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Old 11-21-2010, 12:44 PM   #1
redbaron69
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thoughts on cut/heated springs

the front coils on my 70 project have been cut, and the rear have been heated to drop the truck.(PO done this) i will admit i like the stance it sits pretty low. im building this truck as a "shop truck" that i will drive on the weekends and to work some. my question is pros/cons on the drop "method"? i have personaly never owned a truck that has been dropped this way, and not sure what to expect. just looking for some advise so i can replace the springs now, instead of later after is all put back together. thanks for any input.
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Old 11-21-2010, 12:47 PM   #2
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Re: thoughts on cut/heated springs

The CUT springs aren't that big of a deal. Your issue is the "HEATED" ones. It isn't a question of "IF" they will snap, but "WHEN"??? Tons of people have done it (me included), but they aren't safe.
As soon as you can, you really need to change the rear ones.

Just my $0.02
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Old 11-21-2010, 12:52 PM   #3
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Re: thoughts on cut/heated springs

i have heated ones on my truck and its hard to drive/ride in it. cant wait to do it right this winter
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Old 11-21-2010, 01:03 PM   #4
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Re: thoughts on cut/heated springs

I have a 67 C10 and the PO had heated and pancaked both front and back. I agree I liked the lowered stance but it was a terrible ride. I just picked up a 3/4 drop from CPP and ride height is the same but ride quality is not comparable. I think it only cost me $300 for springs and shocks. It was one of the first things I did to improve the drive. I couldn't be happier. Good luck!
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Old 11-21-2010, 02:01 PM   #5
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Re: thoughts on cut/heated springs

heated dangerous and dumb
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Old 11-21-2010, 02:33 PM   #6
redbaron69
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Re: thoughts on cut/heated springs

looks like some new springs in my future. thanks for the input guys
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Old 11-21-2010, 02:39 PM   #7
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Re: thoughts on cut/heated springs

keep the fronts & replace the rears
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Old 11-21-2010, 03:11 PM   #8
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Re: thoughts on cut/heated springs

If you want to replace them on a budget AND you don't plan on hauling much (I've heard anything over 500 pound and you'll be bottomed out) you can put in some jeep springs for about 4" of drop. I'm not sure on the specific year/model to use but tons of guys on here have done it and I'm sure they'll chime in.
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Old 11-21-2010, 03:35 PM   #9
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Re: thoughts on cut/heated springs

I was told that chevelle coils spring work good as well. I am thinking about finding some at a salvage yard for using on my 67 c10 lwb. I dont plan on ever using the truck to it full max load. Does anyone know if nova,caprice,impala,belair rear coils would work? Or did they have rear coils or did they have leaf springs? I want to do it right the first time and I have a ways to go until I do drop it and by then I may have enough just to buy the basic drop kit 3"/5" drop coils. Sorry not tryin to hijack your thread. I just see alot of lowering questions. But not sure about other car coils. maybe just better off doing it right and not guessing.
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Old 11-21-2010, 08:16 PM   #10
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Re: thoughts on cut/heated springs

jeep springs wont haul anything much over 150lbs without bottoming out, i hauled an ATV this weekend, bottomed out

Jeep TJ late 90's is what mine came out of 4" drop or so
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Old 11-21-2010, 09:11 PM   #11
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Re: thoughts on cut/heated springs

Quote:
Originally Posted by oldblue1968chevy View Post
jeep springs wont haul anything much over 150lbs without bottoming out, i hauled an ATV this weekend, bottomed out

Jeep TJ late 90's is what mine came out of 4" drop or so

aftermarket drop springs are not much better...
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Old 11-21-2010, 10:20 PM   #12
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Re: thoughts on cut/heated springs

keep the fronts replace the rears, it's cheap and easy enough. If it hasn't been done put a sway bar on the front. Imho best bang for your buck truck project.
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Old 11-21-2010, 10:26 PM   #13
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Re: thoughts on cut/heated springs

Quote:
Originally Posted by scrapmetalart View Post
aftermarket drop springs are not much better...
What brand of springs are you refering to?
Most aftermarket drop springs work great.
You need to combine them with drop shocks and a few other suspension components.
Care to explain?
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Old 11-22-2010, 08:28 AM   #14
72BlckButy
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Re: thoughts on cut/heated springs

Quote:
Originally Posted by scrapmetalart View Post
aftermarket drop springs are not much better...
Quote:
Originally Posted by lolife99 View Post
What brand of springs are you refering to?
Most aftermarket drop springs work great.
You need to combine them with drop shocks and a few other suspension components.
Care to explain?
Agreed. Mine are working great thus far...

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Old 11-21-2010, 10:22 PM   #15
travisfraughton
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Re: thoughts on cut/heated springs

mine had heated rears for over 8 years (maybe more) and never snapped. the ride was absolutely terrible tho. I also like the stance, but put stock springs back on it this summer and really like the smoother ride. wasn't expensive either. if you want the lower stance i've heard cutting the springs isn't bad. whatever you do don't heat it. there's tons of options dropping, especially if you want to convert to discs. I've never talked to anyone who has actually used the drop springs. let us know what you decide
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Old 11-22-2010, 08:56 AM   #16
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Re: thoughts on cut/heated springs

Quote:
Originally Posted by redbaron69 View Post
im building this truck as a "shop truck" that i will drive on the weekends and to work some. my question is pros/cons on the drop "method"? i have personaly never owned a truck that has been dropped this way, and not sure what to expect. just looking for some advise so i can replace the springs now, instead of later after is all put back together. thanks for any input.
Man, do yourself a Huge favor and replace all 4 asap. If you do it now, you won't have to deal with it later when you won't want to.
Call ECE www.earlyclassic.com 559.291.1611 and let them know what you got and what you want. They are the easiest folks to deal with when it comes to our suspensions. I bought my front and rears from them and the ride is fantastic.
Not to mention that you're riding around on borrowed time with those "heated" coils.
Seriously, you want your truck to look "right" and ride nice, then get those taken care of now.

Remember: you can lead a Horse to water, just can't make him drink.
You can lead a Man to knowledge, just can't make him think.
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