How much can I take off the front springs??? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

bill_ont_canada · 12-03-2002, 04:42 AM

I am building a pair of stepped lower A - Arms which will give me a 2" drop and I know I can cut 2"off the Coil Springs which gives me a 4" drop... How much more can I cut off the coils and still have factory suspension without other mods to make the front end work right. ??????????

Any answers would be appreciated...

Is there anyone else here from London Ont.?????

Thanx

BigRed · 12-03-2002, 09:47 AM

I've heard of people cutting springs but I'd be worried about doing so. I would just buy some lowered springs if you can. But if you're like me, you have no money and the cutting thing sounds really good.

Sorry, can't really give you any insight on this.

I went to a wedding in London, Ontario. Did some hunting around there about 6 years ago also. My sister-in-law is from Brantford and that's where we were staying when I was up there. Too damn cold for my Texas blood.

Good luck with your springs.

Got any pics of your truck? We love to see pics of others' trucks here.

LOHRTBT · 12-03-2002, 10:04 AM

Dont cut your springs!!! Buy lowering springs.

*Zilverado* · 12-03-2002, 10:13 AM

Hey there fellow Canuck. Welcome to the board.

I'm not from London, but my wife grew up in Sudbury (Lively), ON.

As far as the front coil springs are concerned, I would agree with BigRed. I don't know if cutting them is good idea. I swapped mine out this last spring. They have a special shape on top and bottom which mates with the control arm and A-frame. If they are cut, I would think you would need to bend the cut end to match the original, so the springs will be properly seated in the frames.

Just my 2 cents.

Low83 · 12-03-2002, 04:19 PM

I've been running cut coils on my Silverado for the last 19 years without any problems, have 2 coils cut out of the bottom half so they fit right in. also have the spacer kit to bring the alignment back in to specs, all this was done before spindles and lowering springs were around, but when it comes time to rebuild the front end, tubular A-arms,spindles and lowering springs will be installed.

Oh and I wouldn't cut more than 2 coils...

Tom · 12-03-2002, 04:46 PM

If you can build stepped a-arms, Im sure you could build a pair, sell em, and use the money for drop springs. Cutting the springs sounds good, but its not. I cut the stock HD coils on my 78 back in the day, and put new stock junkyard ones in the next day. Finally steped up and bought drop springs, best idea I ever had!

BaggedC10 · 12-03-2002, 09:32 PM

I agree with everyone else---Do not cut the coil springs!

littlebubba · 12-04-2002, 12:48 AM

They say you can cut one coil, never tried it. By the time you go to the work of taking them in and out, new springs don't cost that much, and you will have a matched pair and probably be much happier.
Been in London, a bunch of times. Hockey tournaments over there. Always stop at the Tim Hortons near the 402/401 come together. Best Don Cherry's is in London. Beautiful place. My wife loves the mall there. Ever go to Delaware Speedway?
Just across the river from Sarnia.
Come over to the Mt. Clemens Gibalter Car show some time, or the one at FREEDOM HILL in May. Or Cruise nights in Mt. Clemens.

1981 2WD Blazer
"A WORK IN PROGRESS"

67 Chevy II Nova SS
55 Chevy 210 2DR.
87 GMC P.U.

**Captkaos** · 12-04-2002, 07:18 PM

I have cut several coils to lower a truck and had no problems. You need to cut off a 1/4 at a time until you get them where you want them. Keeping in mind you will need to DRIVE the truck so the springs will settle for proper results. Once you get them close, .5"-1" heat the bottom 1/4 back and flatten them on the ground. ONLY cut from the bottom, and I don't recommend cutting more that 1 round off. If this is you only set of spings, don't do it. Because when cut to much and you hate it, you need new springs......

This isn't an easy process to explain over the net, so results will vary. If you don't think you understand the process or don't think you can do it. Buy dropped springs.

c10scotty · 12-04-2002, 10:20 PM

IMO, i would not cut the springs. it seems that if you care enough about your truck to build new control arms (thats pretty cool by the way) that you should be able to spend the couple of bucks for drop springs. i say do it once, do it right, and never look back.

bill_ont_canada · 12-06-2002, 02:51 AM

Thanx for all the input guys.
I know some of you will shake your heads but I am going to cut the coils, I can't see paying someone over $100 to make drop coils and sell them to me when I can do it myself for nothing.
I must do as much as I can myself to build this truck as I don't have tons of money to spend on it... kinda the way it used to be done before they built and sold all the bolt on accessories for everything.

