Need some stance pics with jeep springs and coil cut

[snacob14]

I'm thinking of going the affordable way at the moment to get my truck a little closer to the ground. Curious what I can expect. Would like to see some pictures of trucks with this setup. I eventually would like to do air ride or a good static drop, but again am looking at getting a better stance than stock for now.
PICS PLEASE!!!

[SulphuriousSam]

I've been thinking the same thing. I read threads on here with people saying they used Jeep springs but nobody every mentions what Jeep and what year. Is it just any old jeep?

I know heating the coils is bad but I'd also like to hear from folks that have cut them...

Sorry snacob14 no input just adding to your question

[markeb01]

The commonly used Jeep springs for lowering are from the Jeep Wrangler TJ 1997-2006.

Originally Posted by SulphuriousSam

I know heating the coils is bad but I'd also like to hear from folks that have cut them...

Someone posted a photo in the last few days showing a spring that had been heated - and subsequently fractured into pieces. The problem with heating coils is that there is no control over the temper of the steel. The spring can be converted from something designed to hold up a vehicle into either something with no support left, or completely rigid object. And trying to duplicate the exact balance on both sides isn't likely either.

Cutting coils is pretty common. It seems the best way to achieve shortening a coil is with a cut-off wheel. Using a torch can again change the temper of the overall spring.

[SulphuriousSam]

Awesome, Thanks Mark Took care of my lil question pretty fast

Of course I think some folks should post pics for snacob14 though...

[markeb01]

Here are a couple of threads with information on Jeep or short coils:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...t=jeep+springs

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...t=jeep+springs

[Frizzle Fry]

Cut coils all around + shock relocation. Some people will poopoo on the cut rear coils because they are only bolted to the frame and not the T/A's. But even if you were to DOH (Dukes of Hazzard) it the shocks are still there to prevent the rear from dropping out from under it (although I don't recommended trying it). Same is true for cut or dropped front springs; full suspension droop will allow them to come out of the pocket (worse than cut rear springs).
Regardless, I'd like to go with Jeep rear springs for the added security and softer ride. Here's how it sits. Ride is not as caddy-like as stock, but really not bad.

[Muleman100]

I put TJ coils on the back of my 64 long wide but still undecided on the front. I can't tell too much until the bed is completed and bolted down.

[Indian113]

Here's my 64 with TJ springs on rear and old stock springs on front . It rides real smooth,don't take much to overload the box.

[61_FL_Apache]

This was mine on cut coils in the rear and tortion bars loosened in the front.



Im on bags now in the rear.... and my bumper is straight

[SulphuriousSam]

Originally Posted by 61_FL_Apache

This was mine on cut coils in the rear and tortion bars loosened in the front.



Im on bags now in the rear.... and my bumper is straight

Heck i think it looked great, crooked bumper and all! I like that stance.

You can't drop anything all the way slammed around here. Not and have it get out of the driveway. Too many pot holes and dirt roads to navigate.

[snacob14]

Originally Posted by Frizzle Fry

Cut coils all around + shock relocation. Some people will poopoo on the cut rear coils because they are only bolted to the frame and not the T/A's. But even if you were to DOH (Dukes of Hazzard) it the shocks are still there to prevent the rear from dropping out from under it (although I don't recommended trying it). Same is true for cut or dropped front springs; full suspension droop will allow them to come out of the pocket (worse than cut rear springs).
Regardless, I'd like to go with Jeep rear springs for the added security and softer ride. Here's how it sits. Ride is not as caddy-like as stock, but really not bad.

how much is cut from the front, and is it a spring only drop or did you do spindle drop too?

[Frizzle Fry]

This is spring only. I copied old_skool_chevy's front springs for how much to cut. I think it was like 1.5-1.75 coils. Maybe he'll chime in.
Posted via Mobile Device

[66redw/white]

1.5 coils will get you 3 inches drop. thats what i did with mine.
61 apache. how did you fix your bumper?

[snacob14]

frizzle, got any pics of the cut rears?

