The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network







Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Go Back   The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network > General Truck Forums > Suspension

Web 67-72chevytrucks.com


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 08-11-2010, 07:22 PM   #1
slapthefunkyfour
Super Newb
 
slapthefunkyfour's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Layton, Utah
Posts: 142
Coil cutting and smaller shocks

I've got a '66 C20. I plan on cutting a coil off the front tonight when I get home from work.

I was wondering if anyone else has done this and then still used the stock size shocks? I'm guessing that the stock shocks will still work, since I'm not dropping it very far.

How much drop can I expect with cutting 1 coil out? 1.5 coils out?

I'm also wondering, how long did it take you to do it? I'm hoping I can finish it in one night.

In the rear, I'm just going to put 2" blocks under the axle. Somebody on here did a really good write up about how they did theirs, so I'm gonna attempt the same thing.






edit: whoops, I swear I put this in the suspension section. Mods, feel free to move this to where it belongs.

Last edited by slapthefunkyfour; 08-11-2010 at 07:23 PM.
slapthefunkyfour is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-11-2010, 09:18 PM   #2
oldblue1968chevy
Grandpa in the rustmobile...
 
oldblue1968chevy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN
Posts: 11,422
Re: Coil cutting and smaller shocks

I think if you cut front coils you need an alignment, i started a thread on 'whats procedure for cutting front springs', someone had a good way to diy alignment, search it.
__________________
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
oldblue1968chevy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-11-2010, 09:48 PM   #3
SCOTI
Registered User
 
SCOTI's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DALLAS,TX
Posts: 22,064
Re: Coil cutting and smaller shocks

Quote:
Originally Posted by slapthefunkyfour View Post
I've got a '66 C20. I plan on cutting a coil off the front tonight when I get home from work.

I was wondering if anyone else has done this and then still used the stock size shocks? I'm guessing that the stock shocks will still work, since I'm not dropping it very far.

How much drop can I expect with cutting 1 coil out? 1.5 coils out?

I'm also wondering, how long did it take you to do it? I'm hoping I can finish it in one night.

In the rear, I'm just going to put 2" blocks under the axle. Somebody on here did a really good write up about how they did theirs, so I'm gonna attempt the same thing.
Stock shocks may/may not still work. I did spindles & cut one coil off the springs on two of my trucks (my 68 & the 74). Both front suspensions are basically the same thing. The 68's shock travel dimensions (the distance between the upper mounting & lower mount positions) allowed using the stock style shock as is. The 74 required relocating the upper shock mount 1.5" higher to keep the shock travel dimensions in the sweet spot.

You should be good to try it out & see. The shocks (even if they're too short) should work for a few days until you can swap some others in that are better suited.

Cutting 1-coil will typically yield between 2-3" of drop. It depends how much sag the spring currently has. A good rule of thumb is 1-coil = @ least 2" of drop.

Pulling & cutting coils can be done in an evening if everything cooperates. Sometimes, 40+ year old truck parts don't agree w/this concept so it's best to set aside a Sat/Sun just in case . You will definitely need an alignment after....
__________________
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.

Last edited by SCOTI; 08-11-2010 at 09:49 PM.
SCOTI is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-12-2010, 09:26 AM   #4
slapthefunkyfour
Super Newb
 
slapthefunkyfour's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Layton, Utah
Posts: 142
Re: Coil cutting and smaller shocks

Thanks for the replies.

I did it last night. I ran into some troubles, but it only took me about 2 hours.

I only cut 1 coil, and it dropped about 1.5"-2". Maybe tonight I'll cut off the bump stops and cut another coil. So far it seems like the stock shocks are still fitting well. I took a long test drive, and the alignment still feels dead on.

Let's see if I can find the pics I took.

Last edited by slapthefunkyfour; 08-12-2010 at 09:40 AM.
slapthefunkyfour is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-12-2010, 09:39 AM   #5
slapthefunkyfour
Super Newb
 
slapthefunkyfour's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Layton, Utah
Posts: 142
Re: Coil cutting and smaller shocks

Before pics.

Right side:


Left side:


I forgot to take after pics. I'll do that tonight. Both fenders are sitting about 32" now. I do have pretty tall tires right now, the next set will be a couple inches shorter.
slapthefunkyfour is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-12-2010, 09:53 AM   #6
SCOTI
Registered User
 
SCOTI's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DALLAS,TX
Posts: 22,064
Re: Coil cutting and smaller shocks

I don't recommend cutting more than 1-coil as the springs are short enough @ that point that if/when the front suspension extends enough, the springs can fall out.

If you cut a coil, the alignment has changed. It might be 'good enough', but it's not right.
__________________
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.
SCOTI is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-12-2010, 10:01 AM   #7
slapthefunkyfour
Super Newb
 
slapthefunkyfour's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Layton, Utah
Posts: 142
Re: Coil cutting and smaller shocks

Quote:
Originally Posted by SCOTI View Post
I don't recommend cutting more than 1-coil as the springs are short enough @ that point that if/when the front suspension extends enough, the springs can fall out.

If you cut a coil, the alignment has changed. It might be 'good enough', but it's not right.
Yeah, I guess you're right. The tires are still have perfect "toe", but the camber/caster is probably way off and my new tires will wear out very quick. Luckily, I still have a month left before the first car show, so I have time to get a real alignment done.
slapthefunkyfour is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-12-2010, 10:13 AM   #8
chevyrestoguy
Registered User
 
chevyrestoguy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: apple valley, ca
Posts: 2,670
Re: Coil cutting and smaller shocks

Quote:
Cutting 1-coil will typically yield between 2-3" of drop. It depends how much sag the spring currently has. A good rule of thumb is 1-coil = @ least 2" of drop.
That's exactly what I have found as well.

