Whack Off In The Garage - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

kaycee · 12-08-2002, 12:06 PM

I was going to whack off a few inches off my front springs.Does any one have the rule of thumb as to how much to cut to get a 2" drop.I know the hazards of going this route but I like living on the edge.

SCOTI · 12-08-2002, 01:18 PM

You can always cut more, but you can't put it back so start w/about 1/2 coil. Try it & if more is needed cut another 1/2. My 68 has 2.5 drop spindles w/1 coil cut for about a 5" drop up front.

HIGH724X4 · 12-08-2002, 01:27 PM

I'D LOCK THE DOORS!!!!

**Downtown** · 12-08-2002, 01:46 PM

I put a new set of front coils in my 71 shortbed with a 350. I cut off 1 coil and it dropped the truck 2'' measuring from the top of the wheel well. I also think it is better to start off cutting 1/2 coil at a time. It is a real bummer to put spacers in a new coil because it dropped too much.

crazy longhorn · 12-08-2002, 01:53 PM

Whackin off in the garage......maybe you should see if one of the neighbor gals will help you!

I cut 1 full ring off my coils, & figure about 2 1/2 - 3 " drop(depending on lite or heavy spring), & i noticed that they settle in a bit after use. IMHO, if you are going to cut em, you may as well take 1 full ring ,so that the springs seat properly on both ends. When I cut mine, I dumped them upsidedown in a 5 gal bucket of water & cut the exposed end. You will also need shorter shocks,or custom brackets to run the stock lenght shock(mine are fabbed brackets), but I think Turner enterprises has front shock brackets for about $45. I cut the bump stop brackets off the a arms (left the steer stop), & use traction bar snubbers for the bump stops. Good luck......crazy AL

low 84 · 12-08-2002, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by crazy longhorn
Whackin off in the garage......maybe you should see if one of the neighbor gals will help you! I cut 1 full ring off my coils, & figure about 2 1/2 - 3 " drop(depending on lite or heavy spring), & i noticed that they settle in a bit after use. IMHO, if you are going to cut em, you may as well take 1 full ring ,so that the springs seat properly on both ends. When I cut mine, I dumped them upsidedown in a 5 gal bucket of water & cut the exposed end. You will also need shorter shocks,or custom brackets to run the stock lenght shock(mine are fabbed brackets), but I think Turner enterprises has front shock brackets for about $45. I cut the bump stop brackets off the a arms (left the steer stop), & use traction bar snubbers for the bump stops. Good luck......crazy AL

do they have a web site? i would like to check those front shock extender brakets out.

i would even go less than a 1/2 coil at a time. i would go 1/4 coil at a time and let them settle a while before you cut more off.

crazy longhorn · 12-08-2002, 03:55 PM

I couldnt find a web site Low 84, just an add in the back of Jan issue of street trucks. Phone # 909-926-1729

low 84 · 12-08-2002, 07:09 PM

thanks crazy L, i will give them a call. how do they work? do they extend the bottum mount down, or extend the top mount up. thnx

crazy longhorn · 12-08-2002, 07:50 PM

They extend the top mount, the bracket bolts to the top of the frame. They also have some other nice lookin pcs, if you find they have a web site I would be interested to take a look.....

low 84 · 12-08-2002, 08:55 PM

ohh that is cool. i would actauly like to use it on my '84, do the 67-72 ahve the same kind of front shock mount? bottum bolts to the back side of the control arm and top bolts to a stud on the frame? i can't remember how it was on my other truck. thxn, sorry to bug you so much

crazy longhorn · 12-08-2002, 09:04 PM

Yup, same setup

stllookn · 12-08-2002, 09:18 PM

I cut one round out of my front springs and it lowered my truck 2-3/8 inches. It is a 1967 C10 with a 305 and TH400.

crazy longhorn · 12-08-2002, 09:45 PM

Stllookn,have you put many miles on the truck since cutting the springs?

kaycee · 12-08-2002, 10:33 PM

Thanks everybody think I 'll go for 1/2 a ring first.That was a catchy title wasn't it?

**BIG ORANGE** · 12-08-2002, 10:35 PM

I agree with downtown and stlookin on the rull of thumb for whacking off the front spring they are correct if you have V8 springs to start with.

Nelson · 12-08-2002, 10:55 PM

Use a Big Block.

crazy longhorn · 12-08-2002, 11:27 PM

Yes, depending on lite or heavy spring, the drop will be a little different. In my case, I used the lightest set of (new) stock springs i could get. They also did settle in a bit after driving the truck........id say Im right at 3" on the drop. Another thought is that a new spring take a little run time to settle,whereas if you cut an old spring it may already be sagged 3/4"....... I still think to seat the spring properly in the arm, & also the top pocket......it should have 1 FULL ring taken off to locate it the way it should be(that way it cant move around in the pocket). Good luck...crazy AL

12-08-2002, 12:06 PM	#1
kaycee Registered User Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Wyoming USA Posts: 2,453	Whack Off In The Garage I was going to whack off a few inches off my front springs.Does any one have the rule of thumb as to how much to cut to get a 2" drop.I know the hazards of going this route but I like living on the edge. __________________ 2001 Silverado K-1500 2005 FXDWG stage3 69 CHEVY Short/Step 327/4L60 373 posi 63 IMPALA 327/4L60

12-08-2002, 01:18 PM	#2
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,071	You can always cut more, but you can't put it back so start w/about 1/2 coil. Try it & if more is needed cut another 1/2. My 68 has 2.5 drop spindles w/1 coil cut for about a 5" drop up front. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

