Trimming Coil Springs for Ride Height, GM only
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 พ.ค. 2024
- Trimming Coil Springs for Ride Height, GM only
This video is about Trimming Coil Springs for Ride Height, GM only (Tutorial)
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0:00 Global West Suspension Intro
0:24 Trimming Coil Springs
0:56 Determining Top and Bottom of Spring
1:33 How To Trim coil springs
2:14 Forumla For Trimming - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
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This should be the go to video for everyone working on lowing an OBS dually! Thanks for explaining this in a clear and no B.S. manner!
I love how obvious this guy shows his disdain for this method. "I have to teach them to do what?" $$$$ "ok fine"
John Miles - felt like my dad telling me how to do it, probably why I listened.
Totally! Ok son, this is is how not to do it, but if you have to you can.
lol
😄
As another commenter pointed out, the 1:2 ratio depends on the length of the control arms. The springs sit further in than the tire, so dropping the spring height by 1" means that the tip of the control arm is moved by 2" because of its length. I just cut my springs and it was pretty close to 1:2. Thanks for the vid.
Thanks for the comment!
This formula doesn't really work except for the first cut on a new spring. Each time you cut coils off, the spring gets weaker and the spring rate decreases. So while 1 coil may = 2" of drop the first go around, subsequent cuts will net even more drop because the spring will compress more since there's less coils to absorb the weight.
Also, the ratio is entirely dependent on spring rate. Half a coil on a 500 PPI spring might = 2" of drop, but half a coil on a 1000 PPI spring isn't.
@@sixstanger00 actually cutting the coil the spring rate increases and becomes stiffer
Quick, to the point and no bs. Great video.
We really appreciate the feedback, thank you!
Just used this method to cut the springs on my Dodge Dakota. Got a perfect 1" drop, one and done, no repeat cuts to get it where I wanted or worrying about cutting too much. They don't make 1" lowering springs for this application so this worked perfectly for me. Thank you!!
Glad we were able to help you out!
I’m planing on doing this on a 1957 buick that I built on a 1985 Cadillac frame. I understand 1 is 2 because the way the front suspension works but what about the back? Does 1” make 2 at the wheel?
@@Ian-of9oi Our tech line would be able to help you out with this at the best of our ability. Give us a call at 1(877)470-2975
This video is the meca of coil springs I’ve been looking for a way to lift my old van, and nothing and then I found this nice piece of film, wowww thank you Jesus and thank you guys
Great to hear!
Old video...but it's the best and simplest explanation for cutting coils...
One of the most viewed videos we have. This one helps a lot of people out!
I am putting new springs in my 1987 GMC 1500 this week, this saves me all the headache of figuring it out myself! Thanks for the video!
No problem hope the video helps!
This method worked great on my c10, I had to cut different amount on both sides to get the ride height I wanted.
glad to hear it worked!
Very Very good information, love it! Saved me from destroying my springs by cutting too much. Thanks very much for sharing.
Glad it helped!
Thank you for this!!
Great info solid straight to the point and easy 👌 to remember thank you
glad you enjoyed the video!
Great information right here👍🏽👍🏽
Love 💘 the Clear Explanation!!!
Glad it was helpful!
Handy info, I've never heard of anybody actually doing it this way.
hope the video helped!
This is a good video. Helps me with my Hurst Olds project.
thanks for watching!
Awesome info now I know the right way. Everybody else does it different. I bought a truck and someone cut the front springs wrong
good luck!
Very good information! Thanks!
no problem!
I appreciate what you explained on this full detailed video Sir. Thanks for teaching us with the knowledge you have on trimming springs for GM vehicles. I have a 2005 Chevy Tahoe on huge 28" wheels with low pro tires. I bought a 5" full lowering kit that Came with extenders coils shocks and sway bar studs. I thought i was going to have the job finished and have my Tahoe lowered how i wanted too, but i still see some gap between the tires and the fenders. My goal is to tuck in just a lil into the rear fenders. So im guessing like a inch or inch and a half. Maybe inch and a quarter i dont know the exact measure but im going to talk to my installer and have him finish the job. Im sure he knows what he's doing. I wanted to do a research myself before I take it back to him so i know somewhat of what he'll be doing. He installed my lowering kit about four months ago so im good to go i know that after you install a kit you have to drive it around for a bit then have all the bolts & nuts tight up again with the proper torque it requires. Anyway Sir, thanks once again for this and have a blessed day. 👍
Hope this helps good luck with the tahoe !
