Help cutting Moroso trick springs please

Kegracing · 02-01-2011, 08:14 PM

I hate coil springs..............

Trying to get ride height correct on my 67 Firebird convt. I have a aluminum headed SBC in it - crate legal IHRA stocker.

I need to drop the front end about 1.5 - 2". I have Moroso #47150-110 springs on it, uncut. Car weighs about 3450 w driver, at natural class.

How much do I need to cut? Also, should I cut the top or bottom of the spring, or does it matter? I always cut the top before, but never hurts to ask. Have not cut any in several years.

Also, the springs have been on several months and have 25-30 passes on them now... should have settled by now. I really want to get this right the first time, as I hate taking then in and out!

Thanks in advance!

Ken

Run to Rund · 02-01-2011, 09:11 PM

Check the upper (frame) pocket. If like 64-7 A bodies, it is formed for the tangential spring end and the tail has to fit to the end of the pocket. This limits how much you can cut off the coils, because the bottom (A frame) pocket also wants the end of the coil in a specific place--between the two indicator holes. Generally, you are best with an integral number of coils plus 2 to 2.5" more on one end. It might be too much, but on my A body, Moog 5230 with 3/8 coil cut from each end works.

Kegracing · 02-02-2011, 06:55 PM

Thanks.

Mine has a coil seat with a stop on the bottom, but the top pocket is flat all the way around. Does not make a difference on the top. So, we cut on the top of the spring.

Big question is still how much to cut?

thanks all,

Ken

Run to Rund · 02-02-2011, 07:33 PM

If the top perch is flat and not formed for a spring end, then you should start with the 68-72 style spring that has a square or flattened top end. It is tough to give a recommendation because front end weight, desired ride height, and spring rate all affect the needed spring height. For a 250 lb/in coil you will probably want it 17-18" free length.

Dragsinger · 02-02-2011, 07:44 PM

Ken,

you will not what to hear this

In some cases I have pulled and cut as many as four times before sneaking up on what I wanted.

There is just no way to know, it is cut and check deal. I would begin with cutting 1/2 coil and put it back together. I does not matter which end you cut as far as spring performance goes. Cut the end that will best fit the spring seat after it is cut.

Dave Ribeiro · 02-02-2011, 08:23 PM

Ken,

Start by cutting a 1/2 to 3/4 's of a coil off, as Larry said .... Don't use a torch, try a sawsall , much neater & less heat... They are much easier to replace with the engine in the car ??? Good Luck & e-mail me if you have anymore questions .......

Rich Biebel · 02-02-2011, 08:44 PM

The last time I did a set......in a '69 Nova 350 stocker.....I had to do them twice to get the ride height I wanted. I think I wound up cutting more than one coil off.......It is not hard if you have a decent spring compressor......the single bolt with 2 pivoting j-hooks works well. It drops out thru the shock hole after you get the spring installed and the ball joint nut on......I am sure they are still sold and easy to find....

Dragsinger · 02-02-2011, 09:04 PM

Google KD Tools KDT3450 spring compressor, you will find an example of the compressor Rich described. It is not a bad job and you get better with each R & R

Kegracing · 02-02-2011, 10:59 PM

Thanks guys. Got the compressor you are talking about. You can also "borrow" them at ORileys. It does get easier after doing it a couple of times... Just one of those jobs I dont like. Would rather pull an engine I think!

I have them out and sitting on the bench. I have used sawsall and band saw in past, and keep them cool with plenty of fluid while cutting. Just have not been building cars for last several years, and cant remember how much I used to cut to get xxx off the height. I have put the Moroso springs on several cars in the past, and they work good for the price... but I dont ever remember getting them to sit right the first time.
Work has slowed me down last couple of days. Trying to run a plant around this ice storm is fun. Maybe I will get them cut and back in soon.
Larry, hope you didnt get hit too hard. It was pretty bad in Dallas.
Dave and Rich, looks like it is coming your way! Stay warm.

Thanks again everyone.
Ken

cad · 02-03-2011, 09:23 AM

Ken,
I believe I cut 3/4 of a coil off my 47150s (if that is the lightest one sold for a 68, that is what I also have).
I still have about 3/4" before the car hits the bottom a-arm snubber...

Clark

02-01-2011, 08:14 PM	#1
Kegracing Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Red Oak, TX Posts: 441 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Help cutting Moroso trick springs please I hate coil springs.............. Trying to get ride height correct on my 67 Firebird convt. I have a aluminum headed SBC in it - crate legal IHRA stocker. I need to drop the front end about 1.5 - 2". I have Moroso #47150-110 springs on it, uncut. Car weighs about 3450 w driver, at natural class. How much do I need to cut? Also, should I cut the top or bottom of the spring, or does it matter? I always cut the top before, but never hurts to ask. Have not cut any in several years. Also, the springs have been on several months and have 25-30 passes on them now... should have settled by now. I really want to get this right the first time, as I hate taking then in and out! Thanks in advance! Ken

02-01-2011, 09:11 PM	#2
Run to Rund Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Henderson, NV Posts: 583 Likes: 8 Liked 54 Times in 27 Posts	Re: Help cutting Moroso trick springs please Check the upper (frame) pocket. If like 64-7 A bodies, it is formed for the tangential spring end and the tail has to fit to the end of the pocket. This limits how much you can cut off the coils, because the bottom (A frame) pocket also wants the end of the coil in a specific place--between the two indicator holes. Generally, you are best with an integral number of coils plus 2 to 2.5" more on one end. It might be too much, but on my A body, Moog 5230 with 3/8 coil cut from each end works.

