Cutting Springs

[hotrod0688]

I am wanting to cut the springs on my 69 c10 about 2 1/2 inches. Does anyone know how much spring to cut off to make it 2 1/2 inches? thanks

[vexvader]

Originally Posted by hotrod0688

I am wanting to cut the springs on my 69 c10 about 2 1/2 inches. Does anyone know how much spring to cut off to make it 2 1/2 inches? thanks

Hey,

I have not done it myself but I have read on this forum that 1 coil equals 1 inch of drop. That does not seem completely accurate to me because it looks to me like cutting 1 coil removes about 1 ½ inches of height from the spring. So my guess is that cutting 2 coils would give about 3 inches of drop. That is assuming that your springs are good (not worn out) and you are starting with the original height. I have seen old springs sag a inch or 2.

If it were me, I would cut 1 coil and then put it back together to check before I cut too much. I would be a lot of work but the best way make sure that you get the results you like.

If you do it, post your results so the rest of us can learn.

Thanks, VV

[glock35ipsc]

I'm moving your thread to the 67-72 forums instead of the projects forum. You will get a lot better response there.

[hotrod0688]

I appreciate it, not real sure what im gonna do yet, I might just end up buying drop springs.

[my67chevytruck]

you can get new drop springs for around 100 bucks or so. there are some on the parts board for sale as well.

[glock35ipsc]

For what its worth, my personal experience has been (with good springs, not badly worn out springs) 1 coil will give about 2" of drop.

If your springs are old and/or worn, I would go ahead and get drop springs. They aren't very expensive like my67chevytruck said.

[Longhorn Man]

One man's budget part, is another man's whole buget.
If $100 bucks for new springs is out of the question, then chop off one coil, assemble, and measure. Drive it for a couple days before cracking it all apart again for more trimming since sometimes they'll settle a bit. Don't go bu what the tape measure says alone, take into consideration how it looks from all angles, how the tire to fender space is (possible rubbing) and how it rides.

[Shane]

1 full coil usually equates to 2" - 2 1/2" of drop ...

[pocketpool]

Be careful not to cut too much off or it will ride like a lumber wagon. When you cut the spring you also increase the spring rate.