Cut springs to lower the front - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

70c10 · 04-01-2002, 12:54 PM

Hey Guys,
A friend of mine says he cut the front springs on his neighbors 71' to lower it and was easy and safe to do. Has anybody done this before?. I'm thinking about letting him do it and then buying a pair of rear springs to lower the back by 4". What are your thoughts?

SCOTI · 04-01-2002, 01:09 PM

There's nothing wrong w/cutting springs as long as it's done moderately. If you cut more than 1.5 coils you will run into several probs: minimal suspension travel, shocks bottoming out, crossmember bottoming out, & if the vehicle is raised too far the springs will actually fall out of the a-arm pocket(this actually happened to my buddies 69 when we were driving off the shoulder of an off-ramp). For reliability, safety, & a better overall ride use drop spindles & then cut a little off your springs if you want it lower.

chaptr2 · 04-01-2002, 01:13 PM

In my humble opinion I wouldn't cut the springs or heat them up. Just buy new drop springs from one of our venders. I think they are only $100 or so. I bought my springs on SALE for $85 for 2in drop springs and $15 for shipping. Right now www.mothertruckers.net has them for 99.95

The guy before me heated up my Stepside's springs and they ended up breaking because of weakness! This made for a very scary ride and very unsafe.

------------------
Supercharged 388 stroker in a
70 GMC Shorty step side
72 K/5 Blazer

**70cst** · 04-01-2002, 01:20 PM

I agree..Cutting springs is not the way I went. I bought new springs from GMCPAUL's but most vender would have these.What I don't know is the quality the same. I would stay away from cheap import springs. You know what they say..
"You can pay now or pay later?"
Just my 2cents worth.
Regards,
Dewayne 70cst

69 longhorn · 04-01-2002, 01:22 PM

I dont think cutting coils is the best way,but I have done it. If you cut 1 full ring off,expect about a 2 1/2-3" drop. I did this to my longhorn,& have been running for 8-10 yrs. You will get a little bump steer due to the angles of the tie rods. On a drop spring,2" is about max & still retain good front geometry. I have a set of spindles planned,but havent done them yet. I would go with a 2 1/2" spindle,& if more drop is needed,you will have a choice on 1,1 1/2,or2 " springs. If running a cut or short spring,you will also need a shorter shock.Good luck.....69 longhorn.

SCOTI · 04-01-2002, 01:35 PM

Whatever you decide...DO NOT torch the springs, cut them w/a cutoff wheel or similar tool. I also like the idea of replacing the springs w/new lowered springs but it can be difficult to estimate the correct ones to buy vs. the proper amount of drop for an individual truck.

Low69CST · 04-01-2002, 01:39 PM

I cut the front springs on my truck. I put drop spindles on, but still wanted it a little lower. So I took out the springs and cut out a 1/4th coil. It droped it about an inch. Its probably the same as buying 1 inch drop new springs because of how they sag over time. It did stiffen the front up some, but it doesn't feel too stiff. I like the look and feel of the truck.

------------------
'69 CST Short fleetside
Lowered, 400 small block, 700R4, 3" dual exhaust, 40 series Flowmasters, 4 wheel disc brakes, all stainless hard and flex lines, front & rear sway bars, Dana 9 1/4" rear end 4.11's w/Detroit Locker, soon to have 18" rims
Not my daily driver. More like my weekend A$$ KICKER.
See my truck at: http://www.geocities.com/low69cst/
Future Automotive Engineer attending the University of Kentucky.
Feel free to message me on AOL, SN- SS95ZQ8
My Dad's projects:
72 Short Fleet 4x4 Chyenne Super
72 Long Fleet 4x4 Chyenne Super
Both 350 autos restored original

Low69CST · 04-01-2002, 01:41 PM

Oh yeah, we used a plasma cutter. It doesn't heat up the metal nearly as bad as a torch. I've read in a suspension book that you can cut a spring with a torch as long as you let the spring cool naturally and don't quench it in water. Never tried it though, just read it.

