Cutting the Stock springs

[theguy216]

Has anyone tried cutting down the stock springs to lower the car? An old SCCA buddy of my dads did that to his car. I just wondered if that could be a way to lower my car and not kill my pocket.

[Mochiman]

i wouldn't do it if i were you...

[Totoy Bibo]

it will kill your pocket due to improper and premature wear to your struts.

[renfield90]

Cutting the spring does increase the effective spring rate. Just not very much. I don't know the equation for spring rates off the top of my head but it won't do you much. And without having the spring rate go up high enough compared to the amount the car is lowered, you're going to find yourself on the bumpstops often. Your pocket will also pay for it later when you're forced to constantly buy new struts and shocks.

If for some reason you cannot get a spring for your application, or you can get springs but not quite the length/spring rate you were shooting for, then you would want to cut your springs - and only then. Otherwise save up and do it right. Doing it right means a new aftermarket set of springs and dampers. Your pocket will thank you in the long run.

[Haulin]

Lowering springs are not that much money & they work great.

With cut springs you are more apt to bottom out because the spring rate won't harden enough as the suspension gets compressed. A friend of mine who cut his springs ended up on his roof after is front wheels locked up after hitting the brakes hard & I'm pretty sure it was because of his cut springs causing his wheels to bttom out in the fenders.

[theguy216]

Thanks for the info. I figured it was better to buy a pair of lowering springs but wanted to make sure i didn't spend more money than i had too. I need to replace my struts anyway so I'll make sure i do it right. Anyone have any suggestions for decent set of springs and dampers?

[03GTSTRD]

Thanks for the info. I figured it was better to buy a pair of lowering springs but wanted to make sure i didn't spend more money than i had too. I need to replace my struts anyway so I'll make sure i do it right. Anyone have any suggestions for decent set of springs and dampers?

You have to decide how low you want to drop your car before you can pick springs. As for struts go for KYB, Koni, Tokico. If you have enough cash get the Tein coilovers.

[theguy216]

well I don't think I want to go lower than a 2 inch drop, somewhere around 1 1/2 inches would probably do.

[03GTSTRD]

Tein S Tech springs with KYB AGX shocks/struts. The S Techs are 1.6" drop all around.

[theguy216]

thx for the advice

[S|Lv3rBu||et]

It's a horrible idea. Do not do it, it will ride like butt and they'll be broke before you know it.

[nhat179]

Has anyone tried cutting down the stock springs to lower the car? An old SCCA buddy of my dads did that to his car. I just wondered if that could be a way to lower my car and not kill my pocket.

Please don't do that

[CID]

I cut the springs on the '76 celica only cuz there was no other options. Definately the ole school ghetto mod :chuckles:

[MicaCeli]

I wouldn't do it like everyone else said.

You can cut the springs since most stock spring have 'dead coils' that are there just to keep tention on the spring so it doesn't slip. The problem with that is the spring might not sit on the perch correctly anymore and might slip off.

[lambocelica1510]

if you just want to lower it get skunk2 coilovers they arent expensive at all but you still hit the bumpstops if you arent carefull

[vehicle_5]

Cutting the springs is just a cheap way to ruin your ride. IMO.

[themuffinman]

Ebay.... $50 bucks shipped

[celicawot]

i got a 2000 gts and my stock springs are cut. that is how i bought the car in 2004. i havent gotten any problems with my suspension since i had the car. i dont know when exactly when they were cut but having the cars for three years and no problems. and i go to the hills alot if you kno what i mean. but do what tou think is best.

[SickCelica696]

No.

[Zero]

Ebay.... $50 bucks shipped

That's another bad idea.

Look, just do it and if you don't want to log on and tell us about what happens later, we'll understand. :chuckles:

[LightningRod]

Don't be cheap. Invest in some real springs, or better yet, coilovers.