(M2 Springs Installed) Some tips for installation of lowered springs for noobs

[cali yaris]

It's unwise not to use a spring compressor -- you did it the best way without using one, but you also got lucky. Parts can go flying all over the shop/garage/yard doing it that way.

[D&D]

Originally Posted by JohnnyMalice

DO the springs sit ok with it cut? I want to do that with mine but havent tried it because Im afraid it will not seat properly

If I had cut 1/2 of a coil off of either end then it would have posed a problem. But by cutting just 1/4 of a coil off of both ends, it retains the shape of the end of the spring enough to seat satisfactorily.

Also, be careful and don't cut too much off. If I had cut anymore off than I did, the overall length of the spring would have been too short for it to stay in place during moments of full droop (i.e. accidentally catching air on a railroad crossing).

Originally Posted by cali yaris

It's unwise not to use a spring compressor -- you did it the best way without using one, but you also got lucky. Parts can go flying all over the shop/garage/yard doing it that way.

Unwise? Maybe, but it's definitely a lot faster! (Especially so for those like the OP who use the spring compressor without the benefit of air tools.)

And luck had nothing to do with it, I had a plan and knew what to expect and have done the same process on several other cars before. I would recommend doing it this way to anyone that feels confident in their mechanical abilities.

[JohnnyMalice]

[QUOTE=D&D;711228]If I had cut 1/2 of a coil off of either end then it would have posed a problem. But by cutting just 1/4 of a coil off of both ends, it retains the shape of the end of the spring enough to seat satisfactorily.

Also, be careful and don't cut too much off. If I had cut anymore off than I did, the overall length of the spring would have been too short for it to stay in place during moments of full droop (i.e. accidentally catching air on a railroad crossing).



SO you cut a 1/4 inch top the top and the bottom?

[D&D]

Originally Posted by JohnnyMalice;

SO you cut a 1/4 inch top the top and the bottom?

Not exactly. I cut 1/4 of a coil off of each end..