Cutting springs

[slosvt]

When people say that they cut 1/2 of a coil. Does this mean that you cut the dead coil and 1/2 a coil or just 1/2 of the dead coil?

I have fox V8 springs in the rear and the car could use a 1/2" drop. I just dont want to cut too much, or not enough. I hate doing things more than once.

Stefan and I were talking last night and we werent sure, so I would like to know before I start cutting away. :)

[Bill Putnam]

When I say I cut a 1/2 coil it means a 1/2 of an actual coil not just the dead coil. I start where the coil starts to transition down. For a 1/2" drop that isn't very much. I cut my rear springs by a 1/4 of a coil and it dropped nearly 1". You may just want to cut the dead coil and maybe a hair more and see where the car sits. It easier to pull the springs again and cut them instead of having to buy new ones.

Bill

[JayC]

Some Fox body V8 springs do have a dead-coil like mine did. I cut the dead coil (flat) and 1/2 turn of the active coil and ended up with ~ 1.5" drop over my stock springs. As Bill said it's better to error on the safe side:D


Jay

[slosvt]

Thanks Bill and Jay. Ill let you guys know how it goes.

Last Q, Which way should the pigtail face when reinstalling the springs?

ill start by cutting 1/4 Coil and if that happens to be to much I can install the spacers that came with the HPM Jr's. :)

[JayC]

Originally posted by slosvt
Thanks Bill and Jay. Ill let you guys know how it goes.

Last Q, Which way should the pigtail face when reinstalling the springs?

ill start by cutting 1/4 Coil and if that happens to be to much I can install the spacers that came with the HPM Jr's. :)

Bottom pig-tails (both) towards driver's side.....at least that's what i was told:D

Jay

[Ayrton]

I just want to point out that you should use a cutting wheel or plasma cutter to cut the coils. Never, ever use a torch as you will heat up the coil too much and kill it.

[BCH-SLP]

Cutting wheel is perfect for this job.

[TruBlu01]

Metal cutting blade on a Skill Saw works great!

[vortechcobra97]

Let me know how this goes Lloyd

[slosvt]

Die Grinder with a cutting wheel cut the springs easily. I cut a 1/4 coil and im not sure that I cut enough. Im going to give it a week and see what I think. This is without the spring isolaters on the car. I will take a pic soon and post it to see what you guys think. If I cut another 1/4 coil then I will put the spring isolaters on as well.

I also added an airbag to the passenger RR spring. What an easy thing to do. For those that dont have the rear bumper supports there is a perfect place to mount the valve. Its easy to get to and hidden to those that dont know where it is. Ill take a pic of that as well. :)

Lloyd

[Angus66]

(Bringing this thread back from the grave):

If I'm reading the above right, when cutting the rear coils springs you cut the top off, not the bottom - correct?

Also, the "dead coil" is the flat/upper portion of the spring that contacts the upper isolator/body right?

Going to cut mine tomorrow and I (obviously) want to do it right the 1st time... ;)