How much Spring to cut?

[jermasaurus]

Hey everyone.

I am looking to lower my front end about 2-3 more inches. I already have 3 inch spindles.

I know people say cutting them makes a rough ride because it increases the spring rate when you take some legnth off of them. But mine feel worn out and kind of "loose" feeling- like it doesnt take as much weight to compress them. I don't know if they wear in that kind of way or not.

So now that my truck is only a semi-daily driver, and I got my own place to work on it, I am getting a little time here and there to do a few things.

I am wanting to take 2-3 inches off the springs. I figure if cutting them makes them stiffer, then maybe mine will feel normal again if I take a little bit off them.

My questions I could use answers for are:
1. is there a formula for cutting them like maybe 1/2 coil = 1" ? I think I heard somthing like that

2. Will I bottom out really easy with shorter springs? I know I would have to take things a little slower and most likely take the bump stops out or install shorter ones.

3. Last (for now) Can anyone tell me if I can stick with my current size tires in front? I have 275/60/15 all around.

85 c10 by the way


thanks for the input


-Jeremy

[Turbo85GMC]

From what I've been told you have to cut off a complete coil(s) because of how the end of the spring sits, and that one coil gives 1.5" ~ 2" of drop. I'm curious about other's answers because I would like to do this too.

[r0lf-]

Yes, it really depends on the springs current status of decay

But cutting the spring wont make em stiffer, actually the opposite. But id say you'd be good cutting a coil off for 1.5-2" like stated above. You might want to trim your bumpstops a little when you do it.

Some will say DONT CUT SPRINGS, but if its only a coil for an inch or so, its fine, if you wanna go more than that, definitely get new drop springs at the correct coil rate.

As for your tires, its gonna be close, but 5" of front drop is not much on these trucks. I drive around with something like 7-8" of front drop on 255/60/15's and barely rub.

[Grande Rojo]

I've got spindles and cut 1 coil, it rode fine.

[bigblock73]

I'd just buy new drop coils and be done with it. After all, you are modifying 20+ year old coils that have seen their fair share of abuse and exposure to the elements. Coils do tend to sag over time, so why potentially do this twice?

Do it once (and IMO opinion right) and be done with it.

[Malo83]

I have 2 coils cut out of mine, 1 coil = 2in drop, my DD is an 83 with the cut coils in front with the alignment kit for the front and the flip kit in the back, this is the way it was done before drop spindles and coils, also sectioning the lower A-arms was another way to drop the front end. California Truck Works dropped mine, the Drop Shop would section A-arms to drop.
John

[jermasaurus]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Where is a good place to buy drop coils? What usually keeps me from buying things like that is shipping. Any suggestions?

-Jeremy

[Chevrolet4x4s]

LMC sells them but you know ya' know your gonna spend 2-3 times as much there.
Shane

[gashog]

Try summit Racing, they sell drop coils in 1", 2" and 3" For $69 to $79. Their brand Shipping shouldn't be to bad.

[hotrodhomi]

I would buy new coils, but if oyu won't take our advice I would recomend only cutting one coil or less. Its easy to cut more if thats not enough.

[corn]

I had bell tech 3" spindles & one coil cut on my 84. It was about a 5" drop. If you decide to buy springs, I think Summit offers free shipping. Good luck with it...