Lowering Questions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

LuckyHenriksen · 12-06-2008, 07:44 PM

I already have drop spindles, 1 in. drop springs and 4 in. drop rear springs, but I want to go lower, and don't want to keep buying springs. Can I cut a little piece of the first coil off to get the equivalent of another inch all around? I know cutting springs isn't the best but I don't have budget to buy different ones.

67arch · 12-06-2008, 07:55 PM

I have done it but it's easy to miscalculate. I recommend cutting less than you originally expect. It changes more than you think. I was messing around with my front springs because I am bagging anyway, I cut what I thought would be 2" drop. Ended up about 4" drop resting on bumpstops!

Little at a time and you should be ok.

FRENCHBLUE72 · 12-06-2008, 08:02 PM

Save your money and buy the bags I was once where your at.... Now im here..

LuckyHenriksen · 12-06-2008, 08:39 PM

Wow FRENCHBLUE that looks awesome. I don't have the coin to bag right now, but I would love to someday. I like the license plate hanging sideways.

LuckyHenriksen · 12-06-2008, 08:39 PM

If I do cut, what do I use?

FRENCHBLUE72 · 12-06-2008, 08:56 PM

Thanks and you can use a cut off wheel on a disk grinder just put one end of the spring in a bucket of water.

LuckyHenriksen · 12-06-2008, 09:04 PM

Why the water?

FRENCHBLUE72 · 12-06-2008, 09:15 PM

Keeps the spring cool.

LuckyHenriksen · 12-07-2008, 03:11 AM

Alright makes sense. Thanks

MT71c-10 · 12-07-2008, 11:19 AM

I just did this on the front of my 71. One coil cut off will get you 2" to 2 1/2". I used a chop saw and cut right through it.

LuckyHenriksen · 12-07-2008, 01:08 PM

OK so 1/4 to 1/2 a coil should give me around 1 inch

SCOTI · 12-07-2008, 03:06 PM

The bucket of water trick is only needed if using a torch to cut the spring. If you use a cut-off wheel, the heat is much more confined to the immediate metal & cooling-water is not req'd.

LuckyHenriksen · 12-07-2008, 03:32 PM

Ok cool

MT71c-10 · 12-07-2008, 06:12 PM

Hey, check my thread in the suspension forum "easy way to R&R front coil springs". There is some good info in there on cutting coils. I also have a before and after pic in there. As for how much coil to cut to get 1" of drop, I think "The Shane, the moderator" is the guy to ask. I was surprised how much 1 coil dropped the front.

**lolife99** · 12-07-2008, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LuckyHenriksen

I already have drop spindles, 1 in. drop springs and 4 in. drop rear springs, but I want to go lower, and don't want to keep buying springs. Can I cut a little piece of the first coil off to get the equivalent of another inch all around? I know cutting springs isn't the best but I don't have budget to buy different ones.

All around?
Up front,... a good rule of thumb is,... 1/2 coil = 1 inch of drop.

In the rear,... you can't cut the coils because the ends of the coils are a smaller diameter than the middle of the coil. Just add the correct size lowering block. 1", 2", etc.

LuckyHenriksen · 12-07-2008, 06:41 PM

Are lowering blocks cheaper than a new set of springs? And where do I find them

LuckyHenriksen · 12-07-2008, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lolife99

All around?
Up front,... a good rule of thumb is,... 1/2 coil = 1 inch of drop.

In the rear,... you can't cut the coils because the ends of the coils are a smaller diameter than the middle of the coil. Just add the correct size lowering block. 1", 2", etc.

Yes I would like to drop another inch front and back, so it becomes a 4/5 drop

**lolife99** · 12-07-2008, 07:03 PM

You can buy them,... but look here,
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=196457
and make your own.
Longer u-bolts usually run about $25-$35. I haven't priced aftermarket blocks lately.

Also,... the FAQ section is full of good threads. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=262550

That's where I found this "lowering block thread". Save the FAQ section in your favorites,... you'll be surprised how often you look there and find answers!

LuckyHenriksen · 12-08-2008, 02:57 AM

Looks great, is there somewhere I can buy longer U bolts? And not have them made?

**lolife99** · 12-08-2008, 07:28 AM

Companies like CPP sells lowering blocks with longer u-bolts. Also search "u-bolts" in the suspension section. It's been talked about just recently.

