510 cutting square end springs

[iwayman]

I'd like to cut springs to lower the front end around an inch while I save up for better suspension parts.

Looks like I have zx struts with tokico 5-way adjustable inserts.

I am not sure what type of springs I have, whether they are after-market or not.

However they are 10" with ~.5" wire diameter and ~5.5" coil diameter measured centers of wire and I guess 6 full coils.

They are square ended, blue with red paint sprayed on top.

Any idea how much I should cut to achieve just a 1" drop?

 

 

 

[datzenmike]

Looks like 5 coils x 0.5" x 5.5" and that's a 105 pounds per inch spring rate. About 10 pounds more than a stock 510 spring. You don't say what it's for.

 

Cutting only to lower, is a bad idea. If lowering it trim the lower spring perch, grind off the weld and use split collars to adjust the ride height. Trimming the spring will raise the spring rate (stiffness)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[H5WAGON]

Get 2" collars and grind off perch weld.....You need to do this for coil-overs anyway. B) .

 

Then you can lower it and keep springs to re-sell...if you go with coil-overs

[H5WAGON]

Depending what size tire you have, the tires could rub on clamp or spring perch....just check clearance to see if you have room to drop it down.

[H5WAGON]

Also your strut's look like they have been shortened?

 

Strut tubes need to be smooth the use coil-over sleeves.....might have to grind down that other weld also.

If you go down that route. :geek:

[iwayman]

Get 2" collars and grind off perch weld.....You need to do this for coil-overs anyway. B) .

 

Then you can lower it and keep springs to re-sell...if you go with coil-overs

 

I think I'll try what datzenmike describes.  I have coil overs in the rear and I have it set up for a flush tire fitment so I'd like similar in the front.

Looks like the split collars are a much more accurate way to lower it than simply cutting springs.

 

Also your strut's look like they have been shortened?

 

Strut tubes need to be smooth the use coil-over sleeves.....might have to grind down that other weld also.

If you go down that route. :geek:

 

The struts are welded because it would appear the po sectioned 510 and zx struts and combined the two, I have 280zx rotors and calipers on there.

And the welds shouldn't be too much of a problem since I don't plan on lowering very much.

[H5WAGON]

Yeah...Hard to beat Datzenmikes speed....lol

 

If you can't find collars local....  www.globalindustrial.com has them at a good price.

[RatsunGT]

Those collars are a bitch to find local, I got mine cheapest from amazon, or else they were like 18.99 ordered from Home Depot, each @_@