[HWYSTR455]

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

Due to the front suspension geometry it is a 2:1 ratio.

Cutting 1" results in roughly a 2" drop.

K

Wait, are you saying that cutting 1" off the end of the open coil side it drops 2"? Nah, that ain't right. Maybe if you cut a full coil off it will drop 2", but not 1" of the coil end.

I usually start by cutting a 1/4 of a coil off, note the drop, and go from there. And for obvious reasons, you want to only go a 1/4 of a coil at a time, because you can't put it back on!

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[abefromen]

Originally Posted by HWYSTR455

Wait, are you saying that cutting 1" off the end of the open coil side it drops 2"? Nah, that ain't right. Maybe if you cut a full coil off it will drop 2", but not 1" of the coil end.

I usually start by cutting a 1/4 of a coil off, note the drop, and go from there. And for obvious reasons, you want to only go a 1/4 of a coil at a time, because you can't put it back on!

.

This is what I do also although I go 1/2 coil first then 1/4 coil afterward if I want more drop. You can trash a set of springs real quick by cutting too much off. Cutting coils will change the spring rate and the car may sit where you want but the spring rate will have been altered too much and the ride quality will suffer if too much is hacked off.

[HWYSTR455]

You can start with a 1/2 a coil, but it's safer to go a 1/4 at a time. Will take more attempts, but you can't go back.

Always cut with a cut off wheel too. If the control arm has a pocket for the spring end, there's no need to 'level' the end that you cut.

I wish I had $10 for ever pair of springs I've cut, and I finally gave up. Buying springs in a set from a knowledgeable and reputable company is the way to go, and they aren't too expensive. My personal experience is that Global West nails the stance you want, AND the rate you want, every time. I once even exchanged a set that I didn't like.

All those ones I've cut? Those were supposedly 'factory blueprint' type springs from places like Moog, Detriot, etc, and NONE were even close. Most were different rates and heights even in the same set. Amazing how many cars I see lean and are uneven.

I'm fairly certain GW gets springs from Afco, and there are like 3 others that make good springs (HyperCo, Landrum, and forget the other) high quality and consistent rates. BUT, you have to do the homework and know what to buy. And THAT info is worth paying the extra $40 or so a set.

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[Keith Seymore]

I've never had any issues cutting coils as you have described (with a cutoff wheel).

I lowered probably a dozen or so pickups that way back in the day, plus my Chevelle.

My current daily driver was done 29 years ago and has 215k miles with no issues.

K

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

I've never had any issues cutting coils as you have described (with a cutoff wheel).

I lowered probably a dozen or so pickups that way back in the day, plus my Chevelle.

My current daily driver was done 29 years ago and has 215k miles with no issues.

K

Sorry - lost my internet while I was trying to post pics -

K

[78w72]

Originally Posted by HWYSTR455

Wait, are you saying that cutting 1" off the end of the open coil side it drops 2"? Nah, that ain't right. Maybe if you cut a full coil off it will drop 2", but not 1" of the coil end.

cutting 1" off & dropping 2" pertains to the total height of the spring. its usually a ~2:1 ratio. & on many popular gm springs that is about 1 coil. agree you should stay on the safe side unless youve done it before with that vehicle & type of spring. i've lowered all my 2nd gen cars & it is indeed about 1" cut equals 2" drop.