heated springs
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New User
Joined: May 2012
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heated springs
Ok sorry if there is a thread already but i get on here with my phone anyone ever heated there springs i have four kids and funds are not even in the picture lol so i beams are out just scared the steering shaft will get in the way any help would be much apreciated and i dont care bout ride quality so keep it to your self
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,993
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From: Costa Mesa, CA
Heated springs will typically tend to continue to sag.
Also keep camber in mind if you do this. Camber on these trucks isn't adjustable really as you have to bend the i-beam itself to correct the camber. So if you drop it by heating the springs your camber will be off and you'll eat tires = $$$
Also keep camber in mind if you do this. Camber on these trucks isn't adjustable really as you have to bend the i-beam itself to correct the camber. So if you drop it by heating the springs your camber will be off and you'll eat tires = $$$
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
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From: NorCal
Generally speaking, spring steel's metallurgical properties has strong molecular bonds and maintains the shape and properties of when it was drawn. Heat it up too much and the molecular structure changes thus losing its ability to rebound.
Carbon steel's structure is comparatively weak so you can bend it to a new shape. Note that it heats up when ya bend it because energy (the molecular bonds) are being broken.
Attempt this... use a hacksaw and try to cut a coil off a spring.. you'll go through quite a few blades and work up a good sweat.
Using a grinder and cut-off wheel (or metal chop saw) isolates the built-up heat to a small area... And NEVER use an acetyline torch to cut springs.
Carbon steel's structure is comparatively weak so you can bend it to a new shape. Note that it heats up when ya bend it because energy (the molecular bonds) are being broken.
Attempt this... use a hacksaw and try to cut a coil off a spring.. you'll go through quite a few blades and work up a good sweat.
Using a grinder and cut-off wheel (or metal chop saw) isolates the built-up heat to a small area... And NEVER use an acetyline torch to cut springs.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
Enjoy your ride quality...... or what is left of it.
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Spencer Mountain, NC
As HIO Silver said, when you heat spring steel which has been put through a specific heat treatment by the manufacturer you alter that heat treatment. Heating springs to any temperature above approximately 400 degrees Fahrenheit will alter the original heat treatment and the spring will no longer perform as designed. Not only will ride quality suffer (which you don't seem to care about) the vehicle can easily become unsafe. You may not care about your life but think about the other folks on the road. Just my 2 cents worth.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,993
Likes: 15
From: Costa Mesa, CA
I'd agree that cutting a coil (if done properly) is better than heating them for all the reasons mentioned above.
IF you cut the coils - do it with a cut off wheel on an angle grinder, or better yet - a port-a-band (small bandsaw) if you have one.
IF you cut the coils - do it with a cut off wheel on an angle grinder, or better yet - a port-a-band (small bandsaw) if you have one.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,038
Likes: 4
From: South west Idaho
---Dumb,dumb idea,
--thats the way we lowered our cars 50,60 years ago. It always screwed up the front suspension ,speaking from experience ,I'v done my share of them. The springs,coil or leaf can break with out a warning after heating and cooling ,causing the vehical to get out of control. Oh well ,at least you are not in my state so i'm safe.---