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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => The Lows (Lowering/Drops) => Topic started by: 73c10Shorty on February 24, 2009, 11:19:28 am

Title: cutting coils
Post by: 73c10Shorty on February 24, 2009, 11:19:28 am
Hey guys, I need to bring my front end down about an inch. I have read that cutting half a coil should do the trick. I'm wondering if the same is true if I'm already running Belltech 1" drop coils. Any ideas?
Title: Re: cutting coils
Post by: 69byrd on February 24, 2009, 11:34:23 am
I am running lowered coils that I cut. I would go a half round, put it back on the truck, drive it and let it settle. Then if its not low enough cut some more. Remember you can always cut some more off but you cant add it back.
Title: Re: cutting coils
Post by: Captkaos on February 24, 2009, 11:40:20 am
Are the coils 1" or 2" drop?  The cutting is usually referenced for stock springs.  If they are 2" coils, I personally wouldn't cut them, but you can. 
If you do, I would start with 1/4 round and drive it...
Title: Re: cutting coils
Post by: 73c10Shorty on February 24, 2009, 11:44:22 am
These are 1" drop coils. They are part of a 4/6 drop kit. I'm really concerned about either cutting too much coil, or destroying the ride quality.
Title: Re: cutting coils
Post by: Captkaos on February 24, 2009, 11:46:11 am
Cut a 1/4 round and reinstall it and drive it around.  See if you like it and then creep your way to where you want to be.  It is a pain, but it eliminates the possibility of taking to much off...  Cut off the Bottom, not the top..
Title: Re: cutting coils
Post by: 73c10Shorty on February 24, 2009, 11:50:42 am
Great, thanks for the info guys. I tend to error toward the side of caution so I think the 1/4 round method will work well for me.
Title: Re: cutting coils
Post by: joesgarage71 on February 25, 2009, 08:08:49 am
If you do cut use a cut off wheel not a fire wrench!
Title: Re: cutting coils
Post by: got2haul on February 25, 2009, 09:10:14 am
Cut a 1/4 round and reinstall it and drive it around.  See if you like it and then creep your way to where you want to be.  It is a pain, but it eliminates the possibility of taking to much off...  Cut off the Bottom, not the top..

I have a question about this...

     The lower control arm has an index indentation pocket for the end of the coil to fit into.  If you remove 1/4 coil, the bottom of the spring will be too short to fit into the recess -- it'll wind up a couple inches away from the index pocket.  When you install the spring, don't you need to ensure the upper part of the coil is seated firmly around it's locater pocket and indexed as well, which means if you remove a portion of the lower part of the coil, it won't index, right?

Title: Re: cutting coils
Post by: 82ChebySWB on March 27, 2009, 08:33:55 am
Cut a 1/4 round and reinstall it and drive it around.  See if you like it and then creep your way to where you want to be.  It is a pain, but it eliminates the possibility of taking to much off...  Cut off the Bottom, not the top..

I have a question about this...

     The lower control arm has an index indentation pocket for the end of the coil to fit into.  If you remove 1/4 coil, the bottom of the spring will be too short to fit into the recess -- it'll wind up a couple inches away from the index pocket.  When you install the spring, don't you need to ensure the upper part of the coil is seated firmly around it's locater pocket and indexed as well, which means if you remove a portion of the lower part of the coil, it won't index, right?



Crap, didn't see this post before I made mine.....but your new question is EXACTLY the same thing that I'm needing answered too.......

Inquiring minds want to know...lol
Title: Re: cutting coils
Post by: Captkaos on March 27, 2009, 11:29:23 am
The bottom doesn't matter when it comes to cutting coils.