------------------
'69 CST Short fleetside
Lowered, 400 small block, 700R4, 3" dual exhaust, 40 series Flowmasters, 4 wheel disc brakes, all stainless hard and flex lines, front & rear sway bars, Dana 9 1/4" rear end 4.11's w/Detroit Locker, soon to have 18" rims
Not my daily driver. More like my weekend A$$ KICKER.
See my truck at: http://www.geocities.com/low69cst/
Future Automotive Engineer attending the University of Kentucky.
Feel free to message me on AOL, SN- SS95ZQ8
My Dad's projects:
72 Short Fleet 4x4 Chyenne Super
72 Long Fleet 4x4 Chyenne Super
Both 350 autos restored original

busterwivell · 04-01-2002, 01:45 PM

I have a 1 Ton Longhorn with 8 lug wheels. I cut a coil on it, has been that way for 5-6 years and the only problem is I need a shorter shock. Don't know the formula to figure out which shock, though.

71GMCstreet · 04-01-2002, 02:52 PM

Use a spring kit, heat bad, and shoot you can replace the ball joints while you're at it as well. You may also have an alignment problem with a cut spring. I dropped 3" using spindles alone, and kept the stock spring and shock package, and no alignments needed.

busterwivell · 04-01-2002, 05:00 PM

I don't know of anyone who makes a dropped spindle for 1 Ton trucks. Anyone?

Nickbo · 04-01-2002, 05:18 PM

You can cut the fronts, but buy the back springs, don't cut the backs because it just dont work...

**MikeB** · 04-01-2002, 08:43 PM

I speak from experience when I say -- Don't do it! Cutting your springs is maybe one step above heating them with a torch. If you'll check out the springs, you'll see they taper on the ends and are flat to sit properly in their pockets. So, if you cut them, at least grind an angle on the bare end of the spring. That way, the square edge won't dig into your spring pockets. Even then, you'll get a bouncy ride and some bottoming. The best solution is dropped spindles, which won't affect the ride quality. The next best solution is shorter stiffer springs.

70 Jimmy · 04-01-2002, 09:04 PM

If you don't have a cut off wheel or a plasma cutter you can put the spring in a bucket of water with as much of the spring under as possible. Then you can use a torch. I would put it in this order (kinda what everyone else is saying) 1) New 2) Plasma cut 3) cut-off wheel 4) Torch and bucket of water. It comes down to money now doesn't it? Have fun!

------------------
"KEEP IT DOWN!"
70 Jimmy 454 2wd
56 GMC Big Window

*Randy70C-10* · 04-01-2002, 09:04 PM

Dropped springs will also fall out of the pocket when the truck is jacked off the ground. I have to shove a brick between the lower control arm and the upper mount to keep mine in place when the truck is in the air.

------------------
Yeah, that's right. My name is Randy too!
WWW.Randysrods.freeservers.com
1970 Chevy C-10 shortstep
30 Ford Model A Coupe 4 inch chop, 350, GMC 671 blower-Hell yeah it's fast!
87 Harley Sportster(couldnt get a 350 to fit)
Self Propelled Lawn Mower
Built in USA!!!!

Virginia Beach, VA.

Richie · 04-01-2002, 09:24 PM

I cut the springs on mine and have been running them for about two years now with no problems.I installed 2.5" spindles and kept cutting until I got them where I wanted them. As of now it has 3\4 o a coil cut off.Drop springs are in the works but it seems something else always gets that cash first.

------------------
'72 longbed,350\350,4\6 drop,p.s,p.b,tach.
http://hometown.aol.com/rp2bp/myhomepage/auto.html

04-01-2002, 12:54 PM	#1
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,856	Cut springs to lower the front Hey Guys, A friend of mine says he cut the front springs on his neighbors 71' to lower it and was easy and safe to do. Has anybody done this before?. I'm thinking about letting him do it and then buying a pair of rear springs to lower the back by 4". What are your thoughts? __________________ 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

04-01-2002, 01:09 PM	#2
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,133	There's nothing wrong w/cutting springs as long as it's done moderately. If you cut more than 1.5 coils you will run into several probs: minimal suspension travel, shocks bottoming out, crossmember bottoming out, & if the vehicle is raised too far the springs will actually fall out of the a-arm pocket(this actually happened to my buddies 69 when we were driving off the shoulder of an off-ramp). For reliability, safety, & a better overall ride use drop spindles & then cut a little off your springs if you want it lower. __________________ 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.*