02-02-2011, 06:55 PM	#3
Kegracing Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Red Oak, TX Posts: 441 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Help cutting Moroso trick springs please Thanks. Mine has a coil seat with a stop on the bottom, but the top pocket is flat all the way around. Does not make a difference on the top. So, we cut on the top of the spring. Big question is still how much to cut? thanks all, Ken

02-02-2011, 07:44 PM	#5
Dragsinger VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Liberty City [East Texas] Posts: 1,760 Likes: 5 Liked 99 Times in 60 Posts	Re: Help cutting Moroso trick springs please Ken, you will not what to hear this In some cases I have pulled and cut as many as four times before sneaking up on what I wanted. There is just no way to know, it is cut and check deal. I would begin with cutting 1/2 coil and put it back together. I does not matter which end you cut as far as spring performance goes. Cut the end that will best fit the spring seat after it is cut. __________________ Larry Woodfin 471W

02-02-2011, 08:23 PM	#6
Dave Ribeiro VIP Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Williamsburg, Va.---USA Posts: 1,827 Likes: 1,612 Liked 56 Times in 27 Posts	Re: Help cutting Moroso trick springs please Ken, Start by cutting a 1/2 to 3/4 's of a coil off, as Larry said .... Don't use a torch, try a sawsall , much neater & less heat... They are much easier to replace with the engine in the car ??? Good Luck & e-mail me if you have anymore questions ....... __________________ Dave Ribeiro 1033 STK

02-02-2011, 07:33 PM	#4
Run to Rund Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Henderson, NV Posts: 583 Likes: 8 Liked 54 Times in 27 Posts	Re: Help cutting Moroso trick springs please If the top perch is flat and not formed for a spring end, then you should start with the 68-72 style spring that has a square or flattened top end. It is tough to give a recommendation because front end weight, desired ride height, and spring rate all affect the needed spring height. For a 250 lb/in coil you will probably want it 17-18" free length.

02-02-2011, 08:44 PM	#7
Rich Biebel VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Northern New Jersey suburbs Posts: 2,314 Likes: 25 Liked 544 Times in 213 Posts	Re: Help cutting Moroso trick springs please The last time I did a set......in a '69 Nova 350 stocker.....I had to do them twice to get the ride height I wanted. I think I wound up cutting more than one coil off.......It is not hard if you have a decent spring compressor......the single bolt with 2 pivoting j-hooks works well. It drops out thru the shock hole after you get the spring installed and the ball joint nut on......I am sure they are still sold and easy to find.... __________________ Rich Biebel S/C 1479 Stock 147R

02-02-2011, 09:04 PM	#8
Dragsinger VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Liberty City [East Texas] Posts: 1,760 Likes: 5 Liked 99 Times in 60 Posts	Re: Help cutting Moroso trick springs please Google KD Tools KDT3450 spring compressor, you will find an example of the compressor Rich described. It is not a bad job and you get better with each R & R __________________ Larry Woodfin 471W

02-02-2011, 10:59 PM	#9
Kegracing Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Red Oak, TX Posts: 441 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Help cutting Moroso trick springs please Thanks guys. Got the compressor you are talking about. You can also "borrow" them at ORileys. It does get easier after doing it a couple of times... Just one of those jobs I dont like. Would rather pull an engine I think! I have them out and sitting on the bench. I have used sawsall and band saw in past, and keep them cool with plenty of fluid while cutting. Just have not been building cars for last several years, and cant remember how much I used to cut to get xxx off the height. I have put the Moroso springs on several cars in the past, and they work good for the price... but I dont ever remember getting them to sit right the first time. Work has slowed me down last couple of days. Trying to run a plant around this ice storm is fun. Maybe I will get them cut and back in soon. Larry, hope you didnt get hit too hard. It was pretty bad in Dallas. Dave and Rich, looks like it is coming your way! Stay warm. Thanks again everyone. Ken Last edited by Kegracing; 02-02-2011 at 10:59 PM. Reason: cant spell

02-03-2011, 09:23 AM	#10
cad Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 702 Likes: 202 Liked 91 Times in 51 Posts	Re: Help cutting Moroso trick springs please Ken, I believe I cut 3/4 of a coil off my 47150s (if that is the lightest one sold for a 68, that is what I also have). I still have about 3/4" before the car hits the bottom a-arm snubber... Clark