Cutting springs
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,938
Likes: 1
From: San Diego CA
Cutting springs
Still unable to fix loud clanking noise problem inherent with my S.B. coil-over shocks but I really like the car's look at 26.5" front fender lip height. So after 4 months wasted trying I'm going back to stock. I have the original springs and wish to get 26.5" with 25" tires (245/60/15). Need to know;
1. what stock height was, I believe 27.5 - 27 3/4."
2. how many coils to cut off stock springs, I'm guessing 1 3/4 to 2 coils.
Let me know. thanks.
1. what stock height was, I believe 27.5 - 27 3/4."
2. how many coils to cut off stock springs, I'm guessing 1 3/4 to 2 coils.
Let me know. thanks.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,676
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From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
If you cut off 2 coils you will be buying new springs, start with 1/2 coil, you may have to do it twice but you won't have to do it twice and buy new springs, ask me how I know 
Also drive it around for 2 or three days after cutting so they settle and you can see the settled height, roliing it back and forth doesn't do it.
Also drive it around for 2 or three days after cutting so they settle and you can see the settled height, roliing it back and forth doesn't do it.
Last edited by MotorHead; Jul 14, 2004 at 10:30 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,676
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From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
I am trying to save you some time and money, it is a trial and error sort of thing you can't really say 1 coil = 1 in. or something like that. If I were you I would start with 1/2 to 1 coil, no more than 1 coil. You can also get too low, it looks really cool but you are constantly worried about scraping going into parking lots oe any dips in the road, that's why mine is not so low any more.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 30,183
Likes: 313
From: Lake Norman NC
its hard to tell...from my experience and what everyone has said...each car and spring cut is different....i'd just go with trial and error..pita, but at least you won't compromise yourself.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,938
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From: San Diego CA
See that's what sucks. With the coil-overs it doesn't matter much since you can adjust the collar the spring sits on and make up for either cutting too much or too little off to get the height you want. In theory my coil-overs are the best of both worlds but the noise is UNBEARIBLE!
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,743
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From: Stockton Ca
Does anyone know the spring #rate of stock front springs? VB&P #460s might be a little harsh for my driving. I was thinking about stk springs w/1" cut. What would that #rate be? The other side is, VB&P knows what's up! Any thoughts? TIA
Rick
Rick
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
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From: cincinnati ohio
St. Jude Donor '09
If it's adjustibility you're after, why not go with a transverse glass spring?
Mine rides much better than the cut VB touring coils it replaced and I'm at 26 1/2" with room to play
Mine rides much better than the cut VB touring coils it replaced and I'm at 26 1/2" with room to play
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Originally Posted by Taijutsu
Does anyone know the spring #rate of stock front springs? VB&P #460s might be a little harsh for my driving. I was thinking about stk springs w/1" cut. What would that #rate be? The other side is, VB&P knows what's up! Any thoughts? TIA
Rick
Rick
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: San Diego CA
Originally Posted by Redshark6974
Cali, did the coilovers go below 26.5"???
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
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From: Plano TX
I think 3/4 turn is going to get you real close. I base that on very unscientific research which is when I cut 3/4 turn off a set of Z28 springs on a 75 Camaro I used to own and it lowered it 1.5". Yep, different springs, different car... as I said, unscientific. 
Senior Member since 1492
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Originally Posted by zwede
I think 3/4 turn is going to get you real close. I base that on very unscientific research which is when I cut 3/4 turn off a set of Z28 springs on a 75 Camaro I used to own and it lowered it 1.5". Yep, different springs, different car... as I said, unscientific.
3/4 coil.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 677
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From: Cary North Carolina
David,
You must be getting really good at separating the ball joints from the spindle. I have the hardest time getting those things to let loose. When I read that shortening the springs was a trial and error process I thought OMG I would go insane. I usually have to replace the ball joint because I screw them up so bad getting them separated. What is the best way to get them to separate without damaging them?
David
You must be getting really good at separating the ball joints from the spindle. I have the hardest time getting those things to let loose. When I read that shortening the springs was a trial and error process I thought OMG I would go insane. I usually have to replace the ball joint because I screw them up so bad getting them separated. What is the best way to get them to separate without damaging them?
David