Anyone tried cutting stock springs?

[kbrew8991]

just buy the right springs... don't skimp on this

[toyotaspeed90]

I've cut 1 coil off before and the car has been just fine. Friend receive his 89 with aftermarket struts and 1 coil cut.... it's been like that for at least 5 years and the ride is stiff and handles very well... it's actually better than my hardtop with eibachs & gr2 inserts (low miles)....

for a lemons car.... cut away.... you'll be lucky to make it the full 24 hours... and if you do... if you want to put different springs on later sell the car to another team member and buy some used aftermarket springs for $50-100 or so for the next race.


I bought a car with at least 2 coils cut and it was too much... too bouncy and the stock tires were rubbing... wouldn't recommend that much

[mattdouken]

anyone done it on a 2nd gen?

[Louis]

I have just cut my springs a week ago on my 87' mk1. I had no idea how much to cut to lower 1 inch, so I started a little at a time. After assembling the wheel I needed much more, in the end after three cuts all wheels were just right. I would not heat them. I don't know what kind of steel the springs are made of, but I have had a lot of experience with brazing and welding steel (bicycle frames and components) and most likely they are heat-treated, and any kind of heat; like torching them; will ruin the heat treatment. After my third cut, to lower one inch, I had cut 1 and a quarter rings; more than I thought it would take. When you put everything together, make sure the large locknut on top or the struts gets an impact wrench to get it really tight. I have noticed a rougher ride quality, of coarse that is to be expected with shorter suspension travel, but in your case being on a smooth race track I don't think that would matter. It doesn't bother me anyway. I like the lower and more stable ride.

[toyotaspeed90]

Originally Posted by Louis

I have just cut my springs a week ago on my 87' mk1. I had no idea how much to cut to lower 1 inch, so I started a little at a time. After assembling the wheel I needed much more, in the end after three cuts all wheels were just right. I would not heat them. I don't know what kind of steel the springs are made of, but I have had a lot of experience with brazing and welding steel (bicycle frames and components) and most likely they are heat-treated, and any kind of heat; like torching them; will ruin the heat treatment.

stock are probably cold wound

[Bennie]

So, how did cutting of the springs work out? and how did 24Hol turn out?

[Adam]

there's actually only 12 hrs of racing in the 24hrs of lemons. 6hrs one day and 6hrs the next.

As far as cutting your springs goes, you can always cut a little more than needed and add spring spacers. This with act as if you cut out a full coil increasing your spring rate but at the same time raise your car a little. I've done it.