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#1 |
BOHICA
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Stewartville, MN
Posts: 440
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cuttin' coils
If I cut the front coils will it seriously affect my suspension geometry? Has anyone had any major issues? I only plan on cutting one wrap out. Roughly how much drop would I get out of this? If I cut the rears the same, it should drop evenly right? Can I still use the factory shocks? Its a 68 C10 LWB.
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Trying to save someone from their own stupidity is like teaching a pig to dance. It is a waste of your time, and it annoys the pig! |
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#2 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: South Florida
Posts: 11,375
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Re: cuttin' coils
Quote:
The lowering springs alone are like $225.00 shipped for all four just buy those and it will ride 100% better. then get your self some shocks and you are set..
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Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please!!!!!. Sylvester's build thread >>>http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=big+rebuild |
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#3 |
Happy to be here
![]() Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Cypress, TX
Posts: 39,023
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Re: cuttin' coils
Sorry, but that's not an accurate comment. I agree that it is better to replace the coil with a new one, but cutting a wrap off the stock set will not make it ride bad. I wouldn't cut more than one or one and a half but there are those that have cut more and say they ride good.
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Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra" |
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#4 |
BOHICA
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Stewartville, MN
Posts: 440
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Re: cuttin' coils
If I get the lowering springs, I will still need shorter shocks right?
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Trying to save someone from their own stupidity is like teaching a pig to dance. It is a waste of your time, and it annoys the pig! |
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#5 |
Tot Roddin'
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Mid-MO
Posts: 24,461
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Re: cuttin' coils
That will depend on how low you go....
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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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#6 |
BOHICA
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Stewartville, MN
Posts: 440
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Re: cuttin' coils
I am thinking only one wrap. I don't want to drag frame, I just want a slightly lower stance than factory. Will it mess up the camber on the front and make the wheel look tipped in? So other than getting lowering springs, the rears can only be lowered with heat? I really don't care to do that.
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Trying to save someone from their own stupidity is like teaching a pig to dance. It is a waste of your time, and it annoys the pig! Last edited by BluTrukker; 11-13-2009 at 09:35 AM. |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: S.W. Michigan
Posts: 403
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Re: cuttin' coils
You can use spacers between the axel and trailing arm to lower the rear some. I cut 1 coil from the front on mine with no adverse effects. still rides the same. 1 complete coil was between 2 and 3 inches on mine.
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Good Judgment comes from experience. Most experience comes from bad judgment. |
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#8 |
BOHICA
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Stewartville, MN
Posts: 440
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Re: cuttin' coils
2-3 inches sounds about right. Can you lower the rear that much with blocks only? Could the blocks be fabbed out of square tube, or would you recommend buying them? I ask only because I am on a super tight budget and need to reserve most of that for body work and paint this winter. I have the tools and knowledge to do fabrication, but this is the first time I have ever lowered anything.
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Trying to save someone from their own stupidity is like teaching a pig to dance. It is a waste of your time, and it annoys the pig! Last edited by BluTrukker; 11-13-2009 at 11:53 AM. |
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#9 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: South Florida
Posts: 11,375
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Re: cuttin' coils
Quote:
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Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please!!!!!. Sylvester's build thread >>>http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=big+rebuild |
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#10 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Omaha, NE 68144
Posts: 333
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Re: cuttin' coils
I'm going to agree with cduster. I cut my fronts 1 loop & gained about 2" so I did 1.5 loops & got a little over 3". This put top of the tire (255/60/15 on 15x8 ralley) at top of the fender lip - it looked really nice & didn't ride too bad but the 88-98 disc conversion pushes the tire out a little & it rubbed on hard dips in the road. BTW, use a cutoff wheel to cut coils, not a torch.
If you don't care about load capacity in the bed, PM me if you might be interested in a cheap set of rear coils that say 5" drop. I had to change them to 4" when I raised the front up 1" to keep from having a tail dragger.
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Bryan '52 Bel Air 2dr HT - in pieces '68 C10 - 6cyl/4spd REMOVED, LT1/T56 to be installed “Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both.” - Benjamin Franklin "And those who know what's best for us, Must rise and save us from ourselves" - RUSH lyric (mockery) |
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: OKC OK
Posts: 489
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Re: cuttin' coils
I have seen the front coils cut on several of these trucks, (always with a cutoff wheel too, 68 c-10) my family has been doing it for years, The truck may bottom out a little easier but it has never affected the ride quality on any of them, I cut a full coil (circle) out of my 3/4 ton it dropped it 1-1.5 at the bottom of the front bumper, I then installed standard 1/2 ton shocks and it rides like a champ.
Now if the spring is shot its shot, cutting a coil out will make it even softer, which may be what Big Al is referring to. I would try cutting the one you have first and if it works great, if not buy yourself a set of lowered ones and try them but what do I know, I'm just a low life pink named user.....
