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#1 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: prescott, az
Posts: 225
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Heating Springs
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? |
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#2 |
its all about the +6 inches
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Hilliard Ohio
Posts: 2,693
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Re: Heating Springs
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.
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#3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Brookings, SD
Posts: 10,497
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Re: Heating Springs
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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Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs. |
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#4 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: prescott, az
Posts: 225
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Re: Heating Springs
Couldn't agree more.
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#5 |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: over yonder
Posts: 14,270
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Re: Heating Springs
yeah, it was common back when lowered springs weren't available but why even take the chance when replacement springs are dirt cheap?
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#6 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: prescott, az
Posts: 225
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Re: Heating Springs
The front springs. I have a c20 with leaf springs in the rear and plan on removing a leaf or two.
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#7 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: prescott, az
Posts: 225
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Re: Heating Springs
I don't really think they're dirt cheap, $140 after shipping and not including spring compressors. Vs. a $15 torch.
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#8 |
Tot Roddin'
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Mid-MO
Posts: 24,461
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Re: Heating Springs
Cut the fronts... (not with a torch)
Safety is the first and foremost concern, or it should be.
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-Nate ![]() 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package) Last edited by 72BlckButy; 02-12-2011 at 12:08 AM. |
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#9 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: prescott, az
Posts: 225
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Re: Heating Springs
But why? Has anyone ever actually had any problems?
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#10 |
67-72 parts collector,…
![]() Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Mid-MO
Posts: 22,699
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Re: Heating Springs
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.
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Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823 Last edited by lolife99; 02-12-2011 at 12:16 AM. |
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#11 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: prescott, az
Posts: 225
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Re: Heating Springs
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.
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#12 |
67-72 parts collector,…
![]() Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Mid-MO
Posts: 22,699
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Re: Heating Springs
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
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Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823 Last edited by lolife99; 02-12-2011 at 12:23 AM. |
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#13 | |
67-72 parts collector,…
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Location: Mid-MO
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Re: Heating Springs
Quote:
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.
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Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823 |
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#14 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: San Diego California
Posts: 1,316
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Re: Heating Springs
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. ![]()
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I'd rather attempt something great and fail.. than try something ordinary and succeed. Norman Vincent Peale Project: Barn Raising http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=414961 Project: 30 Be Low https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=830583 Last edited by Mike Bradbury; 02-12-2011 at 12:31 AM. |
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#15 | |
Tot Roddin'
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Mid-MO
Posts: 24,461
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Re: Heating Springs
Quote:
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.
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-Nate ![]() 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package) |
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#16 |
Tot Roddin'
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Mid-MO
Posts: 24,461
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Re: Heating Springs
Here's a pair of 2" drop springs for $115 shipped.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=drop+spring
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-Nate ![]() 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package) |
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#17 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Toppenish, WA
Posts: 15,522
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Re: Heating Springs
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. |
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#18 |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: over yonder
Posts: 14,270
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Re: Heating Springs
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.
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#19 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: prescott, az
Posts: 225
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Re: Heating Springs
Alright, I'm satisfied. This has been a much more thorough explanation of whats wrong with torching than I have seen in the past.
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#20 |
Tot Roddin'
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Mid-MO
Posts: 24,461
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Re: Heating Springs
__________________
-Nate ![]() 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package) |
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#21 |
Grandpa in the rustmobile...
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN
Posts: 11,422
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Re: Heating Springs
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
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John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 |
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#22 |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: over yonder
Posts: 14,270
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Re: Heating Springs
i wouldnt advise cutting more than 1 round if you don't want troubles with alignment and loose spring when the suspension is "unloaded" ...
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#23 |
Grandpa in the rustmobile...
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN
Posts: 11,422
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Re: Heating Springs
Gotcha, saving for dropped spindles
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John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 |
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#24 |
Cruzin
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: on the road
Posts: 2,835
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Re: Heating Springs
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)
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Lime Wife's 67https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...wZEMODaS2d94u8 Back to the Fifties 59 https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...NAeStpydfrcj_U Proverbs 3:5,6 "Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel across the country from coast to coast without seeing anything."Charles Kuralt In memory of our first baby daughter, daddy and mommy love you. Danica Grace 6/26/14
Last edited by Hubscrub; 02-12-2011 at 09:00 AM. |
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#25 |
Grandpa in the rustmobile...
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN
Posts: 11,422
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Re: Heating Springs
Gee hub lol Trying to get rid of the wifey quick..
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John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 |
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