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Cutting Front Springs

T

Tims65

Member
I want to get my front end down another 1/2". Does anyone know the approximate amount of coil I should cut off of my front 620 springs?

Thanks,
Tim
 
Quater of a coil would be spot on. Make sure if you have just replaced them to allow a few weeks for them to settle in. They may even take as long as 8 weeks to adjust.
 
+1 on 1/4 coil cut and take some time to let it settle. If you drive it for a while, it will settle faster.
 
Thanks for the replies. These springs have been in the car for several years. I'm swapping out my Edelbrock IAS shocks for Bilsteins and figured while I had the shocks out, I would go ahead and pull the springs and try to get the front end down just a little more.

I'm hoping that by adding a little rake, it will help with the front end lift I am getting on the track.

What is the impact of the alignment on lowering the front end 1/2"?
I wouldn't think it would impact Caster, but what about Camber and Toe?
Would the drop add negative or positive Caster?
Increase Toe-In or Toe-Out?

Thanks,
Tim
 
It will change the alignment very little. None on the caster or camber to speak of. It will toe-out the car a little. If you see feathering on the tires, or the car feels squirrely, take it in for an alignment or you can try giving the adjuster sleeve 1/4 turn tward toe-in.
 
Thanks All, I got it done this afternoon and 1/4 coil was pretty close.

I took a tape and a full loop measured 16.5", I ended up cutting 4" off of the coil. After I had the coils cut, I didn't need the spring compressor to reinstall the springs - I could just work them into place.

Starting measurements (to the top of the wheel opening):
LF - 24-1/2" RF - 24-5/8"
LR - 25" RR - 25"

Finished measurements:
LF - 24" RF - 24-1/8"
LR - 25" RR - 25"

I tried to even out that 1/8" by trimming just a little more of the Right Front spring, but I still have that. I'll remeasure in a couple of weeks and see if it settles out any more.

I, also, got my new Bilstein shocks in. They feel pretty good on the initial test drive, I'll report back on them later after I get to put some miles on them.

Thanks for everyone's assistance today - a good productive afternoon in the driveway!

Tim
 
"Tims65" said:
I'm swapping out my Edelbrock IAS shocks for Bilsteins
Click to expand...

Going off topic, why are you replacing the IAS? I was considering installing them.
 
"SAC69" said:
Going off topic, why are you replacing the IAS? I was considering installing them.
Click to expand...

Tom,

I've been pleased with the Edelbrocks, especially on the street. The Edelbrocks are valved fairly stiffly, but then have a bypass valving that allows them to respond more quickly when loaded. On the track, I felt like I was loading them a lot which made them feel a little too soft for the track.

The Edelbrocks are the best shock I have had on the car up to now (comparing to KYB and Gabrial). The initial test drive of the Bilsteins was pretty impressive, though. I'll report back after I have had some more time behind the wheel with the Bilsteins.

Tim
 
Tim,

Thanks for the info, I'm looking for something. I recently replaced KYB Gas-A-Just with their GR2's, as the Gas-A-Just was way to stiff for the street. The GR2's have been ok so far but I know they are not really a performance shock.
 
I'm going to be replacing my ten year old GR-2s as well (although they probably dont have 1000 miles on them) with edelbrocks, Konis, or bilsteins. Im looking for good handling with daily driver type ride.
 
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