Cutting Coil Springs

[Wilson05]

So I think I have got pretty good feedback on the right was to get a lower stance out of your car. I have a 1968 Cutlass Supreme. I have the suspension torn apart and I want to lower it all the way around. Any ideas on how much to cut off the front springs and rear springs to get a good stance? I know buying new lowering springs is the way to go, but don't have to money for that right now. Any ideas or experiences?

[Red Delta]

When I rebuilt the front suspension, I lopped off one full coil from each front spring. I wouldn't do more than that right off the bat. If you want more then you can cut a half coil. Just leave them in the car for a bit and let them settle in before you decide. I haven't had any ill effects from doing this, so far.

The nice thing is that it's way easier to install the springs since they are shorter.

Don't use a torch, since that will damage the tension, use a cut off wheel or similar.

[Wilson05]

Thanks for the info. So how about the rear springs. Any advice on cutting them down as well? I don't want my front to be looking sexy and the rear to have its a$$ in the air.

[Red Delta]

Originally Posted by Wilson05

Thanks for the info. So how about the rear springs. Any advice on cutting them down as well? I don't want my front to be looking sexy and the rear to have its a$$ in the air.

Can't see why it would be any different. When I eventually get around to doing the rear, I'll go half coils at a time till I get the stance just right.

[The Stickman]

Yea start slow. You can always take off more but you can't put it back on. I would do a half a coil at a time. I took a full coil and a half off and it was a serious drop. Now as to the rear are they the ones with pig tails on one or both ends? If so that makes it a bit harder.

[Wilson05]

I have not pulled the rear coils as of yet to find out about the pig tails. I can imagine if they have pigtails I will have to try something else. Anyone ever cut the rear coils?

[2blu442]

I think the rear for 1968 are shaped like a bee hive. Narrow at the top and bottom but wider in the middle. I don't think you can cut or modify the rear coils on a 1968-72 A-body. John

[Wilson05]

So for the rear Springs I will have to buy the lowering springs?

[68conv455]

You have to buy the rear. Don't try to save money here with some hack job. On the front you can go with cut springs, lowering spindles, or both. I would start with the lowering spindles, then drop it a little more with the springs if the look is not quite what you want.

[The Stickman]

Not sure it will work on your car. But on my Custom Cruiser I used G-Body rear springs and it lowered it nicely. I paid like $10 out of a junkyard so it was cheap to try.

[442much]

I've always heard that the proper way to do this is to buy drop spindles so as to keep the proper geometry of the front end. For the back, buy lowering springs.