I cut all 4 coils on my 1998 grand Cherokee as he described 1” and it dropped the body 2” so for me it worked.
Thanks for tip couldn't remember ratio been 20years since I've cut springs.
glad we could help out!
Great video and the information worked perfect!
Great to hear!
awesome! Thanks for that. I have been considering dropping my Camaro and wasn't sure what to cut. Thanks again!
Glad I could help!
Very helpful. Had to trim springs for LS install, did 3/4" got 1.5" on the body. Perfect!
Thanks for watching the video! We're glad it helped.
If I trim 3/4" would I lose any handling....
@@jjjones518 The spring rate would increase, how much it increases will depend on the spring, could be very little or it could be a quite a bit.
An increased spring rate is generally required when you lower a car anyway, so this isn't necessarily bad; however, you may need to change your shocks to something with more dampening or the car might ride bouncier and prematurely wear out the shocks. The shocks might have to be changed anyway to stop the springs falling out since they're shorter.
great video. this makes lots of sence. good job. Im doing it this way for sure
Awesome, thank you!
Used this formula for a 1997 v6 silverado single cab. I ls swapped it and wanted it lower 15 .25 tall spring trimmed it to 14.25 and it gave me a 2 in lower. Compensate for the chevy lean the driver side is just a bit taller
Thanks for the detailed video. You saved my ass!
Glad it helped!
Awesome video love it
Glad you enjoyed it
Thank you! it is very helpful.
no problem!
Thanks Ima do that to my Silverado 😊
Good tip for when you have to cut different amounts on driver and passenger side to level out the old Chevy lean.
Lol yes haha I the the infamous Chevy lean lol but I wana level it out An give it a lil drop nothing krazy
Glad the video helped, good luck with that chevy lean!
Thank you beautiful gentleman for providing this great info
Our pleasure! Thanks for the support!
Great video! I never knew this. Thanks! I just put some Moog coil springs in the front on my third gen Camaro. They are just over 2 inches taller side by side out of the car compared to the stock ones. I may have to do this. In the car they are about 3" too tall. So frustrating when you spend all that time installing and the company can't make the proper fit.
Glad I could help! good luck!
Have to remember there's way too many drivetrain options that affect the final ride height !
good info. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
awesome video.
Thank you for watching!!
Shot for the video my bro just the answer I needed
Glad it helped!
Don't forget to consider locater groove in the cups.
Great video
Thanks!
Thank you so much
You're most welcome
Very informative.
Glad you think so!
Finally found what ive beem wonding for 20 years lol thanks..i knew there was a way to add some math to it other than guessing at it lol now if i can find how to do my Harley Davidson front springs
Glad we could help!
Like the technique or no i just completed it on a 65 impala dropping my front end 3 inches side to side measurements came out exactly the same thank you for the video.
Nice work!
great video. I always thought you had to cut a whole coil off so the end still finishes in the same place , is that not true then?
Going to try this on my 2002 chevy blazer xtreme 😬 wish me luck guys And can you please do an episode all about sway bars and endlinks and what is a proper set up for different utilities
Thanks for watching our video! We always appreciate topic suggestions for videos. I will put that topic on our list.
Any and all information would love greatly appreciated..thanks..
Sure thing!
Very helpful, just installed new springs on my chevelle and it needs to come down 4 inches
Glad the video helped! good luck!
Doug, thank you for all of your videos they are so incredibly helpful. I just replaced a really poor version of tubular lower control arms in my 64 Malibu SS. Unfortunately after I was done the car is now sitting 1-1/2” higher and this video of cutting coil springs was invaluable for me. A question on my stock sway bar, after reinstalling this I noticed the mounting stud for this at the control arm is leaning towards the rear on both sides at least 45deg. Is this okay or are they supposed to be perfectly vertical ?
We appreciate the feedback to our channel and will pass the word to our man Doug!