04-01-2002, 01:13 PM	#3
chaptr2 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Olalla, WA Posts: 705	In my humble opinion I wouldn't cut the springs or heat them up. Just buy new drop springs from one of our venders. I think they are only $100 or so. I bought my springs on SALE for $85 for 2in drop springs and $15 for shipping. Right now www.mothertruckers.net has them for 99.95 The guy before me heated up my Stepside's springs and they ended up breaking because of weakness! This made for a very scary ride and very unsafe. ------------------ Supercharged 388 stroker in a 70 GMC Shorty step side 72 K/5 Blazer __________________ This is only my opinion and it is subject to change. 70 GMC Short box stepside Blown 388 Stroker 72 K/5 Blazer 350/SM465/205

04-01-2002, 01:20 PM	#4
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,377	I agree..Cutting springs is not the way I went. I bought new springs from GMCPAUL's but most vender would have these.What I don't know is the quality the same. I would stay away from cheap import springs. You know what they say.. "You can pay now or pay later?" Just my 2cents worth. Regards, Dewayne 70cst __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder!

04-01-2002, 01:22 PM	#5
69 longhorn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: rock island,il,usa Posts: 5,382	I dont think cutting coils is the best way,but I have done it. If you cut 1 full ring off,expect about a 2 1/2-3" drop. I did this to my longhorn,& have been running for 8-10 yrs. You will get a little bump steer due to the angles of the tie rods. On a drop spring,2" is about max & still retain good front geometry. I have a set of spindles planned,but havent done them yet. I would go with a 2 1/2" spindle,& if more drop is needed,you will have a choice on 1,1 1/2,or2 " springs. If running a cut or short spring,you will also need a shorter shock.Good luck.....69 longhorn. __________________ http://community.webshots.com/user/hotrodhorn

04-01-2002, 01:35 PM	#6
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,133	Whatever you decide...DO NOT torch the springs, cut them w/a cutoff wheel or similar tool. I also like the idea of replacing the springs w/new lowered springs but it can be difficult to estimate the correct ones to buy vs. the proper amount of drop for an individual truck. __________________ 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.*

04-01-2002, 01:39 PM	#7
Low69CST Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA Posts: 2,163	I cut the front springs on my truck. I put drop spindles on, but still wanted it a little lower. So I took out the springs and cut out a 1/4th coil. It droped it about an inch. Its probably the same as buying 1 inch drop new springs because of how they sag over time. It did stiffen the front up some, but it doesn't feel too stiff. I like the look and feel of the truck. ------------------ '69 CST Short fleetside Lowered, 400 small block, 700R4, 3" dual exhaust, 40 series Flowmasters, 4 wheel disc brakes, all stainless hard and flex lines, front & rear sway bars, Dana 9 1/4" rear end 4.11's w/Detroit Locker, soon to have 18" rims Not my daily driver. More like my weekend A$$ KICKER. See my truck at: http://www.geocities.com/low69cst/ Future Automotive Engineer attending the University of Kentucky. Feel free to message me on AOL, SN- SS95ZQ8 My Dad's projects: 72 Short Fleet 4x4 Chyenne Super 72 Long Fleet 4x4 Chyenne Super Both 350 autos restored original __________________ '69 CST Short fleetside Lowered, 400 small block, 700R4, 4 wheel disc brakes, front sway bar & rear camaro sway bar (in progress) '87 V10 4x4 Short Fleetside Quad Suspension and Dual Tanks

04-01-2002, 01:41 PM	#8
Low69CST Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA Posts: 2,163	Oh yeah, we used a plasma cutter. It doesn't heat up the metal nearly as bad as a torch. I've read in a suspension book that you can cut a spring with a torch as long as you let the spring cool naturally and don't quench it in water. Never tried it though, just read it. ------------------ '69 CST Short fleetside Lowered, 400 small block, 700R4, 3" dual exhaust, 40 series Flowmasters, 4 wheel disc brakes, all stainless hard and flex lines, front & rear sway bars, Dana 9 1/4" rear end 4.11's w/Detroit Locker, soon to have 18" rims Not my daily driver. More like my weekend A$$ KICKER. See my truck at: http://www.geocities.com/low69cst/ Future Automotive Engineer attending the University of Kentucky. Feel free to message me on AOL, SN- SS95ZQ8 My Dad's projects: 72 Short Fleet 4x4 Chyenne Super 72 Long Fleet 4x4 Chyenne Super Both 350 autos restored original __________________ '69 CST Short fleetside Lowered, 400 small block, 700R4, 4 wheel disc brakes, front sway bar & rear camaro sway bar (in progress) '87 V10 4x4 Short Fleetside Quad Suspension and Dual Tanks

