Cutting stock REAR springs?

[hotmustang331]

Hey guys, we are installing a full tubular K and coilover up front...so I can set my ride height anywhere I want there, but what about the rear? Exactly HOW much will cutting one spring off lower it? It looks like it will drop 2 freegin inches, but im not sure. When I get my ADJ. LCAs it wont matter because I can raise it back up if its too low...but for now I would have to live with it. Opinions? Leave it, or cut 1? Or can I cut a half-coil off? Thanks

 

[timeless2]

I don't mean to critique, but why not just buy new springs all around?

 

[hotmustang331]

I have coilovers going in up front. So I dont need springs up there as my ride height will be FULLY adjusable. I dont want to buy 4 springs and only be able to use the rear two lol.

 

[timeless2]

I have coilovers going in up front. So I dont need springs up there as my ride height will be FULLY adjusable. I dont want to buy 4 springs and only be able to use the rear two lol.

You can find pairs.

 

[OxMox]

I don't mean to critique, but why not just buy new springs all around?

Oh, and DON'T CUT YOUR SPRINGS!

 

[squares98]

Bullitt/Mach rear springs would be great for your setup(drag? I'm assuming)

 

[jasonh_86]

 

[trailblazr81]

Your spending all that $$$ on a new K member front and coil overs... buy some new rear springs. You can get a rear set for a little over $100.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Do not cut springs, buy new ones.

 

[03ghoststang]

yes, do not cut the springs

 

[hotmustang331]

Err, why? I know im being cheap lol, but dang...its getting darn expencive lol. I think i may just leave it . I know derekstangGT had to set his up some due to his LCAs dragging. Im thinking that maybe the front dropping may pull the rear down some. We shall see, I was just checking if anyone has done this before.

But again, why not cut them?

 

[03ghoststang]

from what i have heard it defeats the pupose of the spring since they are set at certain rates when they are made so cutting them will alter that rate but im not really sure why like i said that is what i have heard i my self am curious on why you shloudn't cut them

 

[Kilgore Trout]

1) Springs are not that expensive

2) The torch heat removes the temper from the metal or some shiot

3) If you can afford coil over you can afford proper springs...

 

[hotmustang331]

LOL...NO TORCH! I would never do that, like you said it weakens them. We would use either a cutting wheel, or a chop saw.

But heck, I may start looking for some rear mach 1 springs...they are designed more for launching i believe. Any prices? Maybe I can buy some rear drag springs . I want to keep this CHEAP lol. But if im going to do that, I WILL cut the stockers first, just to see.

 

[JayC]

It's obvious none of you have any experience with cut springs. Cutting springs a moderate amount is not a problem in most cases if done properly. Problems occur whne the spring is cut in excess. Use a cut off saw and cut no more than a 1/2 turn at a time and you'll be fine. I have cut springs on all 4 corners of my car BTW....with no problems



Jay

 

[hotmustang331]

GREAT, THANKS MAN! I was thinking about cutting off a half coil, but thats the only thing I have heard that wouldnt be good....always heard to cut one full coil off at a time.

So you cut like a half coil off and its fine? I guess I wont have to spend $100 on springs then, WHO HOO! lol.

 

[tomustang]

Err, why? I know im being cheap lol, but dang...its getting darn expencive lol. I think i may just leave it . I know derekstangGT had to set his up some due to his LCAs dragging. Im thinking that maybe the front dropping may pull the rear down some. We shall see, I was just checking if anyone has done this before.

But again, why not cut them?

If you cut coils off you increase the spring rate, in your case you need softer ones for drag racing

 

[hotmustang331]

Yea, but since im lowering it anyways...I guess thats inevidable (sp) . Thanks for ALL the info guys, and keep em coming.

 

[MaxedGT]

It's obvious none of you have any experience with cut springs. Cutting springs a moderate amount is not a problem in most cases if done properly. Problems occur whne the spring is cut in excess. Use a cut off saw and cut no more than a 1/2 turn at a time and you'll be fine. I have cut springs on all 4 corners of my car BTW....with no problems



Jay

I agree. I cut mine, 1 coil from the front, 1 1/2 from the rear to drop about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches. A little stiffer, but NO lean on turns. Handles so much better. So much better in fact I'm wearing out my tires by throwing it hard into turns too often. I can't help it! It's too much fun!
I also have a drag launch air bag in the RR spring. Helps the launch by keeping the weight even over both rear wheels.
A guy I know who cut his springs, decided to change to Eibach Sport Lines. 2 weeks later he reinstalled his cut springs. He liked the cut springs way better.