So my new variable rate coil springs arrived today in the mail. Powder coated blue, oh they're so sweet :bananaman! I have been considering removing part of or all of a coil to get my front down a little, and I had assumed that it would increase the spring rate. I stumbled upon some literature today that said it would actually reduce my rate. Now, I know that it would not affect the higher end of my rate (390lbs - 520lbs) except that maybe I would get there faster, but I would hate to go any lower than 390lbs on the lower end. Can anybody tell me if this is acurate or not? Does cutting a coil reduce your rate, and if so is it possible to tell how much? Thanks! MJ
I don't know about variable-rate springs, but cutting standard springs does not reduce the spring rate...
On variable rate springs the top and bottom coils are wound at a different rate than the middle. The ends are at a higher rate because the windings are wound in a smaller arc. When you cut it down you are losing the highest force of the spring - if you cut it with a torch you are likely ruining them all together. If you wanted shorter springs why didn't you order them? Can you return the new ones and get a set for a six cylinder? They would sag a bit under the load of the V8 and it would sit about 2 inches lower.
Unfortunately, no one that I could find offers lowered variable rate springs. I tried ordering some 1" lowered springs from Mustangsplus, but they put me on hold for two months with no explanation, so I finally canceled my order. I'll ask the company I got them from and see if they can maybe make me some lowered springs.
The springs I bought arent wound any different from top to bottom. Matter of fact, you can't tell which is top or bottom. They looked like they were cut from stock. I could drop maybe 3" my self. I THINK T.L. is right and it will only change my height if I were to cut my standard (W/302) springs. Now you guys have given me an itch.
Thanks for the offer, Bruce, but I think I'm gonna give these springs a whirl and see how they fit. I got them from Pro-Motorsports, thru Dr. Gas, and I think they might have built a little bit of a drop into them. It's not much tho, and it'd be nice to put a little more in. Another question; (not to hijack my own thread, but...) does the Shelby 1" drop lower your front end, or does it simply affect handling characteristics?
Lowering Yes , The Shelby Upper Control arm relocation mod does lower your car relative to the suspension - your ride height will be lower without touching the springs. A spring with a 1" drop over stock will lower it even more.
I cut the 550lbs springs that I ordered. It ended up being to high in the front. It rides good & handles great & I have a 225/45/17 on the front witch is a thin tire.
springs You should not cut the end of the spring that is flat - it`s designed to sit flat against the underside of the shock tower along with the rubber insulator . The bottom of the coil spring ( the end that you cut ) - goes against the stop in the lower spring perch. This will give you maximum stability and true spring rate.
Good looking out MTRHED...I don't know what I was thinking, must have had a brain fart. Don't do what I said. I will edit that if I can. I just cut the top of the springs.
