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!!
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?
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
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.
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.
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. 👍
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
@@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 process thank you! Can a C-10 1963 rear could be trimmed? I ask because c-10 rear has smaller diameter sections on each end than the middle is. So I’ll measure as you taught us to see if the coil will be small enough to install. Thanks
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.
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.
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.
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 ;)
Thankful for your sharing here buddy.. that's some critical info. If you doing a proper chop job -(can ya say that?) Feel like I been given gold 'Im telling ya' 😅 & Looks like you work alil to much or to hard maybe- so cheers for your time. Appreciate it! .. 🎉 ..sharp guys ✌️
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!
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.
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.
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?
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.
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
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
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.
So if it has the double coil type seat on both ends, it's cutting an option? I haven't cut the springs on my grand prix after new struts cause i just don't see how it'd work. I put new struts on and it gave it a 2 inch lift kit... thing looks ridiculous that was a year ago they haven't settled at all
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.
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?
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
"We've done it for years. Works every time." What is the explanation for the 1:2 ratio, considering the fact that spring rates vary? Are we assuming that the spring is at half its height when it's under compression with the weigh of the car? Is that always the case?
Picture the lower control arm viewed from the front of the car. See where the control arm is attached to the frame. Then see where the end of the control arm is attached to the spindle. Then notice that on gm cars of this vintage, the coil spring is sitting roughly in the center of the control arm. With this info, you can conclude that for every 1 inch of movement of the spindle up or down, the corresponding movement at the spring is roughly 1/2 inch. Therefore it is a 1:2 ratio. As a contrast, picture the coil spring being mounted directly above the spindle. In this case, every inch of spindle travel would be equal to the springs movement. Therefore, 1:1 ratio.
do you think this ratio would apply to my 2007 saturn vue? i wanna lower it 3 inches (its a compact suv and sits pretty high) it is by technicality a gm car.
I ran into that very problem today. What you have to do is measure the distance between the coils toward the middle. That distance is the distance to go by.
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.
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
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
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
www.globalwest.net/
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!
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
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
😄
Quick, to the point and no bs. Great video.
We really appreciate the feedback, thank you!
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!
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
Very Very good information, love it! Saved me from destroying my springs by cutting too much. Thanks very much for sharing.
Glad it helped!
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!
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 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.
Handy info, I've never heard of anybody actually doing it this way.
hope the video helped!
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
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 process thank you!
Can a C-10 1963 rear could be trimmed? I ask because c-10 rear has smaller diameter sections on each end than the middle is.
So I’ll measure as you taught us to see if the coil will be small enough to install.
Thanks
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!
Bro is Absolutely disgusted to make this video lmao
😂
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!
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.
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 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!
Does this same method work on rear also??
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!
awesome! Thanks for that. I have been considering dropping my Camaro and wasn't sure what to cut. Thanks again!
Glad I could help!
Don't forget to consider locater groove in the cups.
Thanks Ima do that to my Silverado 😊
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
Thankful for your sharing here buddy.. that's some critical info. If you doing a proper chop job -(can ya say that?) Feel like I been given gold 'Im telling ya' 😅
& Looks like you work alil to much or to hard maybe- so cheers for your time. Appreciate it! .. 🎉
..sharp guys ✌️
Thank you so much for your support and kind words! Cheers to you too! 🍻
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.
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
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.
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!
Thanks for tip couldn't remember ratio been 20years since I've cut springs.
glad we could help out!
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?
Great info solid straight to the point and easy 👌 to remember thank you
glad you enjoyed the video!
Great information right here👍🏽👍🏽
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 !
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
1 at the spring is 2 at the body. Simple + to the point.
Is the also truck for drop springs?
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!
Thank you for this!!
Very helpful, just installed new springs on my chevelle and it needs to come down 4 inches
Glad the video helped! good luck!
Thanks for the detailed video. You saved my ass!
Glad it helped!
nice video i have an idea how to cut my np300 spring
Thank you for your support.
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.
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.