Quote:
Maybe tonight I'll cut off the bump stops and cut another coil
I would recommend only doing half coils from now on until you get it where you want it, even though it's more work. If you go a full coil, you will find that the drop ratio will be greater than what you saw when you cut the first coil. Two full coils is a lot and the ride will definately suffer. Maybe drop spindles are in your future?
chevyrestoguy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-12-2010, 10:43 AM   #9
slapthefunkyfour
Super Newb
 
slapthefunkyfour's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Layton, Utah
Posts: 142
Re: Coil cutting and smaller shocks

Quote:
Originally Posted by chevyrestoguy View Post
That's exactly what I have found as well.



I would recommend only doing half coils from now on until you get it where you want it, even though it's more work. If you go a full coil, you will find that the drop ratio will be greater than what you saw when you cut the first coil. Two full coils is a lot and the ride will definately suffer. Maybe drop spindles are in your future?
I think drop spindles are definitely in my future.

Yes, I think a1/2 coil is smarter.


How does everyone else remove the springs? I just removed the 4 nuts and bolts holding the inside of the lower control arm, the swaybar bracket, and the lower shock mount, and it came out very easy.
slapthefunkyfour is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-12-2010, 12:05 PM   #10
chevyrestoguy
Registered User
 
chevyrestoguy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: apple valley, ca
Posts: 2,670
Re: Coil cutting and smaller shocks

Quote:
I just removed the 4 nuts and bolts holding the inside of the lower control arm, the swaybar bracket, and the lower shock mount, and it came out very easy.
Man, you've got guts! That spring is under tremendous pressure and your removal method is very very risky. Here's what I do: Put your floor jack under the lower control arm and apply enough pressure to slightly compress the coil spring. Loosen/remove the shock, and disconnect the sway bar. Unbolt the clamp securing the brake line but do not disconnect the brake line. Undo the cotter keys on the upper and lower spindle nuts. Loosen the spindle nuts to where the end of the nut is flush to the end of the balljoint. Using a large mini-sledge, give the edge of the spindle a couple of good whacks and the balljoint will seperate from the spindle. The reason for leaving the nuts loose and not removing them is a safety issue just in case the floor jack fails and the whole assembly comes flying apart. You can also use a pickle fork, which is essentially a wedge designed to force the spindle away from the balljoint. These forks are available at any auto parts store. The only disadvantage to using a fork is that they have a tendency to tear the balljoint boots, especially if they are old. Once the balljoint seperates at the spindle, maintain pressure on the floor jack and remove the nuts completely. After that, lower the floorjack slowly and the springs will relax and the lower control arm will drop and you can reach in and pull the coil out.
chevyrestoguy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-12-2010, 12:12 PM   #11
SCOTI
Registered User
 
SCOTI's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DALLAS,TX
Posts: 22,064
Re: Coil cutting and smaller shocks

Quote:
Originally Posted by chevyrestoguy View Post
Man, you've got guts! That spring is under tremendous pressure and your removal method is very very risky. Here's what I do: Put your floor jack under the lower control arm and apply enough pressure to slightly compress the coil spring. Loosen/remove the shock, and disconnect the sway bar. Unbolt the clamp securing the brake line but do not disconnect the brake line. Undo the cotter keys on the upper and lower spindle nuts. Loosen the spindle nuts to where the end of the nut is flush to the end of the balljoint. Using a large mini-sledge, give the edge of the spindle a couple of good whacks and the balljoint will seperate from the spindle. The reason for leaving the nuts loose and not removing them is a safety issue just in case the floor jack fails and the whole assembly comes flying apart. You can also use a pickle fork, which is essentially a wedge designed to force the spindle away from the balljoint. These forks are available at any auto parts store. The only disadvantage to using a fork is that they have a tendency to tear the balljoint boots, especially if they are old. Once the balljoint seperates at the spindle, maintain pressure on the floor jack and remove the nuts completely. After that, lower the floorjack slowly and the springs will relax and the lower control arm will drop and you can reach in and pull the coil out.
No need to loosen the upper BJ. Loosen the lower, whack the spindle to unseat the BJ, & slowly lower the a-arm releasing pressure off of the coil spring.
__________________
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.
SCOTI is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-12-2010, 12:40 PM   #12
slapthefunkyfour
Super Newb
 
slapthefunkyfour's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Layton, Utah
Posts: 142
Re: Coil cutting and smaller shocks

Quote:
Originally Posted by chevyrestoguy View Post
snip
Quote:
Originally Posted by SCOTI View Post
No need to loosen the upper BJ. Loosen the lower, whack the spindle to unseat the BJ, & slowly lower the a-arm releasing pressure off of the coil spring.
That is an excellent idea. I like to do things safely. I forgot to put in my previous post that I did have the jack under the control arm when I undid the nuts. Your way is far easier, I only have to worry about lining up 1 bolt hole instead of 4.
slapthefunkyfour is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-12-2010, 12:46 PM   #13
chevyrestoguy
Registered User
 
chevyrestoguy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: apple valley, ca
Posts: 2,670
Re: Coil cutting and smaller shocks

Yeah, you're right. I'm so used to swapping spindles that I gave you my "spindle swap" tip instead. If you're just cutting coils, then there's no need to loosen the top nut.
chevyrestoguy is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:30 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 1997-2022 67-72chevytrucks.com