Lowering Megaladon
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,997
Likes: 1
From: WAY DEEP INSIDE AMERICO,YES YOU LIVE HERE TO!! TX
Lowering Megaladon
If i wanted to lower the front end 1 to 1 1/2 inches,
how much spring would need to be cut? I was gonna start
with half a coil end.
how much spring would need to be cut? I was gonna start
with half a coil end.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
There's a similar thread:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=963361
I copied my reply:
I cut my front 460lbs springs for the same reason - it was sitting too high. The front suspension was great before I cut the springs ( I cut 3/4 coil ) - now it is a little too soft for me and I'll very likely buy the 550lbs springs soon.... these are supposed to lower the front 1" without cutting.
For the rear I bought the 8" bolts for $19.99 at Ecklers, I could not find any bolts longer than 6" at the local hardware stores so I had to spend the $20.... pretty expensive for two silly bolts.... at www.mcmastercarr.com you can get these for $4 a piece (Grade 8, 1/2" thread, 8" or 10" long)... but they overcharge on shipping...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=963361
I copied my reply:
I cut my front 460lbs springs for the same reason - it was sitting too high. The front suspension was great before I cut the springs ( I cut 3/4 coil ) - now it is a little too soft for me and I'll very likely buy the 550lbs springs soon.... these are supposed to lower the front 1" without cutting.
For the rear I bought the 8" bolts for $19.99 at Ecklers, I could not find any bolts longer than 6" at the local hardware stores so I had to spend the $20.... pretty expensive for two silly bolts.... at www.mcmastercarr.com you can get these for $4 a piece (Grade 8, 1/2" thread, 8" or 10" long)... but they overcharge on shipping...
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 30,183
Likes: 313
From: Lake Norman NC
Originally Posted by Cali,68,L-79
Take the original with you, 8" grade five.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,259
Likes: 7
From: Ontario
Originally Posted by Schmucker
What is the size of the bolt for the rear, I'll see if my mom carries it at her hardware store.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,938
Likes: 1
From: San Diego CA
Originally Posted by Redshark6974
I'm not a bolt person by any means..but isn't grade eight recommended and sold by VBP and others. I think its stronger.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
As I said, if you add the shipping then you'll end up at $20 anyway.... It must be Grade 8, the hardware stores have cheap quality bolts in 8" for $1.99 - don't buy these !
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,247
Likes: 210
From: Detroit MI
Originally Posted by RedBad1979
I cut my front 460lbs springs for the same reason - it was sitting too high. The front suspension was great before I cut the springs ( I cut 3/4 coil ) - now it is a little too soft for me and I'll very likely buy the 550lbs springs soon.... these are supposed to lower the front 1" without cutting.
My car was still sitting too high even with the 550's. I cut a half coil and got nearly a 1 1/4" drop! It was actually the perfect amount, and put the car right where I wanted it, but I wasn't expecting so much drop out of only a half coil.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
Originally Posted by 69autoXr
This is interesting, because springs are supposed to get stiffer when they're cut. Definitely mine are stiffer since I cut them. Did you cut from the top or the bottom?
My car was still sitting too high even with the 550's. I cut a half coil and got nearly a 1 1/4" drop! It was actually the perfect amount, and put the car right where I wanted it, but I wasn't expecting so much drop out of only a half coil.
My car was still sitting too high even with the 550's. I cut a half coil and got nearly a 1 1/4" drop! It was actually the perfect amount, and put the car right where I wanted it, but I wasn't expecting so much drop out of only a half coil.
Very confused here... they shouldn't get stiffer ...???... you reduce the pre-stress when you install the shortened spring.
I cut 3/4coil and installed the spring so the cut was at the top, this made terrible noises .... I took them out again and installed them so that the cut was at the bottom, now it's fine... just a little bit too soft for my taste... I guess I'm too lazy to do this spring excercize a fourth time ... maybe I buy them when they're on sale for $59 again - now, after your input I'm not sure anymore if I should cut those or not...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 9,078
Likes: 7
From: DFW TX
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
I went down to the weeds, about a coil and the bump steer is pretty bad. Go 1/2 and wait until the next day. It will settle about a 1".
Why is your car hidding behind a tree?
Why is your car hidding behind a tree?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
Originally Posted by MEGLADON
I forgot to say this is the original front springs, but not worn out.
Should it be wise to start off with a 1/4 cut.
Should it be wise to start off with a 1/4 cut.
Just cut 1/2 or 3/4 coil and see how you like it - that should lower it by 1" or 1 1/2"
Use anti seize and don't torque the bolts too much just in case you don't like it and want to install different springs...
My guess is that it lowers the front but will be way too soft.... front 550lbs springs are inexpensive, why even bother cutting the stock springs ?
Senior Member since 1492
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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
3/4 coil, cut from the bottom. Smaller coil spacing in the coils go up. Make sure spring is seated in the upper pocket. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,247
Likes: 210
From: Detroit MI
Originally Posted by RedBad1979
Very confused here... they shouldn't get stiffer ...???... you reduce the pre-stress when you install the shortened spring.