What should i cut coils with? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

threeonthetree · 08-27-2009, 05:34 PM

im about ready to cut my coils for a 3inch drop
and im not sure what to use
ive heard do not to get them hot or use a torch
cutting wheels ive heard
will a saw za do it?
and how many coils
ive heard a coil and a half will do it.

tcb-1 · 08-27-2009, 05:50 PM

cutting wheel. just make sure you take your time and let don't allow the coil to get too hot in the cut region. slow is the way to go.....

mclairmo · 08-27-2009, 05:56 PM

Cutting wheel and keep the metal cool, maybe wrap the bottom of the coil with a wet towel or submerse bottom of coil in a bucket of water; just don't eletrocute yourself. I always thought that you cut one coil per inch of desired drop. Someone please correct me if I am wrong.

71swb4x4 · 08-27-2009, 06:04 PM

I know it can be a pain to remove and install the springs, but I would recommend cutting one coil, reinstalling, and driving for a week to let it settle. See if that's enough. If not, pull them out and cut another coil, or even a half coil.

Ackattack · 08-27-2009, 06:23 PM

I wouldn't worry about heat build up using a cut off wheel.

**kev2809** · 08-27-2009, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ackattack

I wouldn't worry about heat build up using a cut off wheel.

agree. i think a cut off wheel would be best since a coil isnt that big across and dont produce a whole lot of heat. at least not enough to mess anything up.

**tnblazerk5** · 08-27-2009, 07:08 PM

i used a band saw and cut 1 1/2 coils the first time and it was way to low the 2nd time i cut 1 coil and it was just rite

its about 31/2 or 4 inch lower in the front now
i had to also cut the metal stand and the bump stops off both lower control arms and replaced them with Energy Suspension bump stops

tcb-1 · 08-27-2009, 07:49 PM

remember! cut less than you think you'll need! just a half a coil brings these springs down quite a bit.

mvfd70 · 08-27-2009, 08:04 PM

Nothing was mentioned about rear springs. Remember that you cannot cut the rear springs. You didnt say front or back so this is just a reminder that they can't be cut.

69 longhorn · 08-27-2009, 08:11 PM

Toss the coils upside down in a 5 gallon bucket of water, torch 1 full ring off the bottom.....after the springs "settle in", you will have a 3" drop

crazyAl

69 longhorn · 08-27-2009, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mvfd70

Nothing was mentioned about rear springs. Remember that you cannot cut the rear springs. You didnt say front or back so this is just a reminder that they can't be cut.

What he said.....on che cheap, you can run a 2 " block on the rears. best of luck

mclairmo · 08-27-2009, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69 longhorn

What he said.....on che cheap, you can run a 2 " block on the rears. best of luck

I just saw a pic on another post today of a guy who cut the ends off another set of trailing arms to make himself a set of lowering blocks. Pretty cool.

**kev2809** · 08-27-2009, 09:07 PM

why can't u cut the rear springs? not questioning u, I just never knew that

Tx Firefighter · 08-27-2009, 09:11 PM

Because the coils get tighter on the ends. If you cut the ends off, the coil retainers won't fit into the ends of the spring to hold them in.

Longhorn Man · 08-27-2009, 09:28 PM

i've used a torch, sawzall, and cut off wheel.
Cut off wheel is prefered IMO.
Heat is second, if you now how to ue a torch, then you won't heat it up enough to do any damage. (that 'damaged from heat' is WAY over rated, you'd have to be a real tool to damage them if lowering with heat alone)
Sawzall is last on my list just due to being a bit harder to control.

69 longhorn · 08-27-2009, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

i've used a torch, sawzall, and cut off wheel.
Cut off wheel is prefered IMO.
Heat is second, if you now how to ue a torch, then you won't heat it up enough to do any damage. (that 'damaged from heat' is WAY over rated, you'd have to be a real tool to damage them if lowering with heat alone)
Sawzall is last on my list just due to being a bit harder to control.

Andy, does knowing how to use a torch mean that you have never had a car or truck on FIRE! Thats one I guess I can NOT say(not without tellin a bare face d lie anyway! LOL crazy Al

Longhorn Man · 08-27-2009, 10:07 PM

well, we had this fuel truck in the shop one time... and I figured, *heck* I'm working on the front of the *darn* truck... I ain't scared.
Yeah... I almost crapped myself when i saw the flames out the corner of my eye... under the cab.
Been there, done that.