This is a great site and everyone is so helpfull.

Thanx again.
Have a fabulous day.

**Captkaos** · 12-06-2002, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bill_ont_canada
[B]Thanx for all the input guys.
I know some of you will shake your heads but I am going to cut the coils, I can't see paying someone over $100 to make drop coils ....[B]

Just passing on more info. You can get dropped springs for $75 just about anywhere.

love it loud · 12-06-2002, 11:17 PM

where are you people finding $75 lowering springs? cheapest i've found everywhere is like 109 plus shipping

bill_ont_canada · 12-07-2002, 01:29 AM

But you forgot about the GST and the PST, and the SHIPPING and any Border Taxes etc, etc, etc, you'll probably have to recalculate
your Canadian to U.S. money transfer it would likley add a couple more zeros lol

ROFLMAO @ Riptide

Have a fabulous day.

bigd65 · 12-07-2002, 09:46 AM

SUMMIT has them for 82 bucks

**Captkaos** · 12-08-2002, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Riptide's 78p/u
Yeah but we live in canada...your 75 bucks american is like 10287346102873461027346 canadian with the exchange rate.

Dang, I need to move to Canada!!! I would be in the middle class then!

Seriously though, My appologies for not noticing the Canadian connection.

12-03-2002, 04:42 AM	#1
bill_ont_canada Nobody is perfect... Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: London,Ont,Canada Posts: 200	How much can I take off the front springs??? I am building a pair of stepped lower A - Arms which will give me a 2" drop and I know I can cut 2"off the Coil Springs which gives me a 4" drop... How much more can I cut off the coils and still have factory suspension without other mods to make the front end work right. ?????????? Any answers would be appreciated... Is there anyone else here from London Ont.????? Thanx __________________ Have a fabulous day. Bill... (ö¿ö) " Loud Pipes Save Lives "

12-03-2002, 09:47 AM	#2
BigRed Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,680	I've heard of people cutting springs but I'd be worried about doing so. I would just buy some lowered springs if you can. But if you're like me, you have no money and the cutting thing sounds really good. Sorry, can't really give you any insight on this. I went to a wedding in London, Ontario. Did some hunting around there about 6 years ago also. My sister-in-law is from Brantford and that's where we were staying when I was up there. Too damn cold for my Texas blood. Good luck with your springs. Got any pics of your truck? We love to see pics of others' trucks here. __________________ Scott Shelbourne

12-03-2002, 10:04 AM	#3
LOHRTBT BeWarE tHe eViL CrAnkTOe! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Yukon, OK Posts: 3,605	Dont cut your springs!!! Buy lowering springs. __________________ ~Dave~ You can call me Mike, Mike Oxlong - 1986 Chevy SWB - Stock for now - *1986 Chevy Custom SWB* *Stolen 6/26/05* - 1985 Chevy SWB SOLD - 1999 T/A Some mods www.cardomain.com/id/ramairdave AIM Screenname - Jester84

12-03-2002, 04:46 PM	#6
Tom driving is in my blood Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Mesa AZ Posts: 5,712	If you can build stepped a-arms, Im sure you could build a pair, sell em, and use the money for drop springs. Cutting the springs sounds good, but its not. I cut the stock HD coils on my 78 back in the day, and put new stock junkyard ones in the next day. Finally steped up and bought drop springs, best idea I ever had! __________________ -78 c10 short/step: 388cid, M20, 5/5 drop, lots more. Playtoy and first vehicle. -98 c1500 x-cab: 5.7L, 17" rims, 5/6 drop, flowmaster, helper bags,NBS rear disk brakes. -02 Suburban 4x4: leveled front -CBR600F4i, CBR600RR, CBR1000RR, and standup skis DISCLAIMER: I cant spell for the life of me.

12-03-2002, 09:32 PM	#7
BaggedC10 Under construction! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: NorCal Posts: 1,065	I agree with everyone else---Do not cut the coil springs! __________________ 2001 Silverado bagged on 22's. Sold

12-03-2002, 10:13 AM	#4
Zilverado Account Suspended Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 798	Hey there fellow Canuck. Welcome to the board. I'm not from London, but my wife grew up in Sudbury (Lively), ON. As far as the front coil springs are concerned, I would agree with BigRed. I don't know if cutting them is good idea. I swapped mine out this last spring. They have a special shape on top and bottom which mates with the control arm and A-frame. If they are cut, I would think you would need to bend the cut end to match the original, so the springs will be properly seated in the frames. Just my 2 cents.

