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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => The Lows (Lowering/Drops) => Topic started by: HOTRODSAM on February 02, 2013, 10:13:03 am

Title: Cutting coils?
Post by: HOTRODSAM on February 02, 2013, 10:13:03 am

I wanna get about 2'' lower in the front...i have 3'' shackles for the back goin in this summer (gotta get through mud season first) but i think if i cut one coil out of the front it will net about 2'' lower..any ideas? i know i can get drop springs or spindles but im on a budget at the moment.

Title: Re: Cutting coils?
Post by: HOTRODSAM on February 02, 2013, 10:16:06 am

Its an 86 chev 2wd shortbed
350/350 auto
275/60s on 8'' rallies

Title: Re: Cutting coils?
Post by: zieg85 on February 02, 2013, 10:45:05 am

Welcome from NW Indiana.  IMO I would save up your money and invest in drop spindles.  Your truck will not ride or handle well by cutting your existing springs unless you don't mind a stiffer ride.

Title: Re: Cutting coils?
Post by: Smarttravis1511 on February 02, 2013, 04:55:21 pm

I would advise not..... If you ride or handling don't matter then yiu will be fine. I recently done this to mine and kick myself in the butt for it... Sure looks improved but that's it, ride and drive is bad

Title: Re: Cutting coils?
Post by: HOTRODSAM on February 02, 2013, 05:58:47 pm

Hey guys,
ive cut coils before on my 82 shortbed and dont mind the ride but it had 3/4 ton 2wd coils in it from the previous owner, so i cut 1 1/2 coils out so it and got about 2''...but bein 3/4 ton springs there stiffer so i wanted to know if just 1 coil on 1/2 ton springs would be enough.

Title: Re: Cutting coils?
Post by: bake74 on February 02, 2013, 06:55:25 pm

Quote from: HOTRODSAM on February 02, 2013, 05:58:47 pm

Hey guys,
ive cut coils before on my 82 shortbed and dont mind the ride but it had 3/4 ton 2wd coils in it from the previous owner, so i cut 1 1/2 coils out so it and got about 2''...but bein 3/4 ton springs there stiffer so i wanted to know if just 1 coil on 1/2 ton springs would be enough.

     Depends on the weight on your front end, cutting one coil sounds like it will net you close to what you want.
     I agree with the others though, cutting will make it a harsh ride.  But on the other side, if afterwards you do not like it you can always buy the correct drop coils and install.

Title: Re: Cutting coils?
Post by: Captkaos on February 04, 2013, 01:19:56 pm

There are a number of posts on this and before spindles and coils that was the only way to get them down. 
Do a search, but if you are going to cut them, cut a 1/4 at a time and reinstall and drive.  Springs need to settle and after you cut them off it may settle down lower than expected.  This is what I did to my first few back in 1987...