cutting springs - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

newsalem2004 · 11-04-2003, 08:44 PM

Has anyone cut their coils to drop their pickup. I saw these project in an old car craft magazine. I was wondering what your opinions on this is. Also how you guys did it if you did do it. Thanks

FRENCHBLUE72 · 11-04-2003, 08:49 PM

I would not do it but, it is not my truck. If you do cut the spring's use something the will not build heat(like a torch)to cut the spring's... Lowered spring's are cheap these day's why not get a nice ride and the truck will stay level..

1972ChevyGuy · 11-04-2003, 08:55 PM

Yes it can be done. I had mine cold cut. But I beleive you can only cut the front ones as the back are tapered. It possible by cutting that you will decrease the ride (smoothness). I forget exactly how much each coil drops the truck but it is a pretty good bit. Easiest/safest route would be the ECE drop coils or similar. - Jeremy

Tx Firefighter · 11-04-2003, 09:01 PM

I've cut gobs of springs before.

On these trucks, 1 coil= 3 inch drop (on the front)

cableguy0 · 11-04-2003, 09:42 PM

personally i dont think its worth the hassle if you want to lower your truck do it right and safely just buy new springs they arent that expensive

sactoC10 · 11-04-2003, 10:24 PM

I've done it, lots of times, lots of vehicles. Very EZ...I've never cut them any other way than with an angle grinder. I WAS shocked that cutting only one coil dropped the truck 3" but that is what happened. My ride quality is fine...don't bottom out, very smooth...still a better ride than my 2001 truck! My two cents.

lukecp · 11-04-2003, 10:28 PM

In an older Classic Trucks, they reccomended putting the coil in a bucket of water up to the level of the cut, and loping it off with a torch. I guess the coils are tempered, and heat can ruin a temper....

crazy longhorn · 11-04-2003, 10:31 PM

I cut my front springs several yrs ago, before drop springs were available for the 67-72s. I got a new set , & cut 1 ring off(3" drop, as earlier posted). I turned them upsidedown in a 5 gal bucket of water, & torched off the exposed end. For what its worth, the truck doesnt ride bad, but you will need shorter shocks, or shock relocators. Eventually , I will get around to spindles & bags. drop springs are cheap,& spindles are really a better way to go. Good luck,crazyL

junkyardjohn · 11-04-2003, 10:56 PM

YEP -- I'VE CUT A FEW. I USED A AIR POWERED CUTOFF TOOL. NO HEAT AT ALL. H@LL I COULD TOUCH THE SPRING 1/2" FROM THE CUT AS SOON AS I FINISHED. JOHN

**BIG ORANGE** · 11-04-2003, 11:28 PM

I've dropped a dozen or more trucks by cutting 1 round out of the bottom of the front springs and then using 2" schedule 40 tuben for the drop on the rearend with some long u bolts from Advance Autos Parts! And I got a 69 to do this weekend!

11-04-2003, 08:44 PM	#1
newsalem2004 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 46	cutting springs Has anyone cut their coils to drop their pickup. I saw these project in an old car craft magazine. I was wondering what your opinions on this is. Also how you guys did it if you did do it. Thanks

11-04-2003, 08:49 PM	#2
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,608	I would not do it but, it is not my truck. If you do cut the spring's use something the will not build heat(like a torch)to cut the spring's... Lowered spring's are cheap these day's why not get a nice ride and the truck will stay level.. __________________ 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..

11-04-2003, 09:01 PM	#4
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	I've cut gobs of springs before. On these trucks, 1 coil= 3 inch drop (on the front) __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

11-04-2003, 09:42 PM	#5
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,950	personally i dont think its worth the hassle if you want to lower your truck do it right and safely just buy new springs they arent that expensive __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

11-04-2003, 10:24 PM	#6
sactoC10 71 DELUX Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Northern CA / Sac Posts: 1,056	yep I've done it, lots of times, lots of vehicles. Very EZ...I've never cut them any other way than with an angle grinder. I WAS shocked that cutting only one coil dropped the truck 3" but that is what happened. My ride quality is fine...don't bottom out, very smooth...still a better ride than my 2001 truck! My two cents.

11-04-2003, 08:55 PM	#3
1972ChevyGuy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Kannapolis, NC Posts: 552	Yes it can be done. I had mine cold cut. But I beleive you can only cut the front ones as the back are tapered. It possible by cutting that you will decrease the ride (smoothness). I forget exactly how much each coil drops the truck but it is a pretty good bit. Easiest/safest route would be the ECE drop coils or similar. - Jeremy

11-04-2003, 10:28 PM	#7
lukecp Formerly yellow72custom Join Date: May 2001 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 7,531	In an older Classic Trucks, they reccomended putting the coil in a bucket of water up to the level of the cut, and loping it off with a torch. I guess the coils are tempered, and heat can ruin a temper.... __________________ '72 Chevy C10 Mild 350/TH350/3.07. Ochre/White. Old high school ride. '70 GMC C2500 '62 327 4bbl/SM465/4.56-geared Dana 60. White/White. Project or parts truck. '97 Saturn SL DD. 1.9/5-speed. 40+ highway mpg

11-04-2003, 10:31 PM	#8
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	I cut my front springs several yrs ago, before drop springs were available for the 67-72s. I got a new set , & cut 1 ring off(3" drop, as earlier posted). I turned them upsidedown in a 5 gal bucket of water, & torched off the exposed end. For what its worth, the truck doesnt ride bad, but you will need shorter shocks, or shock relocators. Eventually , I will get around to spindles & bags. drop springs are cheap,& spindles are really a better way to go. Good luck,crazyL __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears....

11-04-2003, 10:56 PM	#9
junkyardjohn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SOMERSET KY. Posts: 6,427	YEP -- I'VE CUT A FEW. I USED A AIR POWERED CUTOFF TOOL. NO HEAT AT ALL. H@LL I COULD TOUCH THE SPRING 1/2" FROM THE CUT AS SOON AS I FINISHED. JOHN __________________ junkyardjohn 69 1 TON TOW TRUCK // 84 4WD CUCV BLAZER// 85 1 TON 4WD STAKE TRUCK// 86 M1031 5/4 TON 4WD CUCV// ALOT OF OLD TRUCKS FOR ONE OLD MAN TO DRIVE. THERES ROOM FOR ALL OF GODS CREATURES RIGHT NEXT TO MY MASHED POTATOES// LIFE MEMBER OF P.E.T.A (PEOPLE EATING TASTY ANIMALS) DON'T RENT U-HAUL ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH IT WILL AMAZE PART OF THE PEOPLE & ASTONISH THE REST

11-04-2003, 11:28 PM	#10
BIG ORANGE Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Lancaster S.C. Posts: 4,754	I've dropped a dozen or more trucks by cutting 1 round out of the bottom of the front springs and then using 2" schedule 40 tuben for the drop on the rearend with some long u bolts from Advance Autos Parts! And I got a 69 to do this weekend! __________________ Things happen for a reason!



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