GT Performance Mods 2005+ Mustang GT Performance and Technical Information

Lowering with cutting the springs

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Old 12/28/12, 10:39 AM
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Lowering with cutting the springs

Has anybody tried cutting the stock coils to lower the stang? How bad is the ride after that?
Old 12/28/12, 11:02 AM
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Worst thing you can do. Guaranteed to kill your shocks and struts.
Old 12/28/12, 12:27 PM
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I did it on a couple of cars in high school. If you cut off full coils off of the springs the height MIGHT be the same. I cut them off of the top of the spring. The ride pretty much sucked. On one car, the ride was ok but the shocks wore out in about 6 months. I wouldn't recommend it.
Old 12/28/12, 12:36 PM
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DANGER!
Old 12/28/12, 02:24 PM
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yep if you going to cut the springs you will need to replace your shocks shortly after that. Its not a terrible way to lower the back end of your ride I wouldn't cut the front springs.
Old 12/28/12, 03:21 PM
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Old 12/28/12, 05:49 PM
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Thats what I wanted to hear,If going with aftermarkt spring am I gona run thru the same issues?
Old 12/28/12, 09:33 PM
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Yeppers the stock s&s are made to work in a small zone or area. Once you drop it the S&s are no longer working in that zone
Old 1/4/13, 04:57 PM
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I have read about guys cutting stock springs for many years and always shook my head. Proper lowering springs are like $200. Why in the world would you even take the chance on cutting the stockers? If you can't afford the $200 bucks then just leave it alone. It is not worth the chance.

Last edited by 70MACH1OWNER; 1/5/13 at 05:04 AM.
Old 1/5/13, 09:08 AM
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What is so wrong with cutting the springs? Lots of people cut springs including Chip Foose. I ran with my rear springs cut for a while with out a problem. I cut them so the car sat level or at least darn close to it. Its pretty common.
Old 1/5/13, 09:52 AM
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maybe ok an a civic. I wouldn't do it on a car I actually cared about. Save up and do it right springs aren't that expensive if you do the install yourself.
Old 1/5/13, 11:54 AM
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What would happen to a car you cared about if you cut the rear springs?
Old 1/5/13, 12:10 PM
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Cutting out a coil changes the spring rate. You cannot do that without consequences, especially in modern cars, built to generally tighter tolerances.

On our Mustangs, if you lower the rear, you also need to install an adjustable panhard rod, or the entire axle will shift laterally - to the drivers side, I think.
Old 1/5/13, 12:46 PM
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When you cut the springs you change the geometry of the car and your car is no longer in factory specs. Your factory shocks have to compensate for the drop and wear out 3 times faster. In a nutshell: You will spend more trying to save.

Of course, many people lower cars but other components must me considered. (camber/caster, sway bars, bushings, quads (if applicable ) shocks) all those things work together with lower springs for a lower more aggressive stance and safe quality ride.
Old 1/5/13, 01:10 PM
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Originally Posted by Paris MkVI
Cutting out a coil changes the spring rate. You cannot do that without consequences, especially in modern cars, built to generally tighter tolerances.

On our Mustangs, if you lower the rear, you also need to install an adjustable panhard rod, or the entire axle will shift laterally - to the drivers side, I think.
Yes! Correct! When you lower your Mustang, you absolutely need an adjustable panhard bar, if you want your car to look, ride correct..

Dont Cut Your Springs...
Old 1/5/13, 01:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Glenn
What is so wrong with cutting the springs? Lots of people cut springs including Chip Foose. I ran with my rear springs cut for a while with out a problem. I cut them so the car sat level or at least darn close to it. Its pretty common.
Glenn,
I know it works....it will hold up the butt end of your car... but that doesn't mean it is the right thing to do. And Chip Foose can afford to buy $200 worth of springs for his projects. If he does do it I am sure it is because he nothing else to use.
Old 3/15/13, 02:23 PM
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High School... Anyone remember the spring compression clamps some kids used on their springs to lower their cars? Didn't even have to remove the spring from the car. Even then I thought it seemed a little lame. Today I am sure of it.
Old 3/18/13, 07:00 PM
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Originally Posted by Victorfriessen
Thats what I wanted to hear,If going with aftermarkt spring am I gona run thru the same issues?
The heavier spring rate will also overpower your stock dampers so your ride will be very bouncy
Old 3/18/13, 07:04 PM
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Ghetto...
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