New coil springs or cut the OEM?
#1
New coil springs or cut the OEM?
I'm interested in improving my car's suspension and/by lowering it slightly.
Could someone provide any info as to why changing springs is different than cutting down the OEM springs? It seems to me that the ends of each coil are somewhat flat and if you simply cut down the spring you eliminate that aspect of the spring. This may be the difference between lowering and lowering right. Thanks for any info. - Steven
Could someone provide any info as to why changing springs is different than cutting down the OEM springs? It seems to me that the ends of each coil are somewhat flat and if you simply cut down the spring you eliminate that aspect of the spring. This may be the difference between lowering and lowering right. Thanks for any info. - Steven
#2
I'm interested in improving my car's suspension and/by lowering it slightly.
Could someone provide any info as to why changing springs is different than cutting down the OEM springs? It seems to me that the ends of each coil are somewhat flat and if you simply cut down the spring you eliminate that aspect of the spring. This may be the difference between lowering and lowering right. Thanks for any info. - Steven
Could someone provide any info as to why changing springs is different than cutting down the OEM springs? It seems to me that the ends of each coil are somewhat flat and if you simply cut down the spring you eliminate that aspect of the spring. This may be the difference between lowering and lowering right. Thanks for any info. - Steven
#4
This catalog helped me a lot when choosing my springs, it can be sorted by column:
http://www.moog-suspension-parts.com...il_Springs.asp
http://www.moog-suspension-parts.com...il_Springs.asp
#5
This catalog helped me a lot when choosing my springs, it can be sorted by column:
http://www.moog-suspension-parts.com...il_Springs.asp
http://www.moog-suspension-parts.com...il_Springs.asp
This is a great resource Eric, Can you direct me to where I would find what was original for a 1969 Cutlass Holiday Coupe 350 engine?
#6
Rock auto lists these, you can use the dimensions and rates to choose your car stance on the moog chart based off the moog springs listed below.
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,ca...,parttype,7512
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,ca...,parttype,7512
#7
The spring tops are flattened to match the 68-72 frame. The bottoms are tangential but the end coil has much less "stretch" so the end of it is very close to the next coil. As you shorten the end, you get into the longer "stretch" and the spring will bow, sometimes enough to rub the shock absorber. I heat the spring about 1/2 coil from the end after cutting and reduce the stretch, if I cut a lot off the end. So, cutting and re-forming both affect the overall length and hence ride height.
#9
The spring tops are flattened to match the 68-72 frame. The bottoms are tangential but the end coil has much less "stretch" so the end of it is very close to the next coil. As you shorten the end, you get into the longer "stretch" and the spring will bow, sometimes enough to rub the shock absorber. I heat the spring about 1/2 coil from the end after cutting and reduce the stretch, if I cut a lot off the end. So, cutting and re-forming both affect the overall length and hence ride height.
I've cut springs both with a cutoff wheel and with a torch. To prevent annealing the springs (and thus removing the heat treat) when using the torch, I immerse the spring in a bucket of water with the water level just below the coil being cut.
#10
Buying a replacement spring isn't so expensive if it's a Moog brand.
Does anyone know which numbers would take 1.5 or 2 inches off of the ride height.
The Rock Auto and Summit models aren't the same and I haven't determined for certain what ride height I'm starting with. - Steven
Does anyone know which numbers would take 1.5 or 2 inches off of the ride height.
The Rock Auto and Summit models aren't the same and I haven't determined for certain what ride height I'm starting with. - Steven
Last edited by 69ishHoliday; November 24th, 2013 at 11:11 AM. Reason: is to isn't
#13
The chassis manual gives you the location to measure and the measurements for stock height. You can use the Moog part #'s for the stock spring from the Rockauto list and cross them for suitable springs from the Moog catalog. Sort by end type, ID, length and load.
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