First time I tried welding sheet metal was a striker post on an international 4900 fuel truck. (anyone notice a trend here?) The funny thing is, the back wall of the cab has a panel covering the lower part of the wall, under the window... and insulation in there... yeah, i blew through, and it cought fire... and again, I almost soiled my pants.

threeonthetree · 08-27-2009, 10:38 PM

well i used the cut off wheel and it went faster than i thought

so this is where im at now which i want to be lower
how long will it take the springs to "settle in"?
im sitting at 31" or somthing and i my rear is gonna be like 29" when i get the drop
should i take a half coil off?

69 longhorn · 08-27-2009, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

well, we had this fuel truck in the shop one time... and I figured, *heck* I'm working on the front of the *darn* truck... I ain't scared.
Yeah... I almost crapped myself when i saw the flames out the corner of my eye... under the cab.
Been there, done that.

First time I tried welding sheet metal was a striker post on an international 4900 fuel truck. (anyone notice a trend here?) The funny thing is, the back wall of the cab has a panel covering the lower part of the wall, under the window... and insulation in there... yeah, i blew through, and it cought fire... and again, I almost soiled my pants.

Well there you go,.....got to love an honest man

I like fire, but over the last 30 yrs it has scared this crazy old man at least a time or 2

crazyAl

Gearhead dude · 08-27-2009, 11:43 PM

How much did it drop it?

threeonthetree · 08-28-2009, 12:41 AM

i didn't take a measurement before i wasn't thinking and i already had it on the jackstands and both wheels off b4 i remembered to.
what is a stock ride height from fender to the ground?

mine is at 31'' now.

Gearhead dude · 08-28-2009, 08:27 AM

Mine's at 32 1/4" front and 31 1/4" rear. Both measurements to the center of the fender opening above the wheel centerline.

prostreetC-10 · 08-28-2009, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tnblazerk5

i used a band saw and cut 1 1/2 coils the first time and it was way to low the 2nd time i cut 1 coil and it was just rite

its about 31/2 or 4 inch lower in the front now
i had to also cut the metal stand and the bump stops off both lower control arms and replaced them with Energy Suspension bump stops

Don't you think it's dangerous to drive with such a large side mirror????? They say "objects are closer than they appear". It seems that everything would look like a semi-truck in that thing!!!

Just had to take a shot at a funny this morning. Reminds me of the ferrari testy mirrors. Nice stance, buy the way!!!

08-27-2009, 05:34 PM	#1
threeonthetree Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Wausau, WI Posts: 975	What should i cut coils with? im about ready to cut my coils for a 3inch drop and im not sure what to use ive heard do not to get them hot or use a torch cutting wheels ive heard will a saw za do it? and how many coils ive heard a coil and a half will do it. __________________ Smoking Tires Since 1992 1969 c10 AKA SIN 1985 SSWB TRAZER (super short wheel base) Last edited by threeonthetree; 08-27-2009 at 05:36 PM.

08-27-2009, 05:50 PM	#2
tcb-1 Nothing to see here..... Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Shawnee, KS Posts: 4,625	Re: What should i cut coils with? cutting wheel. just make sure you take your time and let don't allow the coil to get too hot in the cut region. slow is the way to go..... __________________ Doug THANK YOU to our American Soldiers & Veterans - POW MIA "You will NEVER be forgotten". The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not. Thomas Jefferson

08-27-2009, 05:56 PM	#3
mclairmo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Take Off Posts: 1,908	Re: What should i cut coils with? Cutting wheel and keep the metal cool, maybe wrap the bottom of the coil with a wet towel or submerse bottom of coil in a bucket of water; just don't eletrocute yourself. I always thought that you cut one coil per inch of desired drop. Someone please correct me if I am wrong.

08-27-2009, 06:04 PM	#4
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: What should i cut coils with? I know it can be a pain to remove and install the springs, but I would recommend cutting one coil, reinstalling, and driving for a week to let it settle. See if that's enough. If not, pull them out and cut another coil, or even a half coil. __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

08-27-2009, 06:23 PM	#5
Ackattack Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Valley Center KS Posts: 3,525	Re: What should i cut coils with? I wouldn't worry about heat build up using a cut off wheel. __________________ Project Bruiser: 68 Pro-Touring C-10 5.3L / 4L60E Project Ironhide: 97 GMC Crew Cab 4x4 Cummins SOLD: '69 GMC 1/2T SWB TBI'd: Project No Buck Assembly Manual Index Sign up Thread!!! Factory Service Manual Index

08-27-2009, 07:08 PM	#7
tnblazerk5 User #12137 Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: kingsport,upper east tenn Posts: 11,598	Re: What should i cut coils with? i used a band saw and cut 1 1/2 coils the first time and it was way to low the 2nd time i cut 1 coil and it was just rite its about 31/2 or 4 inch lower in the front now i had to also cut the metal stand and the bump stops off both lower control arms and replaced them with Energy Suspension bump stops Attached Images Last edited by tnblazerk5; 08-27-2009 at 07:14 PM.

