Procedure question when cutting coil spring
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 280
Likes: 0
From: Poughkeepsie New York
Procedure question when cutting coil spring
Once you cut the coil spring (dropping nose of 79), I have read different things to do to spring to make it fit. Read were you need to heat the end coil (dead coil) so it sags a bit, then grind it flat to make it fit/seat in pocket. Is that correct? Once the coil is cut, do you need to do that, or anything else to it?
Had many (good) replies about not heating coil springs, so I am not sure if there is any other steps to do, to replace the shorter spring.
Since I added ZZ4, nose sits about 29 inches (fender lip). Would like to get down to 27, thats the plan. Again, thanks for any info.
Had many (good) replies about not heating coil springs, so I am not sure if there is any other steps to do, to replace the shorter spring.
Since I added ZZ4, nose sits about 29 inches (fender lip). Would like to get down to 27, thats the plan. Again, thanks for any info.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Originally Posted by L82-JWS
Once you cut the coil spring (dropping nose of 79), I have read different things to do to spring to make it fit. Read were you need to heat the end coil (dead coil) so it sags a bit, then grind it flat to make it fit/seat in pocket. Is that correct? Once the coil is cut, do you need to do that, or anything else to it?
Had many (good) replies about not heating coil springs, so I am not sure if there is any other steps to do, to replace the shorter spring.
Since I added ZZ4, nose sits about 29 inches (fender lip). Would like to get down to 27, thats the plan. Again, thanks for any info.
Had many (good) replies about not heating coil springs, so I am not sure if there is any other steps to do, to replace the shorter spring.
Since I added ZZ4, nose sits about 29 inches (fender lip). Would like to get down to 27, thats the plan. Again, thanks for any info.
When I cut my front springs, I did not heat. Heating the springs takes away their ability to asborb energy, and I didn't want to alter that aspect at all.
How much are you looking to drop?
Here's a fitment tip. Cut in whole coil increments. If you cut one whole coil, you'll get roughly a 1" - 1.5" drop depending on the spring in place. In doing a single coil, both spring ends end up in their place on the perch, and I had no problems getting them to seat properly without the dead end.
They were tricky to get into the perch as the spring has to arch as you raise the lower a-arm. It's easy to have the upper part of the spring sit across the opening the shock goes through. Go slow with the floor jack, and constantly check to make sure the upper part of the spring is still seated. Raise the lower arm a little, and check again.
Once there is some pressure, use a pair of prybars, and coax the lower part of the spring into it's perch, and check again to ake sure the upper part is still in place. It'll pop in with soem help from the pry bars, then just raise the lower arm until the ball joints have enough contact to thread on the nuts. Then, compress the spring enough to get the shock back in, and tighten everything down.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 280
Likes: 0
From: Poughkeepsie New York
thanks for the info....much appreciated! Was looking for a 2 inch drop. I couldnt remove 1 and 1/2 coils to accomplish this? I believe some others have just removed a 1/2 coil. So would 1 and 1/2 get me the 2 inch drop?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Originally Posted by L82-JWS
thanks for the info....much appreciated! Was looking for a 2 inch drop. I couldnt remove 1 and 1/2 coils to accomplish this? I believe some others have just removed a 1/2 coil. So would 1 and 1/2 get me the 2 inch drop?
It would get you the drop you want, but there are other issues. The ends of the springs fit into the perches, in little stamped cups for the ends of the springs. If you already have yours out, you can see that it's not a round flat spring perch, but in fact it has an indent for the ends of the springs. If you take out a single full coil, the ends are where they were before and everything lines up. If you cut off an extra half, one of the coil ends won't drop into it's indents.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
How much it drops per coil will be based on what spring you are using.
stock ... 460 ... 550 ... etc.
DurangoBoy describes the wrestling match with a stock spring (longest).
460s or 550s should go in and up with no fight.
Once you've cut off a coil or two, the stockers will be easier to wrestle in.
There is a small sight hole at the end of the upper perch pocket (that the
end of the spring sits in). Once up in place, check this hole to make
sure the top of the coil is still properly seated.
PS - aftermarket 460s are available at most local parts stores for about $50.
IMO - I would start with these. In fact I did ... and am satisfied with
height ... but might lower someday for lowered stance. Currently sitting about 27.5".
http://nhvette.homeunix.com/ftp/in/wheels_06.jpg
If cutting fractions of a coil ... you want the upper perch to be aligned with coil end.
Let the lower fall where it will.
Also, if you don't have the car fully assembled ... do it first.
Mine sat slightly high until I had it all together ... hood, doors, etc.
stock ... 460 ... 550 ... etc.
DurangoBoy describes the wrestling match with a stock spring (longest).
460s or 550s should go in and up with no fight.
Once you've cut off a coil or two, the stockers will be easier to wrestle in.
There is a small sight hole at the end of the upper perch pocket (that the
end of the spring sits in). Once up in place, check this hole to make
sure the top of the coil is still properly seated.
PS - aftermarket 460s are available at most local parts stores for about $50.
IMO - I would start with these. In fact I did ... and am satisfied with
height ... but might lower someday for lowered stance. Currently sitting about 27.5".
http://nhvette.homeunix.com/ftp/in/wheels_06.jpg
If cutting fractions of a coil ... you want the upper perch to be aligned with coil end.
Let the lower fall where it will.
Also, if you don't have the car fully assembled ... do it first.
Mine sat slightly high until I had it all together ... hood, doors, etc.
Last edited by NHvette; Oct 20, 2006 at 11:56 AM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 280
Likes: 0
From: Poughkeepsie New York
Originally Posted by NHvette
How much it drops per coil will be based on what spring you are using.
stock ... 460 ... 550 ... etc.
IMO - I would start with these. In fact I did ... and am satisfied with
height ... but might lower someday for lowered stance. Currently sitting about 27.5".
Also, if you don't have the car fully assembled ... do it first.
Mine sat slightly high until I had it all together ... hood, doors, etc.
stock ... 460 ... 550 ... etc.
IMO - I would start with these. In fact I did ... and am satisfied with
height ... but might lower someday for lowered stance. Currently sitting about 27.5".
Also, if you don't have the car fully assembled ... do it first.
Mine sat slightly high until I had it all together ... hood, doors, etc.
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7th Gear
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7
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heating springs
If you are using a torch to heat the springs to bend a flat on them the spring will become brittle and snap under a load. I do not recommed using any heat on the springs. I have broken a set of rear coil springs by using a torch to bend a flat for seating .