This sounds like a great question for our Tech Experts, give them a call at 877-470-2975
This is a good quick explanation of how ride height is affected but doesn't address how this will increase spring stiffness. If your suspension is already uncomfortably stiff then cutting your springs will only make that ride quality worse. The major manufacturers have many engineers to figure out a good compromise, it's when you go for a custom build that this can get tricky.
Master of none jack of all or most stay 🙏🏼🇵🇷🇺🇲💪🏼
Does this same method work on rear also??
Great video. Question for you. I have a 72 Nova I need to drop in the front after installing Moog springs. I believe there is a "notch" or "pocket" on both the upper and lower control arm. After the cut, which notch or pocket do I use when reinstalling the spring (top or bottom arm)? Thanks for the help.
Give my tech department a call ! 877-470-2975!
Great video, would this method work on the c2 corvette springs
cannot guarantee be cautious!
very informative....worked well...worked exactly like he said....
Thanks for watching!! We're glad the video was helpful!
Is the also truck for drop springs?
Wish i would watch this sooner I would have save about 300 bucks
Thanks for your informative video. I have a 1953 Chevy pickup with Ford Mustang II suspension. So my truck is a GM/Ford application. Does the formula, 1 at the spring 2 at the body, work for this application? Thanks for your reply!
Yes sir, indeed this formula of 1 at the spring two at the body will work on your application.
Do i need to grind the cut flat ?
This is a very old school way to lower your car. The best method to not compromise the loads and rate of the spring is to heat it at a certain temperature 5-600 degrees for five minutes let it cool as long as they have been shotpeened this is fine as the material has already been processed for longevity (microscopic cracks) after you can dip them in coolant solution to prevent rusting if you want to cool them quick and compensate your current ride height by the raw height of the spring. By doing that you can just have the spring pressed to height say that spring is around 15 inches the wire size is probably .6-.64 you could probably press that spring to about 4.5 inches to 5 inches 2 times and it would (experience 5 years to be exact) set from a Length over all of 15 to a free length of 13.5 -14.2 it really depends on the rate and load(s) (yes there are probably three different loads on that spring) of the spring, press all the springs down to the same height they will be within the tolerance you want for height or similar in free length. the top of the spring with a single end grind is actually the profile, the body or outer diameter where the wire loops is the pitch and the open end where the diameter starts to close is the transition. The transition is going to support only a small amount of weight just an (estimate) for that kind of spring 3-500 lbs cutting the spring you would not only buckle or destroy the spring because you offset the tolerances of it you would probably end up destroying your car or truck. Sorry for the two pennies just thought I would warn you all. Just get them pressed its way easier than cutting the spring and alot safer. I also warn similar to cutting if they are pressed you will lose load but not alot.
Very informative video, to the point.
My old Crown Vic isn’t a muscle car but being body on frame, the front suspension really ressembles to the old Chevelle’s and likes from that era.
Would this 2:1 ratio formula work?
Also would this procedure make the suspension stiffer or softer, thanks for your input ;)
We would love to give you the most accurate info. i am sadly just a social media specialist, our tech expert can help you out at 1(877)470-2975
I just bought 2" springs & 2" block's for my 1999 Durango already cut to the 2" specs
awesome!
It's a lot of work but I still like the quarter coil cut put it back together drive it see where it sits if you want it a little lower take it out take another quarter and so on. You can always take more away you can't add it back.
measure twice cut once !
I’m about to do this on my 71 chevelle need to lower the front 2” to match the rear, so I need to cut 1” out of each coil.
Great Video! I had a question, My 2010 Mercedes CLS 219 had both its rear coil springs replaced recently as they were fractured. Following replacement, the rear ride height seems to be a few centimetres more than it was previously. Is this normal? In time, will the rear ride height go back to how it was on the old springs that were replaced? Many thanks in advance.
you need to replace the front springs too to have the same level of your car
Hello, I really like your video.. one question where can I cut the flat area or bottom..
Not the flat area its the top, u need to cut at the bottom where it ends
You can cut the pig tail end!
How will it ride after?? Will be saFe still if i hit 65 MPH in my SUV and how will it respond if i hit a pot hole??
