Front Coil Springs

[aggie91]

I have a 98 ext cab. It had a shakle/hanger rear drop kit and front spindles. That was better than stock, but still to high in the back and a little high in the front.

It now has a flip kit in the back (I put the stock hangers/shackles back on) and the rear looks right, the front is now too high. I am not opposed to taking the spings out multiple times, just don't want to buy new dropped springs.

My question is, can I cut just a 1/2 of a coil off to see if that is enough drop to get the stance I am looking for? I think I may need to cut 1 full coil off, but do not want to cut 1 coil and not like the result. Will a coil with 1/2 a coil cut off sit in the spring pockets correctly?

[N2TRUX]

Yes you can cut a 1/2 coil on the 88-98 trucks. Just make sure you get the bottom indexed correctly. There is a detent (bump) in the bottom A-arm that the coil should seat against.

Make sure you let the spring settle before you decide if you need to cut more.

[aggie91]

Thanks Ken. I am off work tomorrow, so I am going to do the first 1/2 coil and see how that looks...

[74STPSIDE]

agree on the indexing but cutting coils can cause issues with spring rate i dont recomend cutting coils at all but if you do cut a coil it would need to be cut 360 degrees because if you dont cut 360 the indexing will be off 180 degrees because the spring pockett is indexed on the lca and the upper spring pockett.

[aggie91]

I decided to cut one full coil. I wish I would have measured the amount of drop, but did not think of it. Here is a before and after shot, they are from different angles since the before is from some time ago.

Before:



After:



What do you think? I will most likely change the front tire size a little when it is time for new tires. They are currently 245/40R20, maybe go to a 245/45R20 or 255/45R20. Not sure yet...

[Wild83C10]

Looks good. Expect the front to settle a little more. I'm not sure you can run a taller/wider tire in the front. It may rub. Don't quote me on that, just something to think about.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by 74STPSIDE

agree on the indexing but cutting coils can cause issues with spring rate i don't recommend cutting coils at all but if you do cut a coil it would need to be cut 360 degrees because if you don't cut 360 the indexing will be off 180 degrees because the spring pocket is indexed on the lca and the upper spring pockett.

I have cut coils many times with no adverse affect. There is nothing wrong with cutting a coil unless you use excessive heat. If you use a controlled method such as cut off wheel, Sawzall, or even a hacksaw it won't over heat the coil and affect the spring rate.

It's been a while since I have done an 88-98 truck, but I feel confident that the upper pocket is not indexed.

[N2TRUX]

aggie91 that looks just about right in my books. Be sure to check your fender lip clearance.

It is common practice to have to "roll" the inner fender at the top to prevent it from chewing up your tires.

[aggie91]

Thanks Guys.

While the front spring was out, I looked in the upper pocket and did not see anything that looked like the upper was indexed. Just the lower A arm. I used a cut off wheel in a 4 1/2" grinder to cut the coil. No excessinve heat that way. It was cool enough to touch after a few minutes.

I checked the fender lip clearance and have rolled the front already, plenty of clearance at this point. I did a little to the back lips, there is a spot in the center that is extended into the wheel well more then the rest. I had our racing kart set up loaded in the back this last Saturday and there is a little rubbing in the rear that I need to take care of, but nothing put visable damage on the tires. I need new rear tires so I will take care of the rubbing before getting new shoes for the rear.

I love the stance and ride of the truck. I took to long to get it this way.

[N2TRUX]

Looking back at the pics again, I see it is time for tires. If your ride is good like that, with no clearence issues I would go with the same size tire again.

It looks like you have nailed it from here...

[74STPSIDE]

n2trux you were right i checked again and the top isn't indexed sorry if i through that confusion in their and aggie91 the truck looks great.

[N2TRUX]

74STPSIDE no prob. I didn't "think" there was an index, but I have been known to forget.

[Slammed '87]

I like those wheels. They look great on that truck! Drop looks better lower too. Good Job.

[william-theglassman]

looks great. just take care of that tire.

[aggie91]

Thanks, the tire is not as bad as it looks in the one picture. Do to a bad alignment before the drop, Only the very outter edge of the tire is worn smooth. The rest has very good tread left. After the lowering, the tire wears more to the inside...

[N2TRUX]

Not that I would suggest that you do anything that wasn't legal, but that truck sure would look better with out a front plate.

A couple of stainless carriage bolts with the heads ground flat, then polished to look like chrome would easily fill the holes the plate bracket left behind.

I'm just sayin...

[aggie91]

Thanks Ken, I did not have the plate on for awhile, but "someone" "sugested" that I put it back on since it is required by Texas law...I did not like the factory plastic bracket so I made a simple one from some aluminum, but still not totally satisfied. I wish I could do without it....

[william-theglassman]

one nice thing about cajun country. no front plate required.