Cutting stock springs.. (flame suit on)

[94_Rolla_Guy]

I have been thinking that maybe my best way to achive the small lowering im looking for around 3/4"- 1" would be to cut some OEM springs to achive this im not talking alot here i would think 1/2 a coil would be plenty to do this?

-whats it do to the ride hows it effect the spring rates?

Opinions and comments......... just say it i really don't care i just want some other points of view to help me make a decision...

[ghost_ryder35]

not a good idea at all. if you really want to do this (which I dont suggest at all) you should use a hacksaw to cut the spring (because if you use flame it will mess with the spring rate). then, I would get some aftermarket shocks that support the drop your proposing (that way the shocks dont blow out which i guarantee they will - just will take some time and bumpy roads)

[Flashmn]

Theres nothing wrong in cutting springs. we've used angle grinders. Only problem is that a stock corolla spring isnt exactly a good candidate, theres too little coils. Plus you cutting ½ coil off will result in the spring being in an awkward orientation.

[freakinbox]

I was always told this idea is a no no, and from what I thought here in ontario is illegal? I know they used to harass one of the other members with an ae92 sr5 that was REALLY low thinking he had cut springs

[EverAE]

i was always told it was good for free dental work...but i haven't done this personally...

[toyotaspeed90]

yeah, you need to cut 1 full coil in order for it to sit properly..... i've done it in an mr2 and i have a friend with cut springs in his mr2 (and his handles quite well)

[xrsbou]

the eibach lowering spring will bring you about an inch lower and they are a really good quality
I would not cut the spring if I were you and if you really want to cut them I would get it done by somebody who know what he is doing

[94_Rolla_Guy]

i have the eibach prokit, and there the problem, i should be able to cut only 1/2 or 3/4 because the tops front and back are closed and ground (sit flat)

[canadiancelica]

Originally Posted by 94_Rolla_Guy

i have the eibach prokit, and there the problem, i should be able to cut only 1/2 or 3/4 because the tops front and back are closed and ground (sit flat)

is that your car in your sig? Looks like a perfect height from here. What size rims are they?

[toyotaspeed90]

actually it's a common problem with aftermarket spring companies for ae102's and ae92's.... they tend to not take into account that the rear fenderwell is lower on the body than the front.... and the car seems to have a rear rake...

and eibach's do have that problem...... as do suspension techniques..... hell, the eibachs on my mr2 make it look stock height......

in any case.... an old member on other forums had this problem with his ae102 (racer25).... he cut just the front coils.... didn't sacrifice performance and the car looked great.....

[punter]

Yea cutting springs is OK, not good, but better than commpressed springs. (anyone who's driven a car with compressed springs will agree with me).

Just make sure they are captive and still seat properly.
And it's probably not legal, its not over here.

[schn0354]

Why not just add 300 lbs. to the vehicle weight? The car would drop about an inch. You could also get smaller wheels. I used to own a 94 Escort that was lowered. The struts were worn and caused all four coil springs to eventually break. One of the strut mounts was also partially broke. The ride was a little scary at the end, especially during high speed cornering manuevers. It went to the junk yard.

Seriously, cutting the springs is a very good way to destroy your car. Even if you can get a lowering kit, I would not recommend it. If your going to spend money on the car, why not upgrade its performance or reliability instead of the "pimp factor".

[REN69]

hehehe.

[toyotaspeed90]

Originally Posted by schn0354

Seriously, cutting the springs is a very good way to destroy your car. Even if you can get a lowering kit, I would not recommend it. If your going to spend money on the car, why not upgrade its performance or reliability instead of the "pimp factor".

i've seen cars with cut springs outperform cars w/o cut springs...... it's very do-able, it's very safe... if you do it correctly....

READ ABOVE

[TheOtherCarolla]

There used to be some coil pinchers, snaps on like small spring compressors, tighten them down and you can lower it 1/2 - 1inch, look em up.