04-01-2002, 01:45 PM	#9
busterwivell Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Sahuarita, AZ USA Posts: 2,033	I have a 1 Ton Longhorn with 8 lug wheels. I cut a coil on it, has been that way for 5-6 years and the only problem is I need a shorter shock. Don't know the formula to figure out which shock, though. __________________ Bill - Tucson, AZ 47 Chevrolet 2 dr sedan 56 Chevrolet 210 2 dr sedan 66 Chevrolet Malibu 2 dr 4 speed 71 Chevrolet C30 Longhorn 86 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS (Sold) 01 Chevrolet Tahoe IM - BUSTERWIVE@aol.com

04-01-2002, 02:52 PM	#10
71GMCstreet Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 97	Use a spring kit, heat bad, and shoot you can replace the ball joints while you're at it as well. You may also have an alignment problem with a cut spring. I dropped 3" using spindles alone, and kept the stock spring and shock package, and no alignments needed.

04-01-2002, 05:00 PM	#11
busterwivell Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Sahuarita, AZ USA Posts: 2,033	I don't know of anyone who makes a dropped spindle for 1 Ton trucks. Anyone? __________________ Bill - Tucson, AZ 47 Chevrolet 2 dr sedan 56 Chevrolet 210 2 dr sedan 66 Chevrolet Malibu 2 dr 4 speed 71 Chevrolet C30 Longhorn 86 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS (Sold) 01 Chevrolet Tahoe IM - BUSTERWIVE@aol.com

04-01-2002, 05:18 PM	#12
Nickbo Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: colorado springs, colorado, usa Posts: 289	You can cut the fronts, but buy the back springs, don't cut the backs because it just dont work... __________________ 1967 was a good year

04-01-2002, 08:43 PM	#13
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,666	I speak from experience when I say -- Don't do it! Cutting your springs is maybe one step above heating them with a torch. If you'll check out the springs, you'll see they taper on the ends and are flat to sit properly in their pockets. So, if you cut them, at least grind an angle on the bare end of the spring. That way, the square edge won't dig into your spring pockets. Even then, you'll get a bouncy ride and some bottoming. The best solution is dropped spindles, which won't affect the ride quality. The next best solution is shorter stiffer springs. __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 36 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- converted from 250-six to roller cam 350, Vortec heads -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB, 305, TH350C -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

04-01-2002, 09:04 PM	#14
70 Jimmy aka Crusher, Crushergmc Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,834	If you don't have a cut off wheel or a plasma cutter you can put the spring in a bucket of water with as much of the spring under as possible. Then you can use a torch. I would put it in this order (kinda what everyone else is saying) 1) New 2) Plasma cut 3) cut-off wheel 4) Torch and bucket of water. It comes down to money now doesn't it? Have fun! ------------------ "KEEP IT DOWN!" 70 Jimmy 454 2wd 56 GMC Big Window __________________ "KEEP IT DOWN!" 70 Jimmy 454 2wd 56 GMC Big Window "It's funny till someone gets hurt, then it's freakin' hilarious"

04-01-2002, 09:04 PM	#15
Randy70C-10 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va. U.S.A. Posts: 15,320	Dropped springs will also fall out of the pocket when the truck is jacked off the ground. I have to shove a brick between the lower control arm and the upper mount to keep mine in place when the truck is in the air. ------------------ Yeah, that's right. My name is Randy too! WWW.Randysrods.freeservers.com 1970 Chevy C-10 shortstep 30 Ford Model A Coupe 4 inch chop, 350, GMC 671 blower-Hell yeah it's fast! 87 Harley Sportster(couldnt get a 350 to fit) Self Propelled Lawn Mower Built in USA!!!! Virginia Beach, VA.



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04-01-2002, 09:24 PM	#16
Richie 4:13 Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: St. Cloud, Florida Posts: 500	I cut the springs on mine and have been running them for about two years now with no problems.I installed 2.5" spindles and kept cutting until I got them where I wanted them. As of now it has 3\4 o a coil cut off.Drop springs are in the works but it seems something else always gets that cash first. ------------------ '72 longbed,350\350,4\6 drop,p.s,p.b,tach. http://hometown.aol.com/rp2bp/myhomepage/auto.html

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