Cuttin' Springs

[3XBrownCutty]

once the weather turns, i'm probably going to cut my front springs.
first of all how much is too much? i'm not going for the lowrider stance or anything, just looking for a more agressive stance. I can't really afford spindles right now either.

also wondering if i should lower the rear end at all, and if i choose to, how would i go about doing that, since i know you can't really cut the springs due to their shape.

lastly, what more agressive rear tire sizes are you guys running for a daily drivers?

pics and suggestions would be awesome!!

 

[SBCregal]

how much is too much?? in my opinion any is too much.
several moog part numbers fit the gbody cars and are ~100 bucks for a set of 4 to do the job properly

myself i use 5660 springs up front (forget the specific rate) up front and the gbody cargo coils in the rear. i replaced the shocks with kyb gas-a-just pieces. for tires i run 255/60/15 out back and 235/60/15 in front, on monte ss 15x7 wheels

stance looks good to me, bit lower up front higher out back...a slight rake only. the tires fill up the wheel wells good. rides pretty nice too

 

[Rockstar]

Well since you cant really afford spindles right now the option before might even be out of your budget, so to answer your question i would only do 1 to 1 1/2 off the front, start with the lower number. Make sure to cut your bumpstop in half or just remove it. As for the rear you can cut it from the top and the same thing only do 1/2 to 1 coil off the rear. Hope it helps.

 

[Coveted]

its going to stiffen the ride aswell.

 

[Vern]

I am with regal. Anthing cut on the overly weak saggin stock springs is too much. Especially when you can get a better stance and better ride instead of worse bouncing scraping walloring sloppy ride and for peanuts.
The wheel and tire sizes are great as well.

 

[joe_padavano]

I'll take exception with all the naysayers, who may or may not have any real first-hand experience. I've successfully cut front springs with no problems. One full coil is the most you want to cut. While it's a PITA, you really want to cut less and try it first, since you obviously can't go back. Since springs vary in rate and number of coils, the only way to know what's right for you is to try it. Maybe try a half coil first.

As for how to cut, I've used both an abrasive cutoff wheel and a torch. To prevent damaging the heat treat when using the torch, submerge the spring in a bucket of water so the cut line is just above the water line. Dress the cut edge of the spring with a grinder when you're done. Of course, you'll need to realign the front end after it goes back together.

Note that the rear springs have reduced diameter coils at the ends and cannot be easily cut.

 

[3XBrownCutty]

i might just cut the fronts a little for now and then save up for some moogs this upcoming summer.

as of now i'm just using the money i made last summer, to get the general maintenance stuff done before i start driving it pretty soon. i'm not working right now, so no cash flow for parts yet.

really just getting ideas of what to do with the little $ i have. still need to get it inspected and get insurance and all that stuff.

also where is the bump stop located??

 

[3XBrownCutty]

also, SBCregal, do the cargo ciols drop the rear end at all :?:

 

[383Camino]

I'm with Joe. My father drove his 430 powered '70 GS for 100,000+ miles with one coil cut out with no problems. My Camino is also down two inches (one coil) and it drives like a dream.

I don't know how you'd go about cutting the rears, aren't they beehive shaped?? Maybe thats Camino exclusive there.

 

[Rockstar]

The rear springs are "behive" shaped but you CAN still cut them. The top spring perch in the rear is large enough that if you cut the top you will have no problems of it sliding around or falling out. Iv done it to three of my G bodies and have had no problems. As for it riding sloppy thats due to worn shocks. The shocks are what absorbs the impact on the suspension so when the shocks are worn you get the wavy ride and vibration when you hit a bump because the shock isnt aborbing the impact and the tire is bouncing like when you bounce a basketball close to the ground. 3xbrowncutty the bump stops are located on the lower control arms and above the rear axle inside the frame.