Cut springs = how much drop

[Danimal]

Howdy~ I'm sure this topic has been run into the ground. However I could not locate the thread.
Does anyone know what the max amount of springs (coils) can be cut off when having he stock I Beams bent?

I want to try this before purchasing Drop beams or IFS, which will more than likely be the end result.

There is a truck shop that bends I beams to adjust camber, they could not tell me the max amount of coils I can remove.

I have heard 2-2.5, not sure if that is accurate.....garage talk.

Any info will be helpful.

[1965fordf100]

I cut 2 whole coils off of a set...then let it settle for about 6 months (long project going on here). I don't think they could have bent the beams enough to compensate. Needless to say those springs were replaced and the truck was put back to stock height until I can purchase the correct parts to lower my truck.

[64 f100]

Something to remember, the drivers side spring islonger than the passenger side, or maybe it's the other way around. Found that out when I replaced the springs. I thought it very strange.

Rich

[randyr]

Something to remember, the drivers side spring islonger than the passenger side, or maybe it's the other way around. Found that out when I replaced the springs. I thought it very strange.

Rich

They did that to compensate for the engine weight being offset to the passenger side.

[dsrtjeeper]

I cut two full coils out of mine and the truck sits about the same height as with DJM drop beams. I had the stock beams bent at an alignment shop. Perfect tire wear for two years now. I also installed Doetsch Tech Nitro Slammer lowered shocks up front. Great shock with excellent valving for this setup.

The ride is sports car firm and you will need to slow down for potholes and speed bumps. I cut some material off the front bump stops and still have 3/4" of rubber on them.

[Danimal]

Good deal, I'm going to try it and see what I get. Worst that can happen is I will have to buy replacement springs.

A coil consists of one full turn from start of spring correct. Wow I sound like a rookie!

[Danimal]

Tonight the springs get cut. I will take pictures and post them.

[Danimal]

Update: Everything went smoothly. Got a 3" drop min, easy 2 hour job, no special tools.

Flipping the rear axle this evening after work.

Loving the new stance of my Slick!!

Will add pics, waiting to take them in day light for comparison reasons.

[Hunter's 64]

I would then take it to a shop and get a good alignment done hopefully all goes well


Danny

[Danimal]

I agree. It's scheduled for an alignment early next week. Not driving it until that is completed.

The rear axle flip was more difficult than the front. Took more time, and measurements.

[Hunter's 64]

Hope you corrected your pinion angle

Danny

[Danimal]

I have not corrected the pinion angle. Currently the truck is in the garage and has not been moved.

What angle should it be adjusted to?

I flipped one leaf spring at a time, and attached at original set point.

Any help is appreciated.

[Hunter's 64]

have you welded your new spring perches to the axel tube yet ?


Danny

[Rusty 63]

Sounds like he turned the leaf pack upside down...

[Leeroy]

Am waiting for these pics with baited breath!

[Danimal]

The leaf springs are now the the botton of the axle. I did flip the leaf pavk. If that is the same hardware that originally held the axle and leaf springs in place. Nothing that can be undone and placed back to original set up.

Lools like I will set the rear set up back to stock. I will research the procedure for flipping the rear.
I can post pictures, but I hate to disappoint. They are all of my truck in the garage lowered. No technical pics.

Thanks

[DV65CustomCab]

Cutting the coils ruins the camber angle. There is no 'alignment' operation that will fix that. I'm a little surprised no one has pointed this out yet.

[Indy63]

Cutting the coils ruins the camber angle. There is no 'alignment' operation that will fix that. I'm a little surprised no one has pointed this out yet.

Like he said in the first post and again by dsrtjeeper, just about any shop that does truck alignments can bend the beams to correct the camber.

[Danimal]

Here is a picture of my truck as of today. Still some items to button up this week.

[dsrtjeeper]

The leaf springs are now the the botton of the axle. I did flip the leaf pavk. If that is the same hardware that originally held the axle and leaf springs in place. Nothing that can be undone and placed back to original set up.

Lools like I will set the rear set up back to stock. I will research the procedure for flipping the rear.
I can post pictures, but I hate to disappoint. They are all of my truck in the garage lowered. No technical pics.

Thanks

Why are you going back to stock in the rear?