cut coils question

[lukey]

ok, i dont want to start an argument, but...until i can afford drop springs , how many coils can i safely cut from the front of my 66? also, how much drop per coil can i expect? could you guys post pics of your trucks and tell me how many coils u took so i know what to expect. thanks all!
Posted via Mobile Device
Posted via Mobile Device

[Oklahoma]

I put in a 78 front suspension in my 62 and cut out 1 coil, its seemed to drop it about 2 inches, and it rides great.

[SCOTI]

1-coil cut yields 2-3" of drop depending on the age/history of the springs. I would not cut more than one coil off of OE truck set-up springs. Any more & the coil is short enough that it can dislodge when the suspension is extended.

[Old School Kid]

budget!!!! Ride wasn't bad for price... 1 1/2 coils cut... wrangler tj springs in back...

[66redw/white]

i cut 1 and a half coils for exactly 3 inches of drop up front. if i had shocks that worked it would ride like a dream.

http://s796.photobucket.com/albums/y...9.jpg&newest=1

[63 & 64 Bowties]

My 63 which I sold last year. 1.5 coils cut in front and 70 Chevelle rear springs.
I did have to cut the bump stop brackets off the lower control arms though.

[jonathan-m]

1.5 cut off the front is the max I would want to go. I also cut out the bump stops up front, and bought some decent short shocks and I ride really nice up front.

[NCD1966]

i recently just cut mine 1.5 in front. havent put my front suspension back together yet. but cant wait to see what it will look like. I wont be able see how it rides until the new motor is in

[apachedaddy]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

1-coil cut yields 2-3" of drop depending on the age/history of the springs. I would not cut more than one coil off of OE truck set-up springs. Any more & the coil is short enough that it can dislodge when the suspension is extended.

I cut 1 coil out of my 66 and it was off by a bit so I took another 1/4 off for a total of 1 1/4 coils. This was a net of 3" drop for mine. I did not have to remove the metal portion of the bump stops but i did remove the rubber and install new shocks. It has been on the road for 2 years now with this set up and have had no problems.

[N2TRUX]

What all these posts tell me is Scoti is right on the money. If your not sure what you want, start with one coil and go from there. If you do decide the first cut isn't enough be sure you drive it first before you make another cut. Just setting it back on the ground does not unload the suspension and allow it to settle.

Not that I would ever do something dumb like cut another coil "before" I test drove it.....

[ConnDemned]

Originally Posted by 63 & 64 Bowties

My 63 which I sold last year. 1.5 coils cut in front and 70 Chevelle rear springs.
I did have to cut the bump stop brackets off the lower control arms though.

Off topic a bit, any chance you have more details on the chevelle springs and install? Were they new springs, small or big block(if it matters in the back) and what all went into installing them. Thanks for any and all info, trying to get a lowered stance for my truck without reworking the rear too much. The PO gave me a nice set (or 2 if the ones in the bed aren't the other half of the ones installed) of cut rear coils that have the rear end on bump stops and one is falling off the TA.
Posted via Mobile Device

[lukey]

please, more info on the chevella rear springs. are they a direct fit? i used to own a couple A bodies, i probly still have a set or 2 still sitting around. thanks for all the help guys!
Posted via Mobile Device

[63 & 64 Bowties]

The Chevelle springs were a simple bolt-in. Just use the same factory mounts for the pig-tails. The ones I used were from a SBC 2dr car and not new.