Another spring cutting???

I want to cut my springs to lower the front end. I was wondering if the spring will stay seated when the car is lifted off the ground.

Thanks
Chad

 

yes it will.

 

You have to get a spring compressor to remove the spring. I wouldnt take any more than 1/4 turn off at a time.

 

I cut one full coil off mine and it dropped the front far too low for my taste. I think it would have been smarter to cut new coils than the old ones...

 

I compressed mine and cut it at the bottom, cut 1 coil. Set perfect for me. But, each car has different characteristics as noted from the guys above. So better to cut and test then whack and be sorry.
Dan
ps I agree with T.L. on being smarter to cut new coils, your there anyway, might as well freshen up what ya got, these cars getting some years on um now.

 

I also cut one full coil ... not only did it give me the right height but let me cut it without having to twist and reposition the coil spring ... which is impossible if you have it compressed against the top of the shock tower.

I bought ESPO front springs for a 302 car but the front of the car sat up like it was a 4X4 until I cut the spring ...

 

I had mine all the way out when I cut them. one full coil and straightened the end to sit properly in the pocket. I'm very happy with the stance.

 

How the heck did you manage to straighten the end? BFH I assume?

 

I stuck the spring in a bucket of water so just the end was poking out and heated the last inch or so up with a torch. Then a set of channel locks to straighten it and we're in business.
The water is to act as a heat sink so the spring doesn't lose its heat treatment.

 

Thanks for the replys.

I know I should get new springs but my leafs are flat. I like the height of the rear. The front looks like it has no motor in it. It was a 250 car with big bumpers. I put in an 86 302 with aluminum intake, removed the big bumper and relocated the battery. I went and got the spring compressors that you leave on the spring. suppost to lower the car 1-2 inches and its still to high. If I get new springs will they know how big/stong to make them to lower the front with the bumper/battery removed? I think the hard part is trying to figure out how much the back has sagged to figure out the front.

thanks

 

I need to get my back springs rearched before I touch the front. That was last winters project. Oh well, maybe this year.

 

On a side note the Maverick finially made it to the local car show. It was the only one there. It almost didnt make it today because I broke a stock rocker arm.

 

Those spring compressors are junk. I've never gotten more than about 3/4" out of them.
Also make sure you retorque them several times or they'll back out on you and come shooting out of there at some inconvenient moment(like on the freeway).
It's probably going to be a cut to fit type of situation onthe front springs. not much getting around that.

 

I figured they werent that good. I measured about an inch drop in the front with them and it needs another inch on top of that. They did help my bump steer like I was hoping. I will have time to take them off next week and cut the springs.

 

Cool. don't forget to align the car after you're done. and I recommend more positive caster than the factory specs call for. makes it much more stable but steering effort at low speeds is also increased so don't get too carried away.