how much to cut? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

424shee · 06-28-2007, 09:28 AM

can someone tell me how much I need to cut off a stock set of front springs to get 3".I know if you cut 1 coil it will drop it 2" but how much for 3".it's on a 1970 1/2 ton.thanks

dave2953 · 06-28-2007, 10:03 AM

I cut 1.5 coils and got about 3.5" However, I wouldn't recommend doing this. The truck rode like crap, and you could hear the spring bouncing around in the pocket when you went over bumps.

SCOTI · 06-28-2007, 10:38 AM

The rule of thumb is cutting 1 coil = 2" drop but not all springs are equal. You might get 2" on one truck & 3" on another.

Cut 1 coil & put them back in to see how much drop you get.

70c10 · 07-02-2007, 10:58 PM

1 and a quarter coils cut off will give 3" of drop.

low '71 · 07-04-2007, 12:24 AM

i dont suggest doin that just buy 3'' drops
alot less hassle

424shee · 07-04-2007, 10:56 AM

I just want to do this to get me bye until I can get bag's.it's not a daily driver.thanks for the input

SCOTI · 07-04-2007, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 424shee

I just want to do this to get me bye until I can get bag's.it's not a daily driver.thanks for the input

Just cut 1 coil & put the springs back in. Set the truck down & see where your at. If it's still too tall, trim another 1/2 coil.

Warning: Some trucks have issues w/running out of threads on the upper a-arm studs when cutting off enough coil to get 3" or more of drop. You might have to get new, longer studs if you go this route.

jamis · 07-04-2007, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Warning: Some trucks have issues w/running out of threads on the upper a-arm studs when cutting off enough coil to get 3" or more of drop. You might have to get new, longer studs if you go this route.

Yep listen to SCOTI

I have 3 " springs and I ran out of threads to get my caster adjustment like he said. I bought longer studs and made 1/2 spacers, so I dont have such a large shim stack.

424shee · 07-05-2007, 04:34 PM

thanks guy's.I have 1 coil cut right now and I'm just waiting for some cooler weather to put them in.

satin64 · 09-05-2007, 03:19 PM

if you go with aftermarket coils will you still run out of threads?any pics of the bolts you need to change?i was planning on cutting 1.5 to 2 coils when i swap on the disc setup.

SCOTI · 09-05-2007, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by satin64

if you go with aftermarket coils will you still run out of threads?any pics of the bolts you need to change?i was planning on cutting 1.5 to 2 coils when i swap on the disc setup.

Shorter coils (either cut or aftermarket dropped-coils) require more shims which can require longer studs. Some trucks dont need them (both my 68 & 74 didn't), others do.

The exceptions to this rule are adjustable a-arms or re-designed (shortened lower/stretched upper) a-arms.

06-28-2007, 09:28 AM	#1
424shee Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: kelso,wa Posts: 55	how much to cut? can someone tell me how much I need to cut off a stock set of front springs to get 3".I know if you cut 1 coil it will drop it 2" but how much for 3".it's on a 1970 1/2 ton.thanks

06-28-2007, 10:03 AM	#2
dave2953 Dave's not here, man Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Winder, Georgia Posts: 2,000	Re: how much to cut? I cut 1.5 coils and got about 3.5" However, I wouldn't recommend doing this. The truck rode like crap, and you could hear the spring bouncing around in the pocket when you went over bumps. __________________ - 2014 VW Jetta - 2015 VW Jetta - 1966 Ford F-250

06-28-2007, 10:38 AM	#3
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,068	Re: how much to cut? The rule of thumb is cutting 1 coil = 2" drop but not all springs are equal. You might get 2" on one truck & 3" on another. Cut 1 coil & put them back in to see how much drop you get. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

07-02-2007, 10:58 PM	#4
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,856	Re: how much to cut? 1 and a quarter coils cut off will give 3" of drop. __________________ Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads

07-04-2007, 12:24 AM	#5
low '71 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Manitoba, Canada Posts: 30	Re: how much to cut? i dont suggest doin that just buy 3'' drops alot less hassle

07-04-2007, 10:56 AM	#6
424shee Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: kelso,wa Posts: 55	Re: how much to cut? I just want to do this to get me bye until I can get bag's.it's not a daily driver.thanks for the input

07-05-2007, 04:34 PM	#9
424shee Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: kelso,wa Posts: 55	Re: how much to cut? thanks guy's.I have 1 coil cut right now and I'm just waiting for some cooler weather to put them in.

09-05-2007, 03:19 PM	#10
satin64 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: st.helens oregon Posts: 312	Re: how much to cut? if you go with aftermarket coils will you still run out of threads?any pics of the bolts you need to change?i was planning on cutting 1.5 to 2 coils when i swap on the disc setup.

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