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"You can put lipstick on a pig, sure it's pretty pig, but it's still just a PIG... ![]() 71 ![]() Last edited by UltraBlue71; 11-13-2009 at 02:54 PM. |
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#12 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Take Off
Posts: 1,908
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Re: cuttin' coils
Quote:
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#13 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: MT
Posts: 319
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Re: cuttin' coils
Quote:
I bit the bullet and bought this kit with a 3/5 drop: Lowering and Handling kit You can choose 1-3" drop on the front and 3-5" drop on the rear I believe. Seemed to be the best deal I could find for a complete kit...that had everything I needed. I guess we will see! PM me in a few months and I will let you know what I think. ![]()
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'67 C-10 Shorty - 454, 5spd, and speed holes! |
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#14 |
you gotta be kiddin!
![]() Join Date: May 2009
Location: Hamburg AR
Posts: 107
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Re: cuttin' coils
don't forget that if you use lowering blocks on the back more than 1" and run 15" wheels, you will have bolts draging the ground if you have a flat tire. Alot of people do it anyway, but thought I'd mention it. I also cut my front coils 1loop, and used heat to lower the rears, but I have an extra set of stock springs to put back if I have a problem. Just to add my 2 cents, It did affect the ride quality a little on front and significantly on the rear. And one of my rear shocks started leaking oil soon after. Watch this sites classifieds, there are springs on here often.
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It ain't easy being greasy! |
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#15 |
BOHICA
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Stewartville, MN
Posts: 440
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Re: cuttin' coils
Thanks for all the info guys. I definitely have some things to think about. I'll keep you posted on my progress. Should be starting body work around christmas.
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Trying to save someone from their own stupidity is like teaching a pig to dance. It is a waste of your time, and it annoys the pig! |
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#16 |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: over yonder
Posts: 14,270
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Re: cuttin' coils
You cut 3 rounds off a front coil spring on these trucks and you're gonna need some new coil springs.
1 full round normally equates to about 1 1/2" - 2" of drop. My experience is that cut coils don't drive distinctly different than dropped coils. Last edited by Shane; 11-13-2009 at 05:00 PM. |
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#17 |
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Hideaway, TX
Posts: 4,950
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Re: cuttin' coils
Also remember the springs that are on there now are approx 40 years old and are more than likely sagging. If you buy drop springs you may not see as much drop as you thought you might get.
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71 Suburban 350/700R4 Project Trixie 72 CHEVY,Highlander,SWB,396,T400 |
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#18 |
BOHICA
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Stewartville, MN
Posts: 440
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Re: cuttin' coils
so if one wrap equals about2 inches, roughly how much of a drop do I need to bring the rear down to level or slightly higher than the front? I suppose that is one of those trial and error deals.
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Trying to save someone from their own stupidity is like teaching a pig to dance. It is a waste of your time, and it annoys the pig! |
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#19 | |
Project 7dos
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Abilene, Texas
Posts: 876
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Re: cuttin' coils
Quote:
Just by a set of drop springs and you'll be happy.
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7DOS - 1972 C-10 350/350 Porterbuilt/Accuair 20x8.5/20x10 Ride Low or Die PSSST - Yes it's bagged. 7dos build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=610290 |
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#20 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Boise Id
Posts: 100
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Re: cuttin' coils
Ya just drop a little cash and then it will ride like a dream, I cut a coil up front on some 2 inch drop springs so it would have a little more of a rake to it and then I used lowering shocks and it rides better than I would have imagined.
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#21 |
Moderator
![]() Join Date: May 2007
Location: Southern Cal
Posts: 20,005
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Re: cuttin' coils
Bottoming out all the time equates to poor ride quality in my book.
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1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man |
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#22 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: MT
Posts: 319
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Re: cuttin' coils
Quote:
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'67 C-10 Shorty - 454, 5spd, and speed holes! |
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#23 |
406 Powered
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: waynesville,n.c.
Posts: 877
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Re: cuttin' coils
Buy drop springs and save the trouble.....
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70 GMC 68 c10 2002 silverado 72 4x4 |
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#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: OKC OK
Posts: 489
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Re: cuttin' coils
Blutrukker I took my truck to a spring shop and they rebuilt my rear leaf package in my 3/4 ton, they took out 3-4 springs then de-arched them to make the truck sit level then baked them in a kiln to re-temper them, this dropped the back 4 inches, keep in mind this is a truck with the heavy rear spring option... I then cut 1 round out of the front coils for a little rake. I did this because it saved me a little money and you get the same result as dropped springs. It sits exactly the way I want it to on the 265/70/r16 tires, they fill the wheelwells up and you cant see the inner fenders or wheelwells on the bedsides which is what I was looking for.
By the way your signature block is one of my all time favorite quotes and it has inspired me to change mine to one of a piggish nature...
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"You can put lipstick on a pig, sure it's pretty pig, but it's still just a PIG... ![]() 71 ![]() Last edited by UltraBlue71; 11-14-2009 at 12:59 AM. |
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#25 |
BOHICA
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Stewartville, MN
Posts: 440
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Re: cuttin' coils
Thanks for all the info guys, I'll keep you posted on my progress
__________________
Trying to save someone from their own stupidity is like teaching a pig to dance. It is a waste of your time, and it annoys the pig! |
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