Cutting 2WD Coil Springs...

[doorgunner]

Update: After cutting the coil springs to save some money, to lower my truck 3 inches in the front & 2 years & 30,000 miles......I have come to the conclusion that cutting the coils is NOT the way to go (in the long run....just like everybody said).

The ride is rougher...the suspension bottoms out every day...after two years, it's getting OLD!


Time for a lowering kit & some new coil springs!


(the good news is....I'm sure of the 3 inch ride height that I want it to have!)

 

[Polk]

Cutting for a 3" drop is a lot! I cut about 7/8 of a coil off mine and got about 1 3/4" drop. I find the spring rate just about right. Originally the front springs were too soft, making the front and rear suspension feel very unbalanced (yes, I realize it is a pickup, but even for a pickup it was unbalanced). I think the ride is better with the cut coils. I cut about 1" off the bump stops and only hit them if I go over speed bumps too quickly. The stock front shocks were too soft with the stock springs and are over powered with the cut springs. I expect that when I replace them with something a little stiffer the ride will improve more and the bump stops will see even less action. I would definitely cut coils again.

I am not trying to say you are wrong, I am just providing my experience with cut coils. Maybe cutting is only good for mild drops like I have done.

 

[doorgunner]

That's my guess also.......(sorry about the late reply)

 

[dniksch]

POLK.... How or which way do you measure for 7/8 to cut??? thanks I cut the top part of the coil about one full revolution. from the top end around one full curve. is that correct? I only want upto 2 inches in the front.

 

[tempforce]

use drop spindles, that way you won't be driving around with the tires angled... or weakened suspension.
if you don't like the spring tension, get different springs..

cheap = accident waiting to happen.
that doesn't mean you have to buy the expensive top $$$ parts, just quality parts.

 

[slammedxonair]

There are no drop spindles produced for any year ranger.... DJM 3" beams or Belltech 2" coils are the best ways to lower an Ibeam ranger.

 

[doorgunner]

There are no drop spindles produced for any year ranger.... DJM 3" beams or Belltech 2" coils are the best ways to lower an Ibeam ranger.

yep!

 

[Polk]

POLK.... How or which way do you measure for 7/8 to cut??? thanks I cut the top part of the coil about one full revolution. from the top end around one full curve. is that correct? I only want upto 2 inches in the front.

I am estimating that I cut 7/8 of a turn off the top of the springs. It was more than 3/4 and less than a full turn. I did it in two steps. The first step I cut about 3/4 of a coil, wanted a small amount more, so I cut just a small segment more off each coil. I cut off the tops of the springs.

 

[RangerSVT]

Dg, I would get a set of drop beams, this will give your 3" drop, and stock coil springs will give you a more satisfying stockish ride, and have you hunting for your meds that get dropped from them hard bumps less often

SVT

 

[doorgunner]

Dg, I would get a set of drop beamscheck!, this will give your 3" dropcheck!, and stock coil springs will give you a more satisfying stockish ridecheck!, and have you hunting for your meds that get dropped from them hard bumps less often dbl-check!

SVT

 

[wvranger90]

alot easier to put drop beams under it

 

[RangerSVT]

Btw DG, if you haven't already got those drop beams, make sure you get a pair for 89-97, then make a trip to the junkyard and grab a pair of 95-97 knuckles, spindles, Rotors and calipers so you can bolt on better brakes with the dual piston calipers

SVT