If the spring compressors don't have the locking pins (you'll know what I mean when you see them) I wouldn't touch them.
should i cut my springs???
- Thread starter lalasdaddysupra
- Start date
I had a junker that I wanted to experiment with and see if it was any easier to remove and or reinstall struts by cutting the springs. (Assuming they were never going to be used again)
Really no difference. It still takes the same amount of time as just using a spring compressor.
Really no difference. It still takes the same amount of time as just using a spring compressor.
Poodles;1362391 said:
The local checkers parts store looked at me like I was crazy when I handed them back a set because it didn't have the pins. They acted like they are just fine without them...
figgie;1362172 said:
Quickest, doubtful, drag cars pull more then 1G. Easiest? id agree with that.
I mentioned the increase of spring rate and im sure you could calculate how much it was increased based on how much length you remove.
I never said cutting was doing it right.
i fail to see the stupidity of cutting springs, the problem with cutting springs lies with the reused struts/shocks that if are in good condition will likely begin to leak causing the ride quality problems and safety concerns.
As IJ has stated cut springs with proper shock absorbers can work well. A cut spring is nothing other then a shorter spring with a higher rate, essentially the difference of a stock spring and a "proper" lowering spring.
The stupidity is reusing stock struts/shocks and changing the operational range of the shaft on the seal. This is what makes them leak and lose dampening ability causing the bouncy ride and sloppy handling.
Im not pro cutting, and nowhere have i said its the best, proper or my preferred way to lower a vehicle but it also isnt such an abomination as people make it out to be, and the mis information spread about this generalization is based around the point of making someone out to have NFI what there doing or be too cheap to by "proper" lowering springs. (witch if only lowering springs are installed can have the same end result as cutting)
nose, while I can agree with you in principle, most people who cut springs aren't going to do do it correctly.
Springs are cheap. Dirt cheap. It's dampers and coilovers that cost money.
Most of the time when you see someone who wants to cut springs, it's because they are broke. They'll want to reuse the busted ass old stock shocks and will invariably cut too much off the spring.
Can it be done correctly? Yes.
Will it be? 99 times out of 100 - No.
Springs are cheap. Dirt cheap. It's dampers and coilovers that cost money.
Most of the time when you see someone who wants to cut springs, it's because they are broke. They'll want to reuse the busted ass old stock shocks and will invariably cut too much off the spring.
Can it be done correctly? Yes.
Will it be? 99 times out of 100 - No.
I have a free, stock set available off of my '91 if anyone wants 'em (pay shipping). Cut away at yours and have these ready, 'cause you're probably gonna need 'em, if attempting to lower.
If it's just about removing them, DON'T. They are loaded with alot of pressure/tension when compressed and if you cut them while the tension is still present, you might be another example of Darwinism. Remove from the strut assembly properly, by compressing them 1st. Remember to loosen that center nut holding the cap, while he spring tension is there, before compressing the spring... JUST LOOSEN, DO NOT REMOVE!
If it's just about removing them, DON'T. They are loaded with alot of pressure/tension when compressed and if you cut them while the tension is still present, you might be another example of Darwinism. Remove from the strut assembly properly, by compressing them 1st. Remember to loosen that center nut holding the cap, while he spring tension is there, before compressing the spring... JUST LOOSEN, DO NOT REMOVE!
Supraholics;1362151 said:I heated the front ones on my white Supra only because I had a meet to go and the front INTRAX spring were still almost at stock height while the rear were perfectly lower.
I was told they have to seat for a while and eventually they'll go down to where they should be.
I wouldn't recommend people doing this. Springs are just too cheap NOT to buy a lowering kit.
I will though share my personal experience. The ride was just as good as the intrax if not stiffer. No harsh ride or bouncing. Cornering up to and around 60mph (I didn't do hard cornering past that speed other than HWY driving) was very good as well. One problem is that by heating the springs, you're making them smaller and when the suspension is fully stretched the springs will come loose and move around which is very dangerous.
Pictured below with heated springs. (only front was heated - rear were Intrax)
not only is it not the best idea for your cars sake but what about the danger of heating a spring that is wrapped around a pressurized GAS shock....
nosechunks;1362806 said:
i was one of those 99 people who failed at it.... about two years ago i was bored and broke and wanted to lower the celicasupra a bit.. i only cut off a few inches from the bottom coil and that sucker was SLAMMED... needless to say i sold the car to a guy for 500 bucks that he was going to race it in a demolition type rally race event where you cant buy your car for more then 500 bucks.. lol... i bet he won... moral of the story is DONT CUT SPRINGS IT KILLS SUPRA's
How did you fail exactly? There's nothing really to fail at only achieve sub satisfactory results. I'm guessing it rode like shit and handled worse? That's a result of blown/wornout struts/shocks not cut springs.
Another thing that can happen is to notice a vibration from the cv's in the rear axels. They can cause a vibration because the change in angle changes the operational surface inside the cup that the end of the axel rides in. If there worn enough i woldnt doubt that it could cause them to needtobe replaced aswell.
Another thing that can happen is to notice a vibration from the cv's in the rear axels. They can cause a vibration because the change in angle changes the operational surface inside the cup that the end of the axel rides in. If there worn enough i woldnt doubt that it could cause them to needtobe replaced aswell.
i take this approach. Cut urself and if u like it cut ur springs. If youd on't like it then your car wont either =P