12-03-2002, 04:19 PM	#5
Low83 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Porterville,Ca. Posts: 118	I've been running cut coils on my Silverado for the last 19 years without any problems, have 2 coils cut out of the bottom half so they fit right in. also have the spacer kit to bring the alignment back in to specs, all this was done before spindles and lowering springs were around, but when it comes time to rebuild the front end, tubular A-arms,spindles and lowering springs will be installed. Oh and I wouldn't cut more than 2 coils...

12-04-2002, 12:48 AM	#8
littlebubba Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Clinton Twp., Michigan Posts: 323	Lowering springs They say you can cut one coil, never tried it. By the time you go to the work of taking them in and out, new springs don't cost that much, and you will have a matched pair and probably be much happier. Been in London, a bunch of times. Hockey tournaments over there. Always stop at the Tim Hortons near the 402/401 come together. Best Don Cherry's is in London. Beautiful place. My wife loves the mall there. Ever go to Delaware Speedway? Just across the river from Sarnia. Come over to the Mt. Clemens Gibalter Car show some time, or the one at FREEDOM HILL in May. Or Cruise nights in Mt. Clemens. 1981 2WD Blazer "A WORK IN PROGRESS" 67 Chevy II Nova SS 55 Chevy 210 2DR. 87 GMC P.U.

12-04-2002, 07:18 PM	#9
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	I have cut several coils to lower a truck and had no problems. You need to cut off a 1/4 at a time until you get them where you want them. Keeping in mind you will need to DRIVE the truck so the springs will settle for proper results. Once you get them close, .5"-1" heat the bottom 1/4 back and flatten them on the ground. ONLY cut from the bottom, and I don't recommend cutting more that 1 round off. If this is you only set of spings, don't do it. Because when cut to much and you hate it, you need new springs...... This isn't an easy process to explain over the net, so results will vary. If you don't think you understand the process or don't think you can do it. Buy dropped springs. __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com

12-04-2002, 10:20 PM	#10
c10scotty ~THE SILVER BULLET~ Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: WYOMING Posts: 285	IMO, i would not cut the springs. it seems that if you care enough about your truck to build new control arms (thats pretty cool by the way) that you should be able to spend the couple of bucks for drop springs. i say do it once, do it right, and never look back. __________________ ~1980 c10 chevy scottsdale~ ~2.5/4 drop 305/th350c~

12-06-2002, 02:51 AM	#11
bill_ont_canada Nobody is perfect... Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: London,Ont,Canada Posts: 200	Thanx for all the input guys... Thanx for all the input guys. I know some of you will shake your heads but I am going to cut the coils, I can't see paying someone over $100 to make drop coils and sell them to me when I can do it myself for nothing. I must do as much as I can myself to build this truck as I don't have tons of money to spend on it... kinda the way it used to be done before they built and sold all the bolt on accessories for everything. This is a great site and everyone is so helpfull. Thanx again. Have a fabulous day. __________________ Have a fabulous day. Bill... (ö¿ö) " Loud Pipes Save Lives "

12-06-2002, 11:17 PM	#13
love it loud Calibration Engineer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Windsor, Ontario, Canada Posts: 361	where are you people finding $75 lowering springs? cheapest i've found everywhere is like 109 plus shipping __________________ CANADIAN CONNECTION

12-07-2002, 01:29 AM	#14
bill_ont_canada Nobody is perfect... Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: London,Ont,Canada Posts: 200	I couldn't have said it better Riptide's 78p/u... But you forgot about the GST and the PST, and the SHIPPING and any Border Taxes etc, etc, etc, you'll probably have to recalculate your Canadian to U.S. money transfer it would likley add a couple more zeros lol ROFLMAO @ Riptide Have a fabulous day. __________________ Have a fabulous day. Bill... (ö¿ö) " Loud Pipes Save Lives "

12-07-2002, 09:46 AM	#15
bigd65 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Lake Jackson, TX. Posts: 1,930	SUMMIT has them for 82 bucks __________________ 2004 Silverado Crewcab (Dark Spiral Gray)



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