08-27-2009, 07:49 PM	#8
tcb-1 Nothing to see here..... Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Shawnee, KS Posts: 4,625	Re: What should i cut coils with? remember! cut less than you think you'll need! just a half a coil brings these springs down quite a bit. __________________ Doug THANK YOU to our American Soldiers & Veterans - POW MIA "You will NEVER be forgotten". The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not. Thomas Jefferson

08-27-2009, 08:04 PM	#9
mvfd70 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Opdyke, IL Posts: 775	Re: What should i cut coils with? Nothing was mentioned about rear springs. Remember that you cannot cut the rear springs. You didnt say front or back so this is just a reminder that they can't be cut. __________________ 1978 Chevrolet Silverado 3/4 ton 400 small block. 2000 F-250 Powerstroke 2002 GMC Yukon Denali XL

08-27-2009, 08:11 PM	#10
69 longhorn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: rock island,il,usa Posts: 5,382	Re: What should i cut coils with? Toss the coils upside down in a 5 gallon bucket of water, torch 1 full ring off the bottom.....after the springs "settle in", you will have a 3" drop crazyAl __________________ http://community.webshots.com/user/hotrodhorn

08-27-2009, 09:07 PM	#13
kev2809 low n' slo Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: rosenberg, texas Posts: 5,172	Re: What should i cut coils with? why can't u cut the rear springs? not questioning u, I just never knew that __________________ 67 1/2 ton Suburban - Project DRGNWGN. Build thread -_--_--_ _________ _--_-_ -/____\|__\|__\__ ,.,,,.,.,,.,\|_O _______ O_]

08-27-2009, 09:11 PM	#14
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: What should i cut coils with? Because the coils get tighter on the ends. If you cut the ends off, the coil retainers won't fit into the ends of the spring to hold them in. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

08-27-2009, 09:28 PM	#15
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: What should i cut coils with? i've used a torch, sawzall, and cut off wheel. Cut off wheel is prefered IMO. Heat is second, if you now how to ue a torch, then you won't heat it up enough to do any damage. (that 'damaged from heat' is WAY over rated, you'd have to be a real tool to damage them if lowering with heat alone) Sawzall is last on my list just due to being a bit harder to control.

08-27-2009, 10:07 PM	#17
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: What should i cut coils with? well, we had this fuel truck in the shop one time... and I figured, heck I'm working on the front of the darn truck... I ain't scared. Yeah... I almost crapped myself when i saw the flames out the corner of my eye... under the cab. Been there, done that. First time I tried welding sheet metal was a striker post on an international 4900 fuel truck. (anyone notice a trend here?) The funny thing is, the back wall of the cab has a panel covering the lower part of the wall, under the window... and insulation in there... yeah, i blew through, and it cought fire... and again, I almost soiled my pants.

08-27-2009, 10:38 PM	#18
threeonthetree Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Wausau, WI Posts: 975	Re: What should i cut coils with? well i used the cut off wheel and it went faster than i thought so this is where im at now which i want to be lower how long will it take the springs to "settle in"? im sitting at 31" or somthing and i my rear is gonna be like 29" when i get the drop should i take a half coil off? __________________ Smoking Tires Since 1992 1969 c10 AKA SIN 1985 SSWB TRAZER (super short wheel base)

08-27-2009, 11:43 PM	#20
Gearhead dude Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Sugar Land, TX Posts: 102	Re: What should i cut coils with? How much did it drop it?



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08-28-2009, 12:41 AM	#21
threeonthetree Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Wausau, WI Posts: 975	Re: What should i cut coils with? i didn't take a measurement before i wasn't thinking and i already had it on the jackstands and both wheels off b4 i remembered to. what is a stock ride height from fender to the ground? mine is at 31'' now. __________________ Smoking Tires Since 1992 1969 c10 AKA SIN 1985 SSWB TRAZER (super short wheel base)

08-28-2009, 08:27 AM	#22
Gearhead dude Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Sugar Land, TX Posts: 102	Re: What should i cut coils with? Mine's at 32 1/4" front and 31 1/4" rear. Both measurements to the center of the fender opening above the wheel centerline. Last edited by Gearhead dude; 08-28-2009 at 08:28 AM. Reason: more details

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