Will be doing this on the front of a 64 Corvair van in the near future. Rear springs are sold for this purpose and drops rear almost 3 inches, which also changes the rear camber. (the whole idea) Those are a smaller wire diameter, which softens the ride a bit. (better because the back is now empty) The question is about issues with suspension travel. Obviously there is less room downward, but this will increase the upward travel and using stock shocks won't limit that. Do I need to change anything else?
good afternoon @Rupe53 for the best answer to your question, I suggest you contact our Tech Experts via phone over at 877-470-2975
@@GlobalWestSuspension .... thanks, will call them this week!
Should one cut the top or bottom of the spring?
My S10 springs are the same on top and bottom, but the lower control arm has a step for the end of the coil.
Give our tech line a call at 1(877)470-2975 and they can help you out.
How much i have to cut the springs
is this safe for a 2014 camaro?
good add vice but when i cut my springs on my 77 c10 the top is located and the bottom does not fall in the grove at the bottom like it did before will this be dangerous are is that ok
To answer your question and forbyour safety, give our tech experts a call to get that question answered ASAP! 877-470-2975
Where you measure the drop does it have to be inline with where the springs are?
Give our tech experts a call to get that question answered ASAP! 877-470-2975
What about the springs on a strut? If we're to measure and cut about half inch from spring. Does it stiffen the coil any?
visit a local shop for specific expert advice!
nice video i have an idea how to cut my np300 spring
Thank you for your support.
Does it work on c2 corvettes too , after cutting the spring will it sit on the lower control arm ok ?
How about C3's
Give our tech experts a call to get that question answered ASAP! 877-470-2975
Was that 1 at the spring, 2 at the body rule for the fronts? For the rear, and for a live axle, wouldn't it be 1 to 1?
For other cars, can I work out my own ratio by measuring the length of the lower control arm and where the spring perch is? If in the middle, 2:1. If farther out, less than 2:1.
Interesting formula !
How much to lower 1 3/4
Would this formula work on say one side of the car? If you happen to have the car leaning about one inch more to one side?
For the most accurate response to your question give our tech line a call! 877-470-2975
worked perfect for my 69 camaro. thnx alot!!
How did the formula work on yours?
I need a 3 1/2” drop on my F body, to get back to stock level stance..
I was told do allow 1” settling possibly on my New springs that caused the scenario..
I put AC springs on a non AC car that caused this.
Any advice on this settling possibility as I don’t want to remove them for this a third time.
Did it really I wana cut my 98 blazer spring the driver side is lower then the passenger passenger sits higher they said its normal on s10 blazer ect I wanted to level the passenger with the driver side an possibly cut half inch for the 1inch body drop. I have stock spindles shocks ect but plan on upgrade shocks an spindle An put new pre cut springs from bell tech or some thing or do you think stock springs can hold up the weight? There old originals
Glad the video helped!
This almost seems too simple. Doesn't wire diameter also come into play here? Does this formula also work on springs when both ends are open?
Is that gm as in general motors and if so does this include saturn??
yes as in general motors
Do a 73 through 87 Chevy C10 front spring they are different than the one you are doing it is smaller at the top and has a compressed winde at the bottom
All springs are different!
What if the springs that I did install, were actually a little longer than the originals, and made for a bit higher in ride height - what I'm considering on doing is, trying to install 2" drop spindles (if I can even find any for a 66 Parisienne that currently uses the front disc brake conversion hardware for a 66 Biscayne), would that be harder on my ball joints or anything?
Tea Time just pull them back off & cut 1" front the bottoms.
For the most accurate response to your question give our tech line a call! 877-470-2975
will this measurement work on my 94 GMC c1500? it worked when i cut them on my 72 El camino just wanted to make sure.
We recommend talking to an expert before you cut the springs on your 1500!
Worked perfectly on my 95…cut 1.5” off the springs and got 3” at the body 👍🏽
What year truck springs can I use to put on my 1974 Buick convertible lesabre 455-4
Give our sales department a call!
But what about cutting stock Oem springs cut down to 3" put new drop shocks in ok or the other way buy 3" drop coils An new drop shocks ? What's the difference? Like bottoming out An like how do they compare in stead of buying 150 coils if done the correct way as mentioned in the video. Also how bout mono leafing the rear cause I've see the drop leaf springs An they have 2 leafs ? But agian as far as bounce An spring wrapping around rear axle are the after martek drop coil springs and lowering leaf spring much stiffer metal much stronger solid not as easy to flex or are they basically similar to OEM just trimmed down?
