Heating Springs

[todd99]

Alright so I have been pondering lowering my truck and I have an interesting question. Is heating up the springs [I]really[I] dangerous. Now I know that the metal will obviously become stiffer, but has anyone actually had their springs snap? And has anything come of it?

I had a 65 Cadillac some years ago that I torched the springs on multiple times and never had any problems, it rode like a dream.

If you look at any forum on the subject there are a rash of "don't do it!"s and "it's dangerous"s, but nobody ever actually has direct proof.

What do you think?

[Longhorn Man]

its been done for the last 60 or 70 years. I'm sure a few people have had some issues, but the general answer is no. If done properly (not over heated) then it'll be fine.

[todd99]

Couldn't agree more.

[todd99]

The front springs. I have a c20 with leaf springs in the rear and plan on removing a leaf or two.

[71swb4x4]

Are you talking front or rear springs? Front springs are very easy to cut and IMO a safer alternative. Of course you can't cut the rear.
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[Shane]

yeah, it was common back when lowered springs weren't available but why even take the chance when replacement springs are dirt cheap?

[todd99]

I don't really think they're dirt cheap, $140 after shipping and not including spring compressors. Vs. a $15 torch.

[72BlckButy]

Cut the fronts... (not with a torch)

Safety is the first and foremost concern, or it should be.

[todd99]

But why? Has anyone ever actually had any problems?

[Mike Bradbury]

This is most likely the effect you will get from heating the spring.
The steel gets its spring hardness from the heat the treatment process in a very controlled environment, if you start messing with it by an uncontrolled process (a torch) then you will probably anneal the steel and it will loose it's ability to return to shape once compressed. It is this ability to resist deformation that prevents stress fractures. If it is continually bending in the "soft spot" it will eventually break and that is the dangerous part.
One mans dream is anothers nightmare.

[mr48chev]

Originally Posted by todd99

But why? Has anyone ever actually had any problems?

Yes I have, My 51 Mercury had heated springs when I got it. They never quit sagging and don't sag even along with the simple fact that most likely they will break at some time or other. One of mine broke even though it was several years after I first got the car It's just too easy to cut those springs to want to heat them.

[lolife99]

I guess if you are interested in the look only,... heating will be ok for you.

I assume you don't plan on a set of drop shocks, or front end alignment, since that will bust the $15 budget?
I know it's a money thing.
But I would buy drop springs and drop shocks,... and do it right

There have been multiple threads with pics of removed heated springs.
Some broke, some didn't.
All were distorted.

[todd99]

I may still buy drop springs, I'm mostly playing devils advocate. I just get really annoyed with everyone talking down about heating springs when it worked so well for me.

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by todd99

I may still buy drop springs, I'm mostly playing devils advocate. I just get really annoyed with everyone talking down about heating springs when it worked so well for me.

I agree with your statement.

So,... I say heat your springs and post some feedback for us.
I applaud all the input that is supplied by this board.

I will welcome your opinion.
If you could,... take some measurements prior to the torch job,... so we can figure out how much drop total you get.

[72BlckButy]

Originally Posted by todd99

I may still buy drop springs, I'm mostly playing devils advocate. I just get really annoyed with everyone talking down about heating springs when it worked so well for me.

I'm not trying to start anything with this post... but you asked for opinions and that is what you are receiving. Many have asked the same question, and generally received the same response that we have given. Given the current economy, money is tight for many people.

Have I personally seen a heated spring break under load? No.

Would I prefer to have the best ride available? Yes.

For me, it's not so much a matter of safety for myself (and anyone else in the car) but also for those around me (other drivers, pedestrians, pets, etc.).

I wish you luck on your lowering project.

[lolife99]

Results of a few quick searches in the "Suspension Section".

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...archid=2158854

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...archid=2158856

[72BlckButy]

Here's a pair of 2" drop springs for $115 shipped.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=drop+spring

[Shane]

it doesn't cost anything to knock the ball-joint loose and cut one round off the spring either ... which is a MUCH better alternative to heating the springs and removing the temper of the metal.

[todd99]

Alright, I'm satisfied. This has been a much more thorough explanation of whats wrong with torching than I have seen in the past.

[72BlckButy]

Complete how too....

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=416622

[oldblue1968chevy]

Jeep springs in the rear (4" drop)

Cut a coil/coil and a 1/2 in the front

(Approx. 2-3"/4-5")

DIY Shock relocators

Could probably make your own panhard (havent gotten there yet)

The most costly thing would be an alignment here.

Check my build for pix

[Shane]

i wouldnt advise cutting more than 1 round if you don't want troubles with alignment and loose spring when the suspension is "unloaded" ...

[oldblue1968chevy]

Gotcha, saving for dropped spindles lol

[Hubscrub]

You can cut rear springs, there is a few trucks around here that has, one of them is our 67 it has front and rear cut some. The PO did it i don't know how much was cut. ( I am not recommending you do it, just stating the fact, will probably be changed)

[leddzepp]

Originally Posted by Hubscrub

You can cut rear springs, there is a few trucks around here that has, one of them is our 67 it has front and rear cut some. The PO did it i don't know how much was cut. ( I am not recommending you do it, just stating the fact, will probably be changed)

Yikes.