Coil Spring Cutting?
4th Gear Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,458
From: Colorado
I haven't been on the forum much (nor worked on my ride) lately as I have a new job that's kicking my butt.
I'm finally around to assembling my front suspension. I'm planning on running 225/45/17 on 17x8 wheels with 4.5" backspacing up front. I would like it to ride low, but not scrape headers and such. The springs are the 620 lb. 1" drop springs and I have done the "Shelby drop". I realize the drop doesn't lower it much.
I'm thinking I should cut 1/2 coil off the springs. I'm well aware that the ride will be stiff with these springs and moreso if they are cut, that's not my concern.
So, for those that may know (or chime in anyway if you don't), should I go ahead with the 1/2 coil cut or cut a full coil or leave them alone?
I'm finally around to assembling my front suspension. I'm planning on running 225/45/17 on 17x8 wheels with 4.5" backspacing up front. I would like it to ride low, but not scrape headers and such. The springs are the 620 lb. 1" drop springs and I have done the "Shelby drop". I realize the drop doesn't lower it much.
I'm thinking I should cut 1/2 coil off the springs. I'm well aware that the ride will be stiff with these springs and moreso if they are cut, that's not my concern.
So, for those that may know (or chime in anyway if you don't), should I go ahead with the 1/2 coil cut or cut a full coil or leave them alone?
4th Gear Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,538
From: So. Cal,the O.C.
thanks 
As low as the my car was, i NEVER scraped my headers(try-y long tubes) or exhaust and it rode great with Edelbrock IAS shcoks in the front. I was at a car show and there was a coupe on bags and it sat maybe a 1/2" lower then mine.I was really comtemplating bags but doesnt seem like it would go any lower and my ride is fine now.
As low as the my car was, i NEVER scraped my headers(try-y long tubes) or exhaust and it rode great with Edelbrock IAS shcoks in the front. I was at a car show and there was a coupe on bags and it sat maybe a 1/2" lower then mine.I was really comtemplating bags but doesnt seem like it would go any lower and my ride is fine now.
Last edited by Iskwezm; Feb 1, 2009 at 09:30 AM.
Thread Starter
4th Gear Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,692
From: Houston, Texas
You guys are probably right. I love the stance of that orange fastback, but it's lower than I want for my use which will be just a street cruiser. We have road humps in my neighborhood and I'm pretty sure I'd scrape headers that low.
I'll do as suggested, if I don't like it I'll cut 1/4 coil at a time to sneak up on the right stance for me.
I'll do as suggested, if I don't like it I'll cut 1/4 coil at a time to sneak up on the right stance for me.
6th Gear Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,635
From: state of confusion
What I get from a spreadsheet of Moog springs is mostly in the 250 - 300 lb/in range. There are a couple out around 400 lb/in, but the sheet is not detailed enough to tell me which Classic Mustang those are for. I'd guess FE-engined versions.
I doubt that cutting 300's or lighter will give you enough added rate to cover for the lost bump travel.
Drop can be roughly estimated from the loaded coil spacing and the spring's motion ratio, but I would not base a final cut location on a rough estimate.
Norm
I doubt that cutting 300's or lighter will give you enough added rate to cover for the lost bump travel.
Drop can be roughly estimated from the loaded coil spacing and the spring's motion ratio, but I would not base a final cut location on a rough estimate.
Norm
Last edited by Norm Peterson; Feb 2, 2009 at 10:09 AM.
4th Gear Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,538
From: So. Cal,the O.C.
Last edited by Iskwezm; Feb 2, 2009 at 03:14 PM.