Cutting front coils, need help FAST!!!
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 31
Likes: 1
From: Florida
Cutting front coils, need help FAST!!!
I have all the tools needed for the job, finally.
My question to you all is, how many coils can safely be cut from the front end, and not need the beams re-bent?
I have the 4" shackles in the rear, and I basically just want to level the truck, or give it a slight rake.
Ive heard that every complete coil that you cut is worth 2" of drop. Is this true?
And im not worried about a rough ride, this truck is a highway queen. The only offroading she see's is going down my driveway.
If its necesary Ill have the beams rebent, but for the time being, id rather not have to if I dont HAVE to.
If I cut out 1 complete coil, would the camber/caster (whichever one) go to hell, or would it still be driveable?
Thanks,
306
My question to you all is, how many coils can safely be cut from the front end, and not need the beams re-bent?
I have the 4" shackles in the rear, and I basically just want to level the truck, or give it a slight rake.
Ive heard that every complete coil that you cut is worth 2" of drop. Is this true?
And im not worried about a rough ride, this truck is a highway queen. The only offroading she see's is going down my driveway.
If its necesary Ill have the beams rebent, but for the time being, id rather not have to if I dont HAVE to.
If I cut out 1 complete coil, would the camber/caster (whichever one) go to hell, or would it still be driveable?
Thanks,
306
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From: Gold Coast Australia
I havn't cut coils since i was 16 and wouldnt do it now. We used to cut 1 full coil at a time and then check it, it was time consuming but it seemed to work, just had to make sure the cut was directly above the coil end. But nowadays i just buy new ones. Id suggest you did this too.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 493
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Ok , I cut two full coils out and dropped it about 4 inches , still have 3 inches of travel , had beams bent to o camber , new djm dropped shocks , if the coils are old and worn like mine than buy new ones from Autozone for $57 bucks and cut 1 coil , should be fine . Or try it on your old springs , you will have neg camber with 1 coil , i am running aftermarket 1/2 inch bumpstops drilled into the frame and removed stock ones . I am replacing my old springs and cutting 2 coils out on the newer springs , the old ones are shot . Good luck , check my gallery , also running a 205/15/60 tire for more drop .
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 31
Likes: 1
From: Florida
I havn't cut coils since i was 16 and wouldnt do it now. We used to cut 1 full coil at a time and then check it, it was time consuming but it seemed to work, just had to make sure the cut was directly above the coil end. But nowadays i just buy new ones. Id suggest you did this too.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,760
Likes: 8
From: Gadsden Purchase
Basically measure the distance between the tops of two "turns".
Next to each other and skipping one, both.
How far apart are they? :)
If the spring is under the pickup's load now that same load will mash down the
shortened spring a little less than that much. The spring's rate will be raised a
little bit when you make it shorter. As if you made the wire thicker.
So decide, measure what is going to happen when you remove one or two
turns and take a shot. Used springs are cheap and easy to get. Might even
find some wimpier ones that you have now, and more to your liking anyway? ;)
Alvin in AZ
Next to each other and skipping one, both.
How far apart are they? :)
If the spring is under the pickup's load now that same load will mash down the
shortened spring a little less than that much. The spring's rate will be raised a
little bit when you make it shorter. As if you made the wire thicker.
So decide, measure what is going to happen when you remove one or two
turns and take a shot. Used springs are cheap and easy to get. Might even
find some wimpier ones that you have now, and more to your liking anyway? ;)
Alvin in AZ
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Certified Thread Hijacker
Joined: Aug 2001
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I would personally start with cutting 1 coil, or even 1/2 coil if you have the time and work from there. But certainly do not go beyond 2 coils.
As for camber it really depends. It's possible to cut one coil and not have to do a thing, others need major bending to straighten. Just depends.
Josh
As for camber it really depends. It's possible to cut one coil and not have to do a thing, others need major bending to straighten. Just depends.
Josh
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,663
Likes: 984
From: Near Yosemite CA
I have cut coils, using a hacksaw, time consuming, I bought some used lifting coils to experiment with raising the front of my 66 up, and I cut them to the desired height, stock old coils, I would cut about 1/4 - 1/2 first, put them in and let it settle, then do it again to the desired height. For cheap, it will work for now, for long run and driveability, I would start saving your beans and get drop beams, but if your just temp-ing it to drive it, have at, just a little at a time.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 493
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I used a cutoff wheel , 5 seconds , an easy way is to jack up front and put a jack stand under the frame , take 2 reatainer bolts from top of spring then lower beam with jack 1/2 way under beam almost to ground , then cut 1 coil exactly below the end where it fits up in the pocket , then raise and bolt retainer bolts and done , that way you dont have to take spring out , that is how I did it and it was easy .
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,760
Likes: 8
From: Gadsden Purchase
Heck, why don't you concentrate on doing something about your money
situation instead of $%in' up the steering and suspension on your pickup
and lowering its value too?
Substance over looks for a change? :)
What a novel idea? Huh? ;)
Alvin in AZ
ps- Like, how much play has the steering system got at the steering wheel?
situation instead of $%in' up the steering and suspension on your pickup
and lowering its value too?
Substance over looks for a change? :)
What a novel idea? Huh? ;)
Alvin in AZ
ps- Like, how much play has the steering system got at the steering wheel?
Certified Thread Hijacker
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 14,441
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Hot rodders have for since the beginning tried to do things the cheap way. I agree the drop beams are the way to go to slam the vehicle to the ground, but if all you want to do is lower an inch or two, cutting the coils is fine. All it takes is time and a cut-off disk, or like was mentioned above a hacksaw. If it doesn't work out as you planned head to the junkyard and get another set, which around here would maybe cost $8.00 for a pair.
Josh
Josh