Chopping Factory Springs

[sliver02GT]

what do u guys think of chopping my factory spring about 2 inches to lower my car, is this a ok idea or should i just buck up and buy some lowering springs, has n e one done this


thanks

 

[Purebred]

I would guess this is a bad idea - and here's why. The spring rate is relatively low on factory springs (I'm not sure if they're progressive or linear rate, but I would assume linear) and expect a certain amount of suspension travel to be available . AFAIK, cutting the springs will not increase the spring rate, so they will allow the same amount of travel/compression, only now you don't have the ground clearance to allow it. I wouldn't think cutting a coil or less would be that much of a problem, but lowering your car 2 inches on the stock springs just seems like a formula for bottoming out.

IMHO, you should just go w/ a quality lowering spring like H&R or Eibach.

Just my 2¢

 

[streetstang03]

get some springs, better ride quality and u dont have to worry about the car bouncing down the street lop-sided if u cut too much off or not enough off on all the springs. it would be hard to make sure u cut the same amount off on all 4 springs

 

[Avenger]

Funny you ask that, I am currently doing mine. It is only a temporary solution though as I am tired of the 4x4 look but still can't afford the suspension setup I really want.

Purebred has it right, cutting the springs won't increase their rate. Getting the right drop ain't hard at all though. I did the rear tonight and got the exact 1/2 " drop I wanted. To lower your car 1", you simply shorten your spring 1" (loaded or not, doesn't matter) For your information, 1" is about 3/4 of a front coil and a full rear coil. Do NOT cut your springs to get a 2" drop though, you will def bottom out. Factory springs aren't stiff enough to allow such a drop.

FYI, I lowered the rear of my car 1/2" and plan on 1 1/4" for the front.

I will be done tomorrow, might post a few pics and driving impressions sometime

 

[KaPPaBaLL]

what do u guys think of chopping my factory spring about 2 inches to lower my car, is this a ok idea or should i just buck up and buy some lowering springs, has n e one done this


thanks

i told you they were progressive and not to cut them.

 

[Avenger]

i told you they were progressive and not to cut them.

So, he did it ?

 

[KaPPaBaLL]

So, he did it ?

i hope not.

 

[tjm73]

FRPP catalog says some are liniear some are progressive depending upon year. Chopping springs is not the preffered method, but will work.

 

[KaPPaBaLL]

FRPP catalog says some are liniear some are progressive depending upon year. Chopping springs is not the preffered method, but will work.

that list is not entirely correct.

 

[Charged 96 GT]

I cut mine to get a 2" drop and the car does bottom out. The ride quality is not much worse than my 97 Cobra with BBK springs. If you do cut them be sure and order some C/C plates or you can kiss those front tires goodbye.