Cascade Crew

[Magman]

Hey guys, looking for some tech advice on susp. I'm getting ready to purchase some springs and shocks. I've decided on the Tokiko Illuminas for the adjustability. Now for a spring that will do what I need; drop the front approx 1.5 inches. My stock springs have my front sitting 1.5" higher than my rear, due to all the weight I've dropped = no rake. I like the ride height of the rear but could go a bit lower, not too much though.

I've read numerous posts about the Eibach Pro Kit and Sportlines and I'm not sure I want either. I don't think they will be setup for my particular weight, and I'm thinking I need to figure this out rather than buying a preset spring that's supposed to lower all cars the same. I'd like to get this right, the first and only time I tear into it, so how do I go about it?

Do I weigh each individual wheel on a scale? Progresive/linear springs? How do you determine the correct rates /spring height?

You can see what I'm talking about in this pic: http://www.cascadecrew.org/phpBB2/garage.php?mode=view_gallery_item&type=garage_mod&image_id=293

Thanks in advance!
Magman

[Magman]

Ok, I just measured. From the ground up, to the lower fender lip:
Front - 27 5/8"
Rear - 26 7/8"

So, 3/4" diff. in height from front to back. Is cutting the front springs a good option? I've heard different perspectives on this. I like the handling now, just not the look.

[iansane]

To really get it exactly how you want it you'll probably need to tear into it at least a couple times unless you're really lucky. You can try cutting the front springs a quarter coil at a time until you get the height you want, although it will up the spring rate a bit.

I think there are a few of us running cut springs. I have cut sportlines on mine. I had just slapped the sportlines in and then after they settled decided to cut them. Then ran like that and cut some more.

[blue89]

If you are going to cut them make sure you get them clocked back into the pockets correctly. If not you may accidently go too far. Also cut a little slice off the top of the spring so the hard end doesn't cut into the sheet metal. I'd also leave the sway bar detached when cutting to make any pocket missalignments more appearant. I've cut all my springs and had good luck with it.

[Twilightoptics]

My car is cut 3/4 Coil off front Iroc springs and 1ish coil off New Moog Stock Iroc Rear Springs.

Sits about 2-2.5" low in the front and 1.5-2" in the back.

[Magman]

So, it sounds like cutting the fronts is the way to go. Guess I'll get my shocks/struts on order and find me a spring compressor. What did you guys use to cut the springs and avoid heat while cutting? 4" elec grinder with cutoff wheel is what I have/plan to use.

Thanks

[blue89]

Grinder seems to be the easiest way. Thats all I've used for cutting mine. Goes super fast and easy.

Spring compressor? I usually disconnect the strut and let the a-arm swing down until the spring comes out. To get it back in I grab a pry bar like a demolition bar and then push the spring up so it grabs the inside of the spring pocket. Once its in use the floor jack on the a-arm to push it up so you can attach the spindle bolt.

[aaron_sK]

I have had no luck using a spring compressor in a third-gen. What I did was similer to Travis:

I threw a jack under the arm (while it was hanging on the strut), put a chain loosly around the last two coils (to avoid any flying objects), pumped the jack up a bit, unbolted the strut, dropped the jack down all the way, and used a crowbar to pop the spring out of the lower seat. Then it was as simple as unlocking the chain and it fell right out.

When I installed my new Eibachs I found it was much easier to seat it in the top first. Then use the crowbar to push them into the seat on the A-arm, and lift it with the jack till the strut lined up.

[Twilightoptics]

No spring compressor here. Jack under the A Arm. Chain the spring to the A arm semi loose. So it wont come out but has room to pop.

Once you get the spring out. Cut it half way through with the cutoff wheel and let it cool to the touch. Then cut again.

After it's cut it's easier to pop back in. You may need a little bit of muscle to get it in the raised pocket but it's not too bad. Then rechain it, and jack the A arm up again. Reconnect the spindle and wah-lah.

[Magman]

Cool, sounds easy enough. I'll tackle it as soon as I receive the shocks/struts. Still playing around with the tune for now. Thanks!

Tim

[Xophertony]

i have always used a compressor to get them in, to get them out i drop the a-arm and then give the spring a good kick.

[Twilightoptics]

Never seen a compressor work on our cars because the A-Arm hole is too small for the inside ones, and the A-Arm is too fat for the outside ones.

[83Z28BlackBetty]

I did something similar to what everyone else is saying. No luck with the spring compressor.

Let me know when you plan on tackling it. I may make a trip up to lend a hand / cut my springs as well

~JAKE

[Magman]

Just got the front left spring out. Glad I used a chain, it definately pops with some force! Need to search on TGO to find out which side everyone is cutting (Top or Bottom). Does it even matter? Thanks!

Jake,
I have all your brake parts here. When you coming up?

Tim

[Al Hasse]

I cut mine on the top, 1/2 coil. Since the top wasn't flat any more, I used heater hose instead of the isolator. I dropped about an inch doing it to WS6 springs.

[Magman]

Top it is, thanks Al!

[Dewey316]

Yeah, I would cut the top. The bottom needs to seat into the a-arm just right, so I wouldn't want to mess with that part of the spring.

[Magman]

Got the front mostly back together, both sides. Nothing like turning wrenches and drinking beer on a Friday night! Need to finish tightening everything tomorrow and see what cutting 1/2 coil did for me. The old struts were completely worn, absolutely no rebound after I compressed them by hand. Can't wait to test drive! Thanks for the help...

Tim

[iansane]

That's going to improve the look of an already awesome looking car. Make sure to post pictures when you're done!

[Schultzy89GTA]