12-08-2002, 01:27 PM	#3
HIGH724X4 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: LAWRENCEBURG, INDIANA Posts: 298	I'D LOCK THE DOORS!!!! __________________ 72 CHEVY FLEETSIDE 4X4 K10 (SOLD TO JAMIE72, BUT BLAZER GAL PULLED AWAY WITH IT LOL!!!) Will Own one Again!!! 1967 CAMARO (PRO-TOURING PROJECT) Lawrenceburg, Indiana.. AOL IM: kbillcad

12-08-2002, 01:46 PM	#4
Downtown Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: New Palestine, IN Posts: 471	I put a new set of front coils in my 71 shortbed with a 350. I cut off 1 coil and it dropped the truck 2'' measuring from the top of the wheel well. I also think it is better to start off cutting 1/2 coil at a time. It is a real bummer to put spacers in a new coil because it dropped too much. __________________ 72 Super Cheyenne Longbed 350 49,000 original miles and My dad ordered it new 66 Chevy Caprice 2 dr 77 Caprice Estate Wagon New Palestine, IN

12-08-2002, 01:53 PM	#5
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	Whackin off in the garage......maybe you should see if one of the neighbor gals will help you! I cut 1 full ring off my coils, & figure about 2 1/2 - 3 " drop(depending on lite or heavy spring), & i noticed that they settle in a bit after use. IMHO, if you are going to cut em, you may as well take 1 full ring ,so that the springs seat properly on both ends. When I cut mine, I dumped them upsidedown in a 5 gal bucket of water & cut the exposed end. You will also need shorter shocks,or custom brackets to run the stock lenght shock(mine are fabbed brackets), but I think Turner enterprises has front shock brackets for about $45. I cut the bump stop brackets off the a arms (left the steer stop), & use traction bar snubbers for the bump stops. Good luck......crazy AL __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears....

12-08-2002, 03:55 PM	#7
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	I couldnt find a web site Low 84, just an add in the back of Jan issue of street trucks. Phone # 909-926-1729 __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears....

12-08-2002, 07:09 PM	#8
low 84 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 2,144	thanks crazy L, i will give them a call. how do they work? do they extend the bottum mount down, or extend the top mount up. thnx __________________ '51 F100, backhalf with a narrowed 9 and coil overs, 18.5" mickeys, monte front clip, +400" sbc in the works '05 1500 Crew Cab RIP '84 swb 5/7 drop, solid cammed 408 w/ fully ported dart heads, th350 w/ 10 inch hughes, 12 bolt w/ 3.73 richmonds and a locker '80 swb 4x4 in progress: 7" lift, 350 th350/np205, d44 and 1.5" ORD tie rod, 14BFF w/discs , armored diff covers, 40" MTR's

12-08-2002, 07:50 PM	#9
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	They extend the top mount, the bracket bolts to the top of the frame. They also have some other nice lookin pcs, if you find they have a web site I would be interested to take a look..... __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears....

12-08-2002, 08:55 PM	#10
low 84 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 2,144	ohh that is cool. i would actauly like to use it on my '84, do the 67-72 ahve the same kind of front shock mount? bottum bolts to the back side of the control arm and top bolts to a stud on the frame? i can't remember how it was on my other truck. thxn, sorry to bug you so much __________________ '51 F100, backhalf with a narrowed 9 and coil overs, 18.5" mickeys, monte front clip, +400" sbc in the works '05 1500 Crew Cab RIP '84 swb 5/7 drop, solid cammed 408 w/ fully ported dart heads, th350 w/ 10 inch hughes, 12 bolt w/ 3.73 richmonds and a locker '80 swb 4x4 in progress: 7" lift, 350 th350/np205, d44 and 1.5" ORD tie rod, 14BFF w/discs , armored diff covers, 40" MTR's

12-08-2002, 09:04 PM	#11
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	Yup, same setup __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears....

12-08-2002, 09:18 PM	#12
stllookn Saving 1 truck at a time! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 6,465	I cut one round out of my front springs and it lowered my truck 2-3/8 inches. It is a 1967 C10 with a 305 and TH400. __________________ '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 400/TH400 '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 468/TH400w/buckets '72 C20 Halfhorn (Longhorn w/o cab and front clip) '69 Flxible Cruiser (look up ugly in the dictionary)

12-08-2002, 09:45 PM	#13
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	Stllookn,have you put many miles on the truck since cutting the springs? __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears....

12-08-2002, 10:33 PM	#14
kaycee Registered User Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Wyoming USA Posts: 2,453	Thanks everybody think I 'll go for 1/2 a ring first.That was a catchy title wasn't it? __________________ 2001 Silverado K-1500 2005 FXDWG stage3 69 CHEVY Short/Step 327/4L60 373 posi 63 IMPALA 327/4L60

12-08-2002, 10:35 PM	#15
BIG ORANGE Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Lancaster S.C. Posts: 4,767	I agree with downtown and stlookin on the rull of thumb for whacking off the front spring they are correct if you have V8 springs to start with. __________________ Things happen for a reason!

12-08-2002, 10:55 PM	#16
Nelson Registered User Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: cambridge,ont,canada Posts: 128	Use a Big Block. __________________ Nelson 1970 C10 350 Auto. A/C not Working



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12-08-2002, 11:27 PM	#17
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	Yes, depending on lite or heavy spring, the drop will be a little different. In my case, I used the lightest set of (new) stock springs i could get. They also did settle in a bit after driving the truck........id say Im right at 3" on the drop. Another thought is that a new spring take a little run time to settle,whereas if you cut an old spring it may already be sagged 3/4"....... I still think to seat the spring properly in the arm, & also the top pocket......it should have 1 FULL ring taken off to locate it the way it should be(that way it cant move around in the pocket). Good luck...crazy AL __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears....

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