Thread: Cutting springs - problems??

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After installing KYB gas pressure shocks my '35 Chevy sedans sits too tall which destroys the look of the car. Cutting down one coil might just lower it enough, but am concerned with other problems showing up if this is done. Any experience with this, pros/cons? Thank you in advance.

As long as they haven't been cut already you probably shouldn't have a problem. First suggestion is to sneak up on it. Cut half a coil first, see what you get. Then proceed if necessary. Also, don't cut the second one as much until you're sure they settle the same. Sometimes the second coil needs to be cut either less or more. Much more than one coil and you run the risk of taking out too much compliance and ending up with a stiff ride that'll jar your teeth.

If that doesn't do it then it's dropped spindle time.

Double check the travel on the shocks, you want to be in the middle of travel length at static heighth. If that's wrong before you start on the coil cuts, then fix that first.

Unless the shocks are either too long or have too much pressure under them. Or, their Air Shocks. But i doubt that. Was there any difference between the origionals and the new ones?

Gas shocks often raise the cars height slightly - in this case the rise is excessive because of the wt. discrepancy - that being a car of abt. 3000 lbs and shocks designed for a vehicle of abt. 4200 (fronts anyway). Do not know what the rear application is for originally. Went with shops recommendation on shocks, was surprised at the result. Now am trying to backtrack to get the look as well as a nicely damped ride.

Thank you for the replies, if we cut will take what you said to heart Bob.

Any other thoughts anyone?

Be careful on cutting the springs, make sure they are both PERFECTLY cut at the same heigth (sp). I say just save up for some though, you will get a rougher ride which you already know I am sure. Like Bob said though, if they are cut already then don't cut them again. I heard some reasons not to cut springs and all but forgot what it was.... it was on one of the Horse Power TV shows.

Shock travel will bottom out & bust if your not careful there Tech 1, then you know what ya get. Brickmasters..lol to get home

My suggestion would be to get yourself a set of 20$ springs from a junkyard and cut those instead. That way, if you find it doesnt work, you still have the origional springs.