Suspension Lets talk about suspension springs

limp · Mar 1, 2022

I am thinking about cutting a half coil from my springs when I get to the suspension....
Car is a stock 83 GLX 5 liter convertible with AC . Car sits like it has 4 wheel drive, and I would like to lower it just a bit without losing alot of suspension travel
Springs are original... My research says springs do not wear out, but will sag......
It will be a grocery getter cruiser.. NO Track time or autocross....
Thanks for any thoughts .....

7991LXnSHO · Mar 1, 2022

It will ride a little rougher with a cut spring.

limp · Mar 1, 2022

7991LXnSHO said:
It will ride a little rougher with a cut spring.

How much lower will it sit with a 1/2 coil cut out?

7991LXnSHO · Mar 1, 2022

limp said:
How much lower will it sit with a 1/2 coil cut out?

How are you with math? I have heard rules of thumb, but read down a ways and Eaton gives the math to not guess. Today it gave me a headache, but here it is.

The Math Behind Cutting Coil Springs - EATON Detroit Spring

Does cutting a coil change the spring rate?

www.eatondetroitspring.com

7991LXnSHO · Mar 1, 2022

The amount of drop will vary by weight, but I remember 1/2” drop per 1/4 turn cut off is a rough guideline.

2000xp8 · Mar 1, 2022

Just call maximum motorsports, have then suggest a set of H&R springs and be done with it.
If i had known how good they really were, i would have done it 25 years ago.

manicmechanic007 · Mar 1, 2022

As a ford alignment man for years and years all I can say is please don't
No better way to ruin a suspension than to cut the springs
I've done it. I advise you do not
If you are sick on lowering it buy some fancy a arms or something (anything but cutting the spring)

Mustang5L5 · Mar 1, 2022

2nd vote for H&R springs and a quality strut/shock.

I really liked my Bullitt springs, but hard to find those these days.

7991LXnSHO · Mar 1, 2022

Limp asked specifics on spring cutting.

We have plenty of spring recommendation threads. Like where I like the progressive Ford B springs with a little rake, and my family did not like the MM light blue springs that were in the car without poly spacers. They were too low that way, rode rough, but it handled like slot car.
Oops, I gave TMI, too.

limp · Mar 1, 2022

The rear end is being replaced, and I have SN95 front spindles to install, so then would be the time to do it...
We used to do this all the time with tri five chevy's.. I watched a guy take a OxyCetalon ( spl) torch and heat some coils while another had a stick marked off measuring at the wheel well lip as it lowered....... Of course we were young and broke and doing things like this were more money than the car costs.
I just don't think I want to spend a bunch of money on springs, struts or coil overs unless there is some thing wrong with the current springs...... Seems like last time I looked springs were not too bad but struts and shocks were ridiculously priced..... Some stock Monroes from Rock auto are going to be more my style..
Its just a grocery getter.........

Rdub6 · Mar 1, 2022

My Eibach pro kit lowered it to right where I wanted it, and the ride quality is not bad at all.
If I were 18, I’d cut the springs. Now, I try to do things right.

Mstng93SSP · Mar 2, 2022

This is 1994/95 front spindles, fox length 5 lug rear axles and the Eibach pro kit to give you a reference of what it would look like. It rides great in my opinion.

limp · Mar 2, 2022

MM has H&R springs for convertibles? Would there be a higher spring rate for the additional weight? NO reasons given on their website..
93SSP, your car sits nicely..... No rubbing ?

limp · Mar 2, 2022

Besides lowering the car, what other advantages would I get from new springs?
What is the difference of progressive rate springs VS non progressive?

7991LXnSHO · Mar 2, 2022

Progressive springs are wound so there is a section that gives a softer ride over smaller bumps, then goes into full strength over bigger dips or loads.
Constant rate compress at a constant rate so handling response is quicker.

Mstng93SSP · Mar 2, 2022

No rubbing. I didn't use any special convertible springs, just the Pro Kit for 87-93 Mustangs.

Cheapskate207 · Mar 2, 2022

Hey, @Mstng93SSP , do you have the same springs in all your cars? If so, do they sit differently?

Mstng93SSP · Mar 2, 2022

No, my coupe has coilovers and my 7up convertible as eibach front springs with stock rear springs.

Cheapskate207 · Mar 2, 2022

Ah, I thought i remember reading your coupe had the pro kit. I’ve considered these springs but wonder if a lighter coupe would have the same stance as your vert (which is great).

limp · Mar 2, 2022

So we have some for the H&R and some for the Eibach.....
When the dust settles, about the same?

Suspension Lets talk about suspension springs

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done

wanna catch the space herp

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done

wanna catch the space herp

wanna catch the space herp

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

wanna catch the space herp

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done

So while I wait to figure out my rear end issues

You have a nice rear end there Dave.

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done

wanna catch the space herp

You have a nice rear end there Dave.

The left one hangs a little lower

You have a nice rear end there Dave.

The left one hangs a little lower

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done

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