So if it has the double coil type seat on both ends, it's cutting an option? I haven't cut the springs on my grand prix after new struts cause i just don't see how it'd work. I put new struts on and it gave it a 2 inch lift kit... thing looks ridiculous that was a year ago they haven't settled at all
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.
I wonder if this method works on Moroso racing coil springs on an old 69 nova. As the front has become lighter, the front has risen quite a bit.
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
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??
Great video, would this method work on the c2 corvette springs
cannot guarantee be cautious!
Thanks mate good vid.
very informative....worked well...worked exactly like he said....
Thanks for watching!! We're glad the video was helpful!
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!
Thank you beautiful gentleman for providing this great info
Our pleasure! Thanks for the support!
Love 💘 the Clear Explanation!!!
Glad it was helpful!
Should you got the top or the bottom
opposite end of where the coil is flat
Wish i would watch this sooner I would have save about 300 bucks
This is a good video. Helps me with my Hurst Olds project.
thanks for watching!
Do i need to grind the cut flat ?
I just bought 2" springs & 2" block's for my 1999 Durango already cut to the 2" specs
awesome!
is this safe for a 2014 camaro?
Does this formula work for all spring rates?
like the video said we recommend this for GM only
Hello
This springs are right for any car
no not all cars use the same springs
Anything for Ford mustang's?
Haven't made a video on mustangs yet!
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
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!
"We've done it for years. Works every time." What is the explanation for the 1:2 ratio, considering the fact that spring rates vary? Are we assuming that the spring is at half its height when it's under compression with the weigh of the car? Is that always the case?
Generally manufactured to compress this way so they have equal travel up and down 👍
Picture the lower control arm viewed from the front of the car. See where the control arm is attached to the frame. Then see where the end of the control arm is attached to the spindle.
Then notice that on gm cars of this vintage, the coil spring is sitting roughly in the center of the control arm.
With this info, you can conclude that for every 1 inch of movement of the spindle up or down, the corresponding movement at the spring is roughly 1/2 inch. Therefore it is a 1:2 ratio.
As a contrast, picture the coil spring being mounted directly above the spindle. In this case, every inch of spindle travel would be equal to the springs movement. Therefore, 1:1 ratio.
For the most accurate response to your question give our tech line a call! 877-470-2975
Awesome video love it
Glad you enjoyed it
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?
good info thx
How much i have to cut the springs
Any and all information would love greatly appreciated..thanks..
Sure thing!
great video. this makes lots of sence. good job. Im doing it this way for sure
Awesome, thank you!
Thank you !!!!
do you think this ratio would apply to my 2007 saturn vue? i wanna lower it 3 inches (its a compact suv and sits pretty high) it is by technicality a gm car.
We have not worked on Saturns so i can not say if the result would be the same.
Trimming springs by Inch? Won't it destroy the stock suspension?
trimming the spring will modify the stock suspension of course
what about the fact that the last coil is bent differently to sit in the spring pocket correctly?
I ran into that very problem today. What you have to do is measure the distance between the coils toward the middle. That distance is the distance to go by.
Give our tech experts a call to get that question answered ASAP! 877-470-2975
Does this work on a 2002 grand prix?
recommended for cars from 50s to 90s !
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
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
Thank you so much
You're most welcome
Great video and the information worked perfect!
Great to hear!
good info. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Well if i have to lower the car for 3 and 4 inches
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!
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!
What is the most you could cut a spring?
until the wheel arches are scraping the sidewall of ur tire lol
Talk to a professional before you cut your spring!
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
Can I cut one full coil off for a two inch drop on a 1954 chevy bel air?
check your math!
Same formula for Belltech Spring? Or is that formula only for a GM spring
We only recommend this formula for GM!
Can we cut on dot bike also for 1inch
this video is aimed at gm!
Very good information! Thanks!
no problem!
great video i may do this to my 83 c10 if i do ill be sure to make a video and hope you guys see the results
Awesome to hear hope the video helped!
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!
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 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