Karim wrote:
"The problem is that these springs are way too stiff for street driving. I
want to replace them with stock springs, but I want to keep the lower ride
height. I was told that cutting a coil off the spring is bad for two
reasons: 1) the top coil of the spring is flat, and so if you cut that off
it may not fit into the coil tower or shackle (whatever that's called) 2)
the springs could bind."
You forgot the third, and in your case the most important thing that
happens when you cut coils from a spring... The spring becomes STIFFER!
This would be a little counter-productive, I would say.
There is a formula for figuring the rate of a given spring based on its
coil diameter, thickness and number of working coils.
You would have to determine:
1) How much weight is supported by each spring.
2) What the desired "fitted length" you want the spring to reach to achieve
the desired ride height. "Fitted length" refers to the length of the
spring installed, with the weight of the vehicle on it. (at rest)
3) What spring rate would allow compression of the spring from its "free
length" to the "fitted length" under that much weight.
Then you need to have a set of coils wound for you to those specs.
Probably more expensive that anyone would be willing to pay. Plus, who
knows what other cans of worms this all opens up? Also, you've a GT6, so
in the rear you're dealing with a leaf spring. That's another story
altogether. The above items you need to determine are not quite as easy to
get at as you might think.
Please... someone else add to this, 'cuz it's late and I'm beat and I just
KNOW I'm leaving a bunch of stuff out!!
Pete Chadwell
1973 TR6 CF10732
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