Lowered the front end - results

67topless · Jul 9, 2006

Earlier this spring, I had installed a new set of leaf springs which lowered my rear significantly (Maier Racing 160's). At the same time I added new coil springs up front... 1 inch lowering 600#. When all was said in done, my front was about 2 1/2 inches higher than the rear end as you can see below:

So, I ended up cutting the front coils to lower the front end to a reasonable level. I thought I would share my experience as I know cutting of coils comes up as a topic occasionally on this forum.

Using a Dremel and a fiberglass cut-off wheel (several of them as a matter of fact), I cut off half a coil. This dropped my front end almost exactly 2 inches. Here is a picture of the cut off coil:

As you can see for a comparison below... the ride height is much better (IMO):

I still need to drop about another 1/2 an inch and hope to accomplish this with the 1 inch Shelby drop. I definitely do not want to cut any more spring given that at full extension of the suspension with the car on jacks... the springs almost fall out. So hears to hoping the Shelby drop doesn't let them fall out either!

Anyway, hope this helps someone out in the future.

Scott

68RustBucket · Jul 9, 2006

did you let the new suspension components settle at all? it sounds like you saw the ride height and immediately opted to cut the springs. i've heard that cutting the springs can be kinda dangerous if you're not a suspension guru (which i'm not sure whether you are or not).

67topless · Jul 9, 2006

I ran about 250 miles and 3 months after the installation before cutting the springs... and I am a certified Mustang enthusiast. By that I mean I am not an expert at anything automotive (except for spending more than I can afford) but enjoy doing as much on my own as possible. I did a lot of research on this and another forum before slicing and dicing... and kept my old springs just in case.

My main intention for this post was to give an example of height adjustment by cutting the springs as it is a common question. Most recommendations seem to have been to cut no more than 1/4 of a coil at a time; but I knew I needed a significant drop and un-installing / re-installing the coil springs are a PIA. So I just went ahead and took half a coil off (that's why I initially kept my old springs.... just in case).

I will say there are some arguments as well as to whether you should even be cutting coils at all... but that is another story.

Scott

180 Out · Jul 9, 2006

I'm a member of the "cut 'em off" school of coil springs. Most warnings are based on the idea that shortening a coil increases its rate. While this may be true, it's nothing you'll feel on a seat of the pants level.
I believe the Shelby drop will give you that last bit of ride height that you're looking for.

As far as the springs popping out, did you have the shocks installed when you were observing full droop? I know that KYB Gas-A-Justs, anyway, are the limitation on full extension; i.e., the control arms without shocks will droop more than the KYB's will allow.

67topless · Jul 9, 2006

No, I did not have the shocks installed (which I do use the KYB's). I actually compressed the coil springs with an internal spring compressor and then cut the springs while they where still in the car (not saying this is smart nor recommending this method).

iskwezm · Jul 9, 2006

68RustBucket said:
did you let the new suspension components settle at all? it sounds like you saw the ride height and immediately opted to cut the springs. i've heard that cutting the springs can be kinda dangerous if you're not a suspension guru (which i'm not sure whether you are or not).

I dont think there is a suspension kit out that will actually level the car out.The suspension wouldnt settle much if any so cutting the coils is a logical solution and I dont know whats dangerous about it???Mine have been cut for about 10 years because mine sat the same after settleing for about 7 years.

grego37 · Jul 9, 2006

dont forget to re-align the car after changing the ride height.

drastic changes in your camber setting will also change your ride height

67topless · Jul 9, 2006

grego37 said:
dont forget to re-align the car after changing the ride height.

drastic changes in your camber setting will also change your ride height

Good to know... did not know that.

Scott

bnickel · Jul 10, 2006

iskwezm said:
I dont think there is a suspension kit out that will actually level the car out.The suspension wouldnt settle much if any so cutting the coils is a logical solution and I dont know whats dangerous about it???Mine have been cut for about 10 years because mine sat the same after settleing for about 7 years.

you are correct that not ALL springs will settle, but not all springs are indentically made and some, in fact, do settle. mine did about 1/2" over the course of about 3-4 months of daily driving. 15 years later i can't say that they have settled any more though.

edit: another thing to consider, if you're springs do settle and they drop an inch or more they are likely crappy springs and i would recommend ditching them and buying a better brand

WideOne · Jul 10, 2006

67topless said:
I still need to drop about another 1/2 an inch and hope to accomplish this with the 1 inch Shelby drop. I definitely do not want to cut any more spring given that at full extension of the suspension with the car on jacks... the springs almost fall out.

Cool car!!

have you thought about travel limiters in the front end to hold the springs in at a set extension.

67topless · Jul 10, 2006

WideOne said:
Cool car!!

have you thought about travel limiters in the front end to hold the springs in at a set extension.

Nope... I haven't. Is this a mod or an off the shelf product...? I am assuming that this keeps the UCA and LCA from too much seperation at full extension?

grego37 · Jul 10, 2006

called limit straps.
used in the offroad industry.
used to keep the upper arm from fully dropping all the way down.

iskwezm · Jul 10, 2006

67topless said:
Nope... I haven't. Is this a mod or an off the shelf product...? I am assuming that this keeps the UCA and LCA from too much seperation at full extension?

you really dont need them unless you launch the car off a jump. My will tip over if i jack it up and release the weight from the front, but durring normal driving,they havent fallen over yet in 10 years.

gsxrken · Jul 11, 2006

After a 2" drop and shelby mod, you ought to plot your bumpsteer graph and see whether you need the Baer Tracker or similar adjustable tie-rod ends.

Lowered the front end - results

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