[jonzcustomshop]

I am also curious about the cut rear, since they taper in on top and bottom, and since they are progressive, did you cut from the top or bottom?

[Driveway Dreams]

I too am curious about more info from those who have cut the rear springs. I assume an similar cut on a truck & Burb will yield a little more drop on the Burb. Is that right?

[badblu97]

Subscribed.....I am in the process of doing the 5 lug swap, and need to lower the rear....wondering how much and where to cut?! Thanx!

[glos55]

1997 Jeep Wrangler TJ rear springs fit perfect in my truck and brought it down 4 inches. I cut 1.5 out of the front and it sits and looks great! It's a 65 shortstepper. I'll get some new pictures soon.

[kieth]

Originally Posted by snacob14

I'm thinking of going the affordable way at the moment to get my truck a little closer to the ground. Curious what I can expect. Would like to see some pictures of trucks with this setup. I eventually would like to do air ride or a good static drop, but again am looking at getting a better stance than stock for now.
PICS PLEASE!!!

take a look at the prices on rear and front air bags (1966) at suicide doors. The rear and front take a 8" bag and with the brackets they cost about $200.00 each for the front and rear. The real expense in the air setups is the compressors and valves. If you just ease into the air ride and control it with a schrader valve one can dial in the ride height and later use the same bags with different brackets if you want to go more radical.........Kieth




here is a link showing how they look installed: One can control the ride height by adding air to the bags, in this way you are not guessing what is going to look good.

http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-G...28724026_wdaD6

[HEI451]

One fact about coil springs is, when any coils are "cut" from them, the spring rate goes UP, they get STRONGER in tension. This may well not be a problem, depending on the coil cut vs vehicle weight they will be used on, but, consider that the spring rate changes upwards when the spring is cut, and this might cause the vehicle to have a more harsh ride, accordingly to the cut uses.

[Frizzle Fry]

That's exactly right about the spring rate.

Mine were cut from the bottom. For me, this was just a stop-gap between cutting the front and (putting the effort into) finding a set of jeep springs for the rear at the right price (free). Bags; been there, done that, love 'em, but this was an exercise in DIY/Old-School.

The ride is better than expected (shock relo helps there), but I still plan to go Jeep and likely use the lowering blocks I made 15 years ago. The 64 will be the fourth truck of mine they will be hand-me-downified to.

Here's the only pic I have of the cut rear springs. I can get more... They were cut such that the ends do not land on the trailing arms. Since both sides are the same spring (wound the same way) cutting them equally puts one end inside the T/A and one end outside the T/A.

[HEI451]

Yes, I know, that is why I posted it.

There is only ONE exception to that rule of rates and cutting. IF there are coils "stacked" together at one, or either end of the spring, then, cutting any stacked coil off shouldn't alter the spring rate, just tailor the overall length.

Another spring rule is, the coil steel is hardened and tempered. IF a spring is shortened by heating cherry red a section of the coil that is along its run, NOT in the stack areas of the ends. then, when the spring cools back off, it becomes very brittle, and can crack/fracture, separating the spring into two or more pieces, and causing the suspension to collapse.

[63 & 64 Bowties]

My 63, fronts cut 1.5 coils with 70 Chevelle springs in the rear....

[Corts60]

Originally Posted by Driveway Dreams

I assume an similar cut on a truck & Burb will yield a little more drop on the Burb. Is that right?

This is probably true since the 'burbs are so much heavier. When I put TJ springs in my 'burb it dropped all the way and rested on the bump stops. Right now I still have the TJ springs in but I inserted those rubber "helper" blocks to give the spring a little stiffer rate. It still sits on the bump stops only just barely. You can lift the rear off the bump stop with one hand so they almost work, but I DO NOT reccomend using TJ springs in suburbans. Maybe the cut rear is the way to go....

[Corts60]

Originally Posted by 63 & 64 Bowties

My 63, fronts cut 1.5 coils with 70 Chevelle springs in the rear....

How does the truck handle a load with the Chevelle springs? Do you think they would be a better choice for the suburbans?