12-06-2008, 07:44 PM	#1
LuckyHenriksen Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Sherwood Oregon Posts: 1,908	Lowering Questions I already have drop spindles, 1 in. drop springs and 4 in. drop rear springs, but I want to go lower, and don't want to keep buying springs. Can I cut a little piece of the first coil off to get the equivalent of another inch all around? I know cutting springs isn't the best but I don't have budget to buy different ones. __________________ 1968 Yenko Chevy LWB 6.0L/TH400 3/4 Drop Senior Project Build Thread Here

12-06-2008, 07:55 PM	#2
67arch WTB:Patience and Talent Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 119	Re: Lowering Questions I have done it but it's easy to miscalculate. I recommend cutting less than you originally expect. It changes more than you think. I was messing around with my front springs because I am bagging anyway, I cut what I thought would be 2" drop. Ended up about 4" drop resting on bumpstops! Little at a time and you should be ok. __________________ 69 shortwide

12-06-2008, 08:02 PM	#3
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,606	Re: Lowering Questions Save your money and buy the bags I was once where your at.... Now im here.. Attached Images __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

12-06-2008, 08:39 PM	#4
LuckyHenriksen Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Sherwood Oregon Posts: 1,908	Re: Lowering Questions Wow FRENCHBLUE that looks awesome. I don't have the coin to bag right now, but I would love to someday. I like the license plate hanging sideways. __________________ 1968 Yenko Chevy LWB 6.0L/TH400 3/4 Drop Senior Project Build Thread Here

12-06-2008, 08:39 PM	#5
LuckyHenriksen Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Sherwood Oregon Posts: 1,908	Re: Lowering Questions If I do cut, what do I use? __________________ 1968 Yenko Chevy LWB 6.0L/TH400 3/4 Drop Senior Project Build Thread Here

12-06-2008, 08:56 PM	#6
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,606	Re: Lowering Questions Thanks and you can use a cut off wheel on a disk grinder just put one end of the spring in a bucket of water. __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

12-06-2008, 09:04 PM	#7
LuckyHenriksen Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Sherwood Oregon Posts: 1,908	Re: Lowering Questions Why the water? __________________ 1968 Yenko Chevy LWB 6.0L/TH400 3/4 Drop Senior Project Build Thread Here

12-06-2008, 09:15 PM	#8
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,606	Re: Lowering Questions Keeps the spring cool. __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

12-07-2008, 03:11 AM	#9
LuckyHenriksen Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Sherwood Oregon Posts: 1,908	Re: Lowering Questions Alright makes sense. Thanks __________________ 1968 Yenko Chevy LWB 6.0L/TH400 3/4 Drop Senior Project Build Thread Here

12-07-2008, 11:19 AM	#10
MT71c-10 Too many toys,not enough money Join Date: May 2008 Location: Bozeman,MT Posts: 237	Re: Lowering Questions I just did this on the front of my 71. One coil cut off will get you 2" to 2 1/2". I used a chop saw and cut right through it.

12-07-2008, 01:08 PM	#11
LuckyHenriksen Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Sherwood Oregon Posts: 1,908	Re: Lowering Questions OK so 1/4 to 1/2 a coil should give me around 1 inch __________________ 1968 Yenko Chevy LWB 6.0L/TH400 3/4 Drop Senior Project Build Thread Here

12-07-2008, 03:06 PM	#12
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,064	Re: Lowering Questions The bucket of water trick is only needed if using a torch to cut the spring. If you use a cut-off wheel, the heat is much more confined to the immediate metal & cooling-water is not req'd. __________________ 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.*

12-07-2008, 03:32 PM	#13
LuckyHenriksen Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Sherwood Oregon Posts: 1,908	Re: Lowering Questions Ok cool __________________ 1968 Yenko Chevy LWB 6.0L/TH400 3/4 Drop Senior Project Build Thread Here

12-07-2008, 06:12 PM	#14
MT71c-10 Too many toys,not enough money Join Date: May 2008 Location: Bozeman,MT Posts: 237	Re: Lowering Questions Hey, check my thread in the suspension forum "easy way to R&R front coil springs". There is some good info in there on cutting coils. I also have a before and after pic in there. As for how much coil to cut to get 1" of drop, I think "The Shane, the moderator" is the guy to ask. I was surprised how much 1 coil dropped the front.

12-07-2008, 06:41 PM	#16
LuckyHenriksen Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Sherwood Oregon Posts: 1,908	Re: Lowering Questions Are lowering blocks cheaper than a new set of springs? And where do I find them __________________ 1968 Yenko Chevy LWB 6.0L/TH400 3/4 Drop Senior Project Build Thread Here



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12-07-2008, 07:03 PM	#18
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,700	Re: Lowering Questions You can buy them,... but look here, http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=196457 and make your own. Longer u-bolts usually run about $25-$35. I haven't priced aftermarket blocks lately. Also,... the FAQ section is full of good threads. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=262550 That's where I found this "lowering block thread". Save the FAQ section in your favorites,... you'll be surprised how often you look there and find answers! __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823 Last edited by lolife99; 12-07-2008 at 07:04 PM.

12-08-2008, 02:57 AM	#19
LuckyHenriksen Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Sherwood Oregon Posts: 1,908	Re: Lowering Questions Looks great, is there somewhere I can buy longer U bolts? And not have them made? __________________ 1968 Yenko Chevy LWB 6.0L/TH400 3/4 Drop Senior Project Build Thread Here

12-08-2008, 07:28 AM	#20
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,700	Re: Lowering Questions Companies like CPP sells lowering blocks with longer u-bolts. Also search "u-bolts" in the suspension section. It's been talked about just recently. __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823 Last edited by lolife99; 12-08-2008 at 07:30 AM.

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