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08-11-2010, 07:22 PM | #1 |
Super Newb
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Layton, Utah
Posts: 142
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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. |
08-11-2010, 09:18 PM | #2 |
Grandpa in the rustmobile...
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN
Posts: 11,422
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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.
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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 |
08-11-2010, 09:48 PM | #3 | |
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Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DALLAS,TX
Posts: 22,064
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Re: Coil cutting and smaller shocks
Quote:
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....
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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. |
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08-12-2010, 09:26 AM | #4 |
Super Newb
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Layton, Utah
Posts: 142
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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. |
08-12-2010, 09:39 AM | #5 |
Super Newb
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Layton, Utah
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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. |
08-12-2010, 09:53 AM | #6 |
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Location: DALLAS,TX
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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.
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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. |
08-12-2010, 10:01 AM | #7 |
Super Newb
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Layton, Utah
Posts: 142
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Re: Coil cutting and smaller shocks
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.
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08-12-2010, 10:13 AM | #8 | ||
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Location: apple valley, ca
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Re: Coil cutting and smaller shocks
Quote:
Quote:
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08-12-2010, 10:43 AM | #9 | |
Super Newb
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Layton, Utah
Posts: 142
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Re: Coil cutting and smaller shocks
Quote:
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. |
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08-12-2010, 12:05 PM | #10 | |
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Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: apple valley, ca
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Re: Coil cutting and smaller shocks
Quote:
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08-12-2010, 12:12 PM | #11 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DALLAS,TX
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Re: Coil cutting and smaller shocks
Quote:
__________________
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. |
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08-12-2010, 12:40 PM | #12 |
Super Newb
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Layton, Utah
Posts: 142
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Re: Coil cutting and smaller shocks
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.
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08-12-2010, 12:46 PM | #13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: apple valley, ca
Posts: 2,670
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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.
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