Cutting Front Springs
Drifting
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,442
Likes: 2
From: Flanders NJ
I wish I knew all this before I put in the 460 lbs. springs. Now my ride height is too high 
I can't remove and cut them myself so It would cost me to pay someone. I think I'll leave it for a while and see if the springs settle down at all. If I lower the front and back will I have to redo the wheel alignment?
I can't remove and cut them myself so It would cost me to pay someone. I think I'll leave it for a while and see if the springs settle down at all. If I lower the front and back will I have to redo the wheel alignment?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
Originally Posted by mooneyd
I wish I knew all this before I put in the 460 lbs. springs. Now my ride height is too high I can't remove and cut them myself so It would cost me to pay someone. I think I'll leave it for a while and see if the springs settle down at all. If I lower the front and back will I have to redo the wheel alignment?
I can't remove and cut them myself so It would cost me to pay someone. I think I'll leave it for a while and see if the springs settle down at all. If I lower the front and back will I have to redo the wheel alignment?you're not the only one - I removed and reinstalled the front springs a few times until I had it the way I want it...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
Originally Posted by lvrpool32
I have the 550lb springs (VBP) and would like to lower it another .5" Would cutting these springs be the same process as the stock ones?
Nick
Nick
I'd start with 1/4 or 1/3 coil - cut the bottom end and don't get too much heat into the material
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,050
Likes: 9
From: Fairport NY
I'm thinking that I need to cut another 1/4 coil from my front spring to get the stance I want. I'm going to drive it first to see if it settles another .5-1" before cutting more. Rod
Yes, I know, not safe to be on blocks. I only had it on blocks to see how the stance was, the vettes back on the jack stands. Rod
Yes, I know, not safe to be on blocks. I only had it on blocks to see how the stance was, the vettes back on the jack stands. Rod
Last edited by Red73; Apr 11, 2005 at 08:55 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,951
Likes: 1
From: Shore NJ
Originally Posted by Red73
I'm thinking that I need to cut another 1/4 coil from my front spring to get the stance I want. I'm going to drive it first to see if it settles another .5-1" before cutting more. Rod
Yes, I know, not safe to be on blocks. I only had it on blocks to see how the stance was, the vettes back on the jack stands. Rod
Yes, I know, not safe to be on blocks. I only had it on blocks to see how the stance was, the vettes back on the jack stands. Rod
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,445
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Rod - Do you have gas charged shocks that could be causing lift also? You might be at the point where you need the shorter front tubes.
I'm going to shorter ones because - About a week ago after messing with spring spacers I blew the end of the sway bar off and it destroyed a shock. Oil everywhere when it bottomed out.
I'm going to shorter ones because - About a week ago after messing with spring spacers I blew the end of the sway bar off and it destroyed a shock. Oil everywhere when it bottomed out.
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Instructor
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 108
Likes: 17
From: Blue springs mo.
Top or bottom cut.
okay I’m confused. I’m lowering my 79 front end. I understand 1” coil cut gives 2” body drop. I don’t have clear understanding of which end to cut? Top or bottom. This forum says both ways? Also it’s not critical to seat the BOTTOM just the top of the spring???? Help please!!!
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 11,183
Likes: 3,335
From: North of Toronto - Ontario
Best to start a new thread rather than re-opening one from 2005.
If it's a variable rate spring, cutting the loose coil end gives a slightly harder ride and you'll get a little more drop, cutting the tight end gives a slightly softer ride and you'll get slightly more less drop
Make the spring fit the top pocket and make sure the bottom isn't sitting where it's completely out of the tapered pocket, if it is, rotate it some out of the top to split the difference
M
If it's a variable rate spring, cutting the loose coil end gives a slightly harder ride and you'll get a little more drop, cutting the tight end gives a slightly softer ride and you'll get slightly more less drop
Make the spring fit the top pocket and make sure the bottom isn't sitting where it's completely out of the tapered pocket, if it is, rotate it some out of the top to split the difference
M
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 108
Likes: 17
From: Blue springs mo.
Cut springs
Best to start a new thread rather than re-opening one from 2005.
If it's a variable rate spring, cutting the loose coil end gives a slightly harder ride and you'll get a little more drop, cutting the tight end gives a slightly softer ride and you'll get slightly more less drop
Make the spring fit the top pocket and make sure the bottom isn't sitting where it's completely out of the tapered pocket, if it is, rotate it some out of the top to split the difference
M
If it's a variable rate spring, cutting the loose coil end gives a slightly harder ride and you'll get a little more drop, cutting the tight end gives a slightly softer ride and you'll get slightly more less drop
Make the spring fit the top pocket and make sure the bottom isn't sitting where it's completely out of the tapered pocket, if it is, rotate it some out of the top to split the difference
M
Racer
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 277
Likes: 69
From: Reno, NV
Here is a link to a thread I started recently on this topic. A lot of good feedback wrt cutting coils and ride height in general. Good luck.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...conundrum.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...conundrum.html
