lowering for free

[got2haul]

I'd like to reduce the ride height of my 1980 stepside by 2 inches up front and 3-4 inches out back.  I've lowered two other trucks before using engineered components from Belltech (good product!), and if I were to buy suspension components for this truck, they'd also be Belltech.  However, I think it'd be a very satisfying challenge to get the same effect for free.

    For the front I've been thinking about removing one coil or so with my sawzall or cutoff wheel.  After studying the rear, it appears that I could remove the front leaf spring hangers and drill new mounting holes a couple of inches lower on the hanger to effectively move the hanger up two inches on the frame.  Theoretically this would accomplish the same thing as replacing the hangers with engineered units.  There is enough room between the frame and the bed underside to move the hanger up about two inches without having to modifiy it other than drilling new mounting holes.  I can also install a pair of longer shackles that I already have on hand.

    Has anyone tried to cut the front coils on their truck?  I see from various photos that at least one end of the coils on these trucks is narrower than the main body of the coil.  If it's the same way on both ends of the coil, then I don't think this idea is do-able, at least for the front.

    Ideas and comments?

[autonuerotic]

For the front you can hack a coil or two from the bottom of the coil to get more ground friendly.  The top is narrower to help locate the spring in the pocket.  For the rear, I dont see why you would go through all the trouble of moving the hangers and adding a set of shackles.  It is less work to remove a couple of leafsprings and get the same effect.  Buy some two degree pinion shims take a couple of hours take out some leafs, shorten the locating pin and its as easy as that.  Your ride will be smooth still, you can still haul stuff and its not like your going to use the truck as a work vehicle so you should be fine.

[roundedline]

That is how you had to lower them long ago.
I would start with 1/2 coil on the front though.
The idea for the rear is fine also.  Did that before too.  I have also cut off the axle perch and moved it to the bottom to make a flip kit for cheap.  Longer shackles will take it about 2", and dropping 1 less than half the springs is possible.  If you have 5, don't take more than 2 out or you will loose lateral stability.

Chris Lucas
www.73-87chevytrucks.com
www.captkaoscustoms.com
Project Su
Jimmy 2WD Project

[got2haul]

Thanks for the comments -- I didn't even think about removing a couple of leafs from each spring pack.  You're right -- I won't be hauling anything with this truck, so that's a valid option.

Any comments on what the ride height effect of removing 1 complete wound coil?  I'm not sure how much I'd need to remove to get the 2 inches I'm after.

[autonuerotic]

I had bought a kit to lower my truck from Western Chassis, it was a great kit; never any problems (now on air).  I have never hacked springs on my personal rides, but have helped with some friends.  I recommend what roundedline suggests.  Easiest way to do this is make a reference line straight down from the original location of the end of the coil (over a couple of coils) with a straight-edge ruller and a paint pen or a Sharpie.  Make another reference line 180 degrees from there. So you should have two reference lines, start out only chopping a half of coil and see where that gets you, then if you want to go lower chop a whole coil.  This will take some time, test fitting and all, so do it when you have some time off and a lot of patients dont rush it.  Fastest way I have found to chop the coils is with a cutoff saw, next best sawzall' last resort a torch.  If you use a torch do not quench the coil in water to cool it, let it cool on its own.  If you quench the coil you will affect its temper and springrate.  Use the path of least heat.  Good luck!

[Pushrod]

Just cut my coils last weekend. 1 coil dropped the front 2". I'd personally use a cutoff wheel or a chop-saw. A sawzall won't do it unless you have a bunch of blades and like said above the heat from a torch may change the spring.

[ken81c10]

Questions for Pushrod226
(or anyone who has cut their front springs)

-How is the ride with the springs cut?  My truck is mainly used to commute back and forth to work and the occasional trip to a home improvement store, about 5000 miles a year.  Would the ride be acceptable for this usage?  
-Were you able to get the front end alignment back within factory specs?  
-What size rims are you using?  Mine are stock 15" for now, will I have any clearance problems?

Thanks

Edited by: ken81c10 at: 8/10/06 6:25 pm

[roundedline]

With cut springs it will be somewhat stiffer than stock.  For the amount of mileage you are talking about it won't be an issue.  I ran cut springs on mine from for years like this back when this was the only way to lower them. 1988-1992.

I didn't have issues with alignment.  I had issues with someone aligning a lower truck.  You just gotta find someone who will do it.  As long as you don't go severe on the drop (I don't recommend over 2" for a coil drop) you should be ok.

I ran 15x8's with 275/15/60's with the above and was fine.

Chris Lucas
www.73-87chevytrucks.com
www.captkaoscustoms.com
Project Su
Jimmy 2WD Project

[Pushrod]

The ride on my truck didn't change much if at all, I haven't noticed any difference. As for alignment I haven't gotten one yet. not sure I really need to. Everything appears to still be straight by eyeballin it (I think I have a good eye for this) and it still rides straight so I'm not gonna mess with it unless my tires tell me otherwise.

[roundedline]

If you cut them, I can guarantee you need an alignment.  By the time you are able to visually see the problem, it will be too late.

Chris Lucas
www.73-87chevytrucks.com
www.captkaoscustoms.com
Project Su
Jimmy 2WD Project

[WELD4DAYS]

I wouldn't take out to many leafs.If you take out to many when you really get on the gas it can cause to axle to wrap.Like your kind of twisting the akle up and down when you get on it.You can also get bad wheel hop.

[longnlow81]

i have read this many times on here and i have decided to do it considering i got no money...taking the bed off tommorow and axle flip and cutting some springs, will axle flip just level out and no need to cut or will i need to? any suggestions?

81 c10 long bed

[FlatBlack77]

We have a 78 C/10 sittin in the backyard that has the old straight six in it. How would those springs work on my 77 C/10 with a V8? I am thinkin if there is a big difference they might not hold a V8 up.

If that is out of the question, I am cuttin some coils. I aint gunna worry about the back right away though. I like the look of a higher rear end

[Captkaos]

will axle flip just level out and no need to cut or will i need to? any suggestions?

I don't understand this question...  Flipping the axle will drop the truck a minimum of 5-6 inches.  what are you talking about cutting?

We have a 78 C/10 sittin in the backyard that has the old straight six in it. How would those springs work on my 77 C/10 with a V8?

The I6 spring is the same as the V8 spring, so you might as well cut what you have in there.

[FlatBlack77]

We have a 78 C/10 sittin in the backyard that has the old straight six in it. How would those springs work on my 77 C/10 with a V8?

The I6 spring is the same as the V8 spring, so you might as well cut what you have in there.

Okay. I thought maybe there would be a difference in stiffness but thanks for the info.