Results 1 to 4 of 4

Thread: "Shortening" coil springs

  1. #1
    Garrett booster
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    Regina, Saskatchewan
    Posts
    232

    "Shortening" coil springs

    Hi! I figured I'd refrain from using the term cutting springs to avoid sounding like a cheap hack, but I guess I am one anyways

    First off, these are progressive coil springs (MIR Racing, purchased through group buy off TD like 4 years ago). The tighter wound coils at the bottom of the springs coil bind even with just the weight of the car - so, when I say I'm going to cut the springs I'm only cutting part of the bound section of coils, which shouldn't have any affect on spring rates.

    Secondly, this is on my super bad --- Lancer Shelby

    Thirdly, the reason I'd like to cut the springs is to balance out the stance of the car - the rear is too high and I'm even uneven side to side.

    My corner measurements (with tires aired up the same, measured from ground to bottom of fender lip) are as follows:
    LF 24 1/4" RF 24 1/2"

    LR 24 5/8" RR 25 1/2"

    I'd like everything down to the 24 1/4" range. I normally wouldn't even worry about the fronts, but I am installing new struts at this time so I think I might even try to take a hair off the RF coil.

    Now finally my question (sorry for the boring lead up), without trial and error-ing is the a good way to know how much to cut off each coil? Being that the coils I'm cuttting are already bound, I figured if I take the free length of the coils and eyeball myself a measurement of how far I want it to drop, and cut off (example) 1/2" worth of height in coils, which I imagine won't even be like 1/2 an actual coil. Did I just confuse anyone else? 'Cause I'm confusing myself.

    Thanks for any input

  2. #2
    turbo addict
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    Coos Bay, Oregon
    Posts
    5,439

    Re: "Shortening" coil springs

    I've seen it done before. It worked.
    Height of the "dead" coil, the one dead wind, should lower the car that much.

    Good luck!
    Great stuff for great cars! Poly engine mounts and bushings at: http://www.polybushings.com

  3. #3
    Buy my stuff!!!!!!!!!!! :O) Turbo Mopar Vendor turbovanmanČ's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    Abbotsford, BC
    Posts
    44,167

    Re: "Shortening" coil springs

    For starters, swap the left side with the right side, some coils are done that way on purpose so it sits level with you in it.

    I would start off small, maybe 1/2 coil, as you can always cut more if you get it wrong.
    1989 FWD Turbo Caravan-2.5 TIII, GT35R, auto, a/c, cruise, pwr windows/locks, fully loaded with interior and ran with full exhaust. RETIRED FOR A FEW YEARS! 12.57@104 :O)
    1984 Chev Getaway van, 6.2 Diesel with a remote mounted turbo setup burning WMO-For sale.
    2003 GSW 2.0L TDI, auto, fully loaded, modified, 360K-wife's.
    2004 GSW TDI, 5 speed, fully loaded, modified.

    Aurora ignition wires for sale. Link to info

    Super60 roller cams or custom/billet cams. Link to info

  4. #4
    turbo addict
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    Coos Bay, Oregon
    Posts
    5,439

    Re: "Shortening" coil springs

    Great idea!
    Great stuff for great cars! Poly engine mounts and bushings at: http://www.polybushings.com

Similar Threads

  1. compressing coil springs?
    By WickedShelby88 in forum Suspension, Brakes, Wheels, Traction
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 03-17-2009, 02:00 AM
  2. WTB: 1991-95 V8 Dakota 2wd coil springs
    By ShelbyMotorsports in forum Parts Wanted
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 02-01-2007, 05:38 PM
  3. need help with some coil springs
    By strutterfly in forum Suspension, Brakes, Wheels, Traction
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 12-19-2006, 10:34 PM
  4. Identifying CSXT coil springs
    By Anonymous_User in forum Suspension, Brakes, Wheels, Traction
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 12-05-2006, 09:58 PM
  5. L-body coil springs
    By BTB in forum Parts For Sale
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 04-09-2006, 10:14 AM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •