on the 10th so we can see her slammed! :beer: :D :burnout:

[Marauder]

DAMN - I'm jealous already. Cant wait to see the difference a full coil makes,did you notice a big change in the ride / feel with stiffer springs?
I was just searching some old threads -found where someone said 1 coil = 10% firmer ride.Hope you took a few before and after measuements.I hope you can make the meet on the 10th so we can see her slammed! :beer: :D :burnout:
Dennis,

The ride feels just a hair stiffer but your notice the better handling in the turns....the car is slightly more responsive. I guess 10% stiffer is a good estimate. But the drop is obvious from stock. This is how the car should have come from factory.
:banana2:

Before:
28-7/16" from ground to bottom of fender lip

After:
I haven't measured but I'm gonna say about 1" lower.

Next time you see my car, see if you like the stance so you can decide if you wanna do the same. :D

[Marauder]

Before:
28-7/16" from ground to bottom of fender lip

After:
27-1/2"...so a tad bit less than 1" lower.

[1 BAD 03 MM]

Hey SGT. Mac,

How much is your ride lowered in the back. That looks PERFECT.:up: I made the pic you posted my background, so the wife can see it, and maybe..... I can do the same.

[woaface]

Hmmm, this is very interesting. How much? I know some guys more than capable of doing this.:up:

[Marauder]

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid109/p6c253bcb2820956a4cd63d1a1fd38 3d4/f9370ae3.jpg.orig.jpg
Pic of the drop. Doesn't look too low but you notice a lot more it when you put it next to another MM.

[martyo]

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid109/p6c253bcb2820956a4cd63d1a1fd38 3d4/f9370ae3.jpg.orig.jpg
Pic of the drop. Doesn't look too low but you notice a lot more it when you put it next to another MM.

Danny: Linky no worky!!

[jgc61sr2002]

Danny - Looks great. :up: