To Cut the Springs or Not to cut the springs, that is the questions

[D-n-Tyke]

So when we built this truck I bought modular drop spindles and then 1" drop springs for the front and 4" drop springs and a 1" block for the rear to get me a 3/5 static drop. Now after driving it for a year and everything settling in I feel that the front end is still to high. I wanted a slight rake to the stance and feel I have a level stance with to much open wheel well in the front. So I think I want to drop the front another inch.

So my question is, do I spend the money and buy new 2" drop springs (really don't want to spend the money). Or do I just cut the 1" drop springs I have. And if I were to cut them would I just cut half a coil to get the 1" drop?

Help me out guys. What is your guys' experience and advice?

69 C20 for reference. All suspension pieces are from CPP if that matters.

[jjzepplin]

I cut my springs to see how low I want the truck to be. I don't think I am going to drive it with them though. I am going to put the right stuff under there. Do you have another set that you could toy with? You could sell these the way they are but once you cut them...

[rob32472]

If you are on a budget and want to see what it's like cut away. I am sure some may disagree but I think everyone who is into hot rodding has done it. Road kill garage does it all the time. You probably will find in the end you will want to put the right stuff under it though. Either way you will probably throw away the springs so no harm really. Have fun and enjoy.... BTW cut half a coil at a time and set back on the ground until you are happy with the stance.

[KQQL IT]

My 73 has been on cut coils since 2005 hasn't changed height yet

[bowtie72]

I have been running cut coils. There is nothing wrong with it. If you only cut half a coil it wont set in the lower control arm correctly. Which could cause other issues. I old suggest cutting a full coil.

[dagnabbitt]

You mention that it is a C20: are you using C10 drop springs, or are these the drop springs for a 3/4 ton?

[CAMAROBOY68SS]

Ive been running coils with half a coil cut for a couple years now with no issues up front. Have cut coils of loads of other cars with no problem when you stick to trimming a single coil maybe 2 at the most. There is a limit of how far you can go.

[Wikid61]

If ya need to really cut only a half 1/2 coil, you may drill & put a grade 8 nut & bolt to keep it still.

[D-n-Tyke]

Originally Posted by dagnabbitt

You mention that it is a C20: are you using C10 drop springs, or are these the drop springs for a 3/4 ton?

I believe they are C10 drop springs (CPP PN: FCS6102-1). They were part of the complete kit(6572LHP-K) I bought from CPP.

[D-n-Tyke]

So now I am little torn. I like the idea or whittling down and adjusting the height buy cutting the springs. But then again I like the idea of buying the correct sized spring and then putting this set up for sale and recouping some of my money back. Decisions...decisions...decisions.

Appreciate all your guys' input.

[CC69Rat]

Just my .02

A coil spring is nothing more than a straight piece of steel rod that's coiled up to produce torsional rigidity. The length of the coil matters, absolutely but also the spring rate makes a difference in the overall height / net drop.

Diving boards also use torsional rigidity. Think of a 12ft diving board. 250lb man. Bounces on the end,.. and into the water. How much did the board flex?

Now cut two foot off the board. Does the board flex the same? Or is it stiffer?

I have cut spring before.. not saying don't cut them. I'm just saying spring rate matters.. so if you cut the 1/2 coil it may not net the drop you're looking for... it may net more. It really depends on the spring rate combined with how much you cut off. One full coil will be at least 2" in my opinion but it will give you a harsh ride and need an alignment.

I'd just replace the springs and sell the ones you have now. Hope this helps.