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#129568 01/17/2004 5:36 PM
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,554
D
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
D Offline
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,554
I just bought a 1972 Chevy Shortbox Fleetside.It has recently been restored.I would like to lower it a few inches.It has coils springs front & rear.There are springs available to do this,however I am thinking about just cutting the original coils.Has anyone ever done this and about how much would cutting one coil out of each spring lower the truck.Any info will be greatly appreciated. Dale in NE Ohio

#129569 01/17/2004 7:23 PM
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 78
J
Wrench Fetcher
Wrench Fetcher
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 78
Well if you're going to do it don't use a torch, use a cutting wheel. However some coils are made out of tightly coiled cable and cannot be cut. I wouldn't recommend it though, as it can be similar to trying to level a chair by shortening one leg, if you get both sides bang on perfect then thats great but if you have to keep trimming the springs in an effort to make both sides the same, well..... Anyways, I guess it is the most cost effective way to bring it down. Maybe find a pair of old springs to try out first so you're not screwed if it doesn't go so well. Have fun.


-----------------------------------
Rollin' Hard
1946 Chevy 1/2 ton
1959 Phord 1/2 ton
2001 Chevy 1/2 ton
#129570 01/17/2004 9:38 PM
Joined: Dec 2003
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D
Shop Shark
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D Offline
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Posts: 1,554
When I installed a Mustang 2 frontend in my 55 I had to cut one coil off of each spring because the springs were a little too long.I couldnt hook up the shocks.I used a cut off wheel and it worked out just fine.I was just wondering about cutting the stock springs on this 72. Dale

#129571 01/20/2004 9:11 AM
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M
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I torched the front springs (one coil) on a 69 Nova in the father-in laws driveway. It had the sweetest stance (not too low)handled very well and never had a problem.
Man I miss that car frown


There is enough good in the worst of us and enough bad in the best of us that it does not behoove any of us to criticize the rest of us.
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Be yourself. If you are ever lost, It will be much easier to find yourself if you know who you are!
#129572 01/20/2004 10:15 AM
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F
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The fronts are the easy ones.. just use the cutting wheel on your grinder and start at 1/2 coil and re-install. Bouce the front end a bit to get it to settle. I found on my '63 that one coil was just over an inch drop. Now the rears... as I understand it .. and looking at my rear coils they are not the same as the fronts. They are tapered and will only mount the way they came from the factory. Best way on the rear is to get lowering coils from a spring shop. Even better is spend the money and get proper front and rear coils. The ride will be worth it. Want to go lower? - Dropped spindles and lowering blocks in the rear. But watch your ground clearance. Have the money? Bag it!!! Air bags are the best way to lower it. Down for cruising the strip.. up for hiway or hauling a load. Just push a button or two!! smile


Attitude - The difference between an adventure and an ordeal!
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'63 Chev Fleetside Longbox 'Rusto-rod' 'Big Red'
'69 or'70 or ? Mantaray DuneBuggy
#129573 01/20/2004 4:28 PM
Joined: Jul 2006
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S
New Guy
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U can cut them, but I would use new spindles with a 2 1/2 drop, keeps the front end geometry correct.

#129574 01/21/2004 12:26 AM
Joined: Jan 2002
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S
Shop Shark
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S Offline
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You can cut the front springs. I'd cut one coil from each which will lower it about 1". If you want it to drop 2", cut the other end of each coil. But that's about the maximum you want to cut.
Regarding the rear coils, it can't be done because it's spiral...pigtail type coil.

It's best to buy the rear coil springs from CPP 1-800-522-5004.

#129575 01/21/2004 4:07 AM
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,377
J
'Bolter
'Bolter
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,377
I think there are companies that sell lowered springs for the years of trucks that have all four coils,might want to look in a truckin or other magazines for the names. Jeff

#129576 01/21/2004 4:57 PM
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D
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Thanks for all the feedback on the spring subject,that is what makes this sight great.I am going to pick up this truck this afternoon.I have a Golden State parts catalog,and they do have lowering springs for this truck.I will probably go that route on the rear.Might possibly look into drop spindles for the front.THX again for all the follow up info. Dale


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