[77Camino23]

Hi All,
Looking at threads on lowering options. Anybody tried lowering by cutting factory springs with a cut off wheel instead of a torch. I have seen it done on other coil spring vehicles. The springs at Original Parts Group are pricey. Just looking for options and ideas.
Thanks Dan

 

[87ls5.3]

Hi All,
Looking at threads on lowering options. Anybody tried lowering by cutting factory springs with a cut off wheel instead of a torch. I have seen it done on other coil spring vehicles. The springs at Original Parts Group are pricey. Just looking for options and ideas.
Thanks Dan

I've done a few over the years. And yes, a cutoff wheel is the best way to go. On average I have found each half coil will drop a car between 1/2" to 1" depending on the spring rate from the factory. Bad part is finding out what works best. I removed 1/4 coil at a time trying to find the right length 3 times before I got what I wanted. That means replacing the springs and rebuilding the suspension and road testing 3 times to get things just right. I went with coilovers on my Mustang just to avoid that same scenario! Just one other thing to keep in mind, the shorter the springs the harsher the ride will get.

Joe

 

[Karadjgne]

1" coil drop is generally no worries. A 2" drop is best done on the spindles. The problem with 2" or larger drops is the change in suspension geometry. You end up with sizable negative camber, the tops of the tires inwards and the road contact outwards. That affects steering a lot, the slightest amount of toe making it a pain to go in a straight line down the road, and can put excessive wear on the inside tread of the tire. It can also make wet driving more dangerous, as more of the vehicles weight is on the inside, and less on the outside or evenly distributed, making hydroplaning more of a reality with loss of traction.

It's not so much a matter of whether it's ok to use a cutoff or chop saw or torch to chop the coil, it's more a matter of whether you should or not cut the coil in the first place.

A set of S-10, C-5 or stock 2" drop spindles is far cheaper than repeatedly replacing prematurely worn bald front tires.

 

[Vdv8]

Just put the drop spindles on. You’ll be glad you did.

 

[VinnyD]

Dropped spindles are the best way to do it. They allow you to maintain proper front end geometry, alignment, and ride quality.

 

[77Camino23]

I've done a few over the years. And yes, a cutoff wheel is the best way to go. On average I have found each half coil will drop a car between 1/2" to 1" depending on the spring rate from the factory. Bad part is finding out what works best. I removed 1/4 coil at a time trying to find the right length 3 times before I got what I wanted. That means replacing the springs and rebuilding the suspension and road testing 3 times to get things just right. I went with coilovers on my Mustang just to avoid that same scenario! Just one other thing to keep in mind, the shorter the springs the harsher the ride will get.

Joe

Thanks good to know as I always say you can't teach experience !!!

 

[77Camino23]

Dropped spindles are the best way to do it. They allow you to maintain proper front end geometry, alignment, and ride quality.

Thanks !!!

Dropped spindles are the best way to do it. They allow you to maintain proper front end geometry, alignment, and ride quality.

Thanks !!!

 

[77Camino23]

1" coil drop is generally no worries. A 2" drop is best done on the spindles. The problem with 2" or larger drops is the change in suspension geometry. You end up with sizable negative camber, the tops of the tires inwards and the road contact outwards. That affects steering a lot, the slightest amount of toe making it a pain to go in a straight line down the road, and can put excessive wear on the inside tread of the tire. It can also make wet driving more dangerous, as more of the vehicles weight is on the inside, and less on the outside or evenly distributed, making hydroplaning more of a reality with loss of traction.

It's not so much a matter of whether it's ok to use a cutoff or chop saw or torch to chop the coil, it's more a matter of whether you should or not cut the coil in the first place.

A set of S-10, C-5 or stock 2" drop spindles is far cheaper than repeatedly replacing prematurely worn bald front tires.

Thanks !!!! a lot great info just what I was looking for just want lowered a bit 2" sounds about right I will check for pics on one lowered 2" and decide.

 

[Karadjgne]

Hub swaps are imho probably easier. Pull the tire and breaks, pop the ball joints, swap hubs, put back together. No need to mess with the control arms, springs, shocks, etc.

 

[77Camino23]

Hub swaps are imho probably easier. Pull the tire and breaks, pop the ball joints, swap hubs, put back together. No need to mess with the control arms, springs, shocks, etc.

Thanks if I understand correctly you mean swap the spindles on the front and lowering springs on the rear

 

[Karadjgne]

Yep. I don't believe a 2" drop would affect pinion angle enough to require adjustment. Although you should keep an eye on the drive shaft clearance, as the rear gets closer to the ground, the drive shaft will get closer to the tranny. Make sure the bumper stops are all good etc.

 

[77Camino23]

Yep. I don't believe a 2" drop would affect pinion angle enough to require adjustment. Although you should keep an eye on the drive shaft clearance, as the rear gets closer to the ground, the drive shaft will get closer to the tranny. Make sure the bumper stops are all good etc.

Thanks when I get to that point I will keep that in mind.😎👍

 

[77Camino23]

Just put the drop spindles on. You’ll be glad you did.

Thanks that seems to be the best way to lower the front but what about an equal drop for the rear how is that accomplished ?

 

[Karadjgne]

Chop the springs. Generally means a slightly stiffer ride unless you also change your shocks to one's slightly shorter, the drop will mean your shocks have a constant pre-load.

 

[77Camino23]

Chop the springs. Generally means a slightly stiffer ride unless you also change your shocks to one's slightly shorter, the drop will mean your shocks have a constant pre-load.

Thanks very helpful I have zero experience lowering anything but my expectations....Lol.

 

[Karadjgne]

Lowering expectations is commonplace, we all do it, all the time, so no worries there. Lowering standards is a whole different ball of wax. So it's most likely a good thing your expectations were lowered by any info imparted, so you are fully prepared to maintain or surpass any standards of quality you possess. Prepared for the worst simply means when the worst doesn't happen, bonus 👍

 

[77Camino23]

Lowering expectations is commonplace, we all do it, all the time, so no worries there. Lowering standards is a whole different ball of wax. So it's most likely a good thing your expectations were lowered by any info imparted, so you are fully prepared to maintain or surpass any standards of quality you possess. Prepared for the worst simply means when the worst doesn't happen, bonus 👍

Brilliant !!!