For the most accurate response to your question give our tech line a call! 877-470-2975
Will this method work on the rear of a 1985 Fiero GT 2.8L car? I need to ower it 3" And what about the stock struts?
GM Only!
@@GlobalWestSuspension ,Pontiac IS GM
Is there a reason why this wouldn't work on a Lexus with the same type of coil spring? I'm trying to envision a scenario that would make the math different, but I can't come up with one. Thanks! Great video!
We deal with american muscle cars! lexus could be different !
it has to do with the length of control arm from the bushing to the ball joint and where the spring is if the spring is way close to the pivot point a small change in spring length would make a big change in ride height if the spring was located farther outboard it would make less change in ride height
I did a LS swap in my 80 firebird and Have a weight reduction of at least 80 lbs (iron motor vs alloy). It looks like it's sitting at least 2-3" higher in the front. How will cutting the springs effect it considering the weight reduction? My guess logically would be a firmer ride! When I bounce the front end now it seems way springier than before.
Ha I'm running a BBC and I'm 2" higher than normal 🤷🏻♂️.. maybe over the winter. I'm gonna cut that 1" off ..
cutting your spring wont chance the load it will take. your front end is sitting higher than before giving more travel is the reason its bouncier. cut half a coil put it back on & check the height.
For the most accurate response to your question give our tech line a call! 877-470-2975
Can I cut one full coil off for a two inch drop on a 1954 chevy bel air?
check your math!
Hey mate.Ive cut 1.5 inch to get 3 as U say.Still sits high,will it sag over time?
Depends on the spring manufacture whether they prestressed the coil or not. If they did it probably will stay. If they did not it will sag.
Will this work for a 01 chevy blazer 2wd im wanting to do a 3inch drop in the front
Wondering if you had any luck I got a 98 An have the infamous Chevy lean An wanted to even it out An do a lil drop but worried about the spring when it compresses? Compare to a aftermarket coil that's ready to go is there a difference wen it compresses
@@mikelone9867 hell yes there is a difference
Right that what I was thinking I mean basic common sense but a stock worn out coils cut 3" off compared to a 3" drop coil would they be same height basically would they be similar An of course buy drop shocks An new angled ball joints? Will they both have same compression ect ect ride quality?
Results may vary!
What spring is that you're showing? (Part #) I tried finding a spring that is 15 1/4, maybe 15 1/2 for my 72 chevelle. I would rather have one the correct size and not trim because of spring rate increase with cutting.
give us a call 877-470-2975!
I have a 99 eclipse. I want to lower my car's rear by 2 inches. Does this mean I cut 1 inch from my rear springs or even a little bit lower than 1 inch ??? Does this theory of cutting 1 inch off springs equals 2 inches off the car really accurate ?
These tips are for gm an eclipse may be different
does this work on newer cars or trucks? I have a 2008 Silverado would it work
Like he said measure the coil say it say 14" cut a .5" off see were it sits its gona be annoying taking ur coils in an out for checking but better then cutting to much or if you have the money buy sum aftermarket ones but jus cut a .5" lil by lil see we're ur height is at
Results may vary!
how long are stock oem 2001 gmc sierra coil springs???
Try a google search!
Same formula for Belltech Spring? Or is that formula only for a GM spring
We only recommend this formula for GM!
Where I'm lost is the bottom coil differs from those above, which are consistently 1" apart (approx.). The bottom coil starts to flatten out for a more conforming surface where it sits on the control arm. If you cut the coil it will have lost that conformity. Doesn't matter?
I've heard that you risk having the coil pop out at full suspension drop. But then again, tons of folks are cutting these squared-off springs and plopping them in their control arms without a peep. Have you found more out on this? I have the exact same question.
Give our tech experts a call to get that question answered ASAP! 877-470-2975
Is this on factory springs or aftermarket?
For the most accurate response to your question give our tech line a call! 877-470-2975
Anything for Ford mustang's?
Haven't made a video on mustangs yet!
Do I have have to change shocks to match the 2" drop?
The same shock will be fine.
Give our tech experts a call to get that question answered ASAP! 877-470-2975