Compress existing springs?

[otterhere]

Yes, I am "mechaniclueless"...

But have always been bothered by how "high" and "bouncy" my 2008 stock Yaris rides and recently inquired about buying and installing lowering or sport springs. Seems I read something about "compressing" springs, though...

Is this possible and, if so, is it recommended?

Thanks; d'oh...

[WeeYari]

There are coil clamps that you can buy that will draw two coils closer together. They can pull them to the point where they touch, effectively completely eliminating one coil. Don't know how well they work, but they are cheap to buy and could be a good experiment.

You can google 'coil clamps' and get some initial education on the matter.

[12 yaris]

Heat them with a torch,or you can do it the right way and purchase lowering springs...
I purchased the springs tonight and installed them(2in.drop)...

[BEEF]

I wondered about just cutting a ring out of the existing springs to achieve the drop.

it won't help the bounciness. the spring rate won't change. if you want it stiffer, you need stiffer springs (with a higher spring rate). mine are progressive meaning the more they are compressed, the stiffer they are. gives a soft feel at first but then stiff in corners (or speed bumps unfortunately)

[yarisugi]

Originally Posted by otterhere

Yes, I am "mechaniclueless"...
I read something about "compressing" springs, though...
Is this possible and, if so, is it recommended?

It's possible to compress springs with clamps.
It's also possible to heat the coil springs up until they come close to each other.
It's also possible to cut one coil off.
but NONE of these are recommended.
What's recommended? Buying a set of lowering springs that's made for your car.
You can buy them new or look in the [For Sale] section for used ones.
In fact, there's a member right now selling a set of used lowering springs.

[ljming99]

Originally Posted by yarisugi

It's possible to compress springs with clamps.
It's also possible to heat the coil springs up until they come close to each other.
It's also possible to cut one coil off.
but NONE of these are recommended.
What's recommended? Buying a set of lowering springs that's made for your car.
You can buy them new or look in the [For Sale] section for used ones.
In fact, there's a member right now selling a set of used lowering springs.

Just to add on,

By modifying the original springs, you have change the specs of it - (e.g. spring rate / sprung/ unsprung weight)

That in return changes the way the car handles and that can be very dangerous in high speed cornors or even in emergency braking as the behaviour the car can become unpredictable.

When it involves handling, braking or even tyres which are also the safety aspect of a vehicle.......Never take the shortcut or cheap way out.

[12 yaris]

Do it the right way....

[TPA5]

I'm just going to chime in agreement with others here. New KSport lowering springs are quite inexpensive, and these used ones being sold: http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40791 are even cheaper. Do it right the first time, no regrets later.

You know how the saying goes: "Go quality, cry once. Go cheap, cry forever."

[otterhere]

I've been penny-wise and pound-foolish before, and I probably will be again, but not when my life's at stake. Thanks, guys! Put in a "bid" to 1.5; hope he's not insulted.

[yarisugi]

You should send him a PM, not post it up for all to see.
I'm insulted.

[Yaristeve]

So much misinformation...

You CAN cut coils out of a spring without problem (I've done it myself back in the day). But there are so many variables, if you don't know what you are doing, you probably shouldn't.

If you cut coils, it WILL raise the spring rate (make it stiffer). The number of coils is one factor that determines a spring's stiffness.

You cannot heat coils (with the spring on the car) because you will destroy the temper and you will have NO control how low the car will drop.

Those spring clamp thingys my be good for a temporary fitting (for checking clearances, looks, etc.) but there is no way I would leave them on permanently.

If your car is "bouncy" (as in cycles more than 1 1/2 times), you probably have blown shocks.

[Putting on old codgers' hat] Modders have it so easy nowadays. Back in the day, we never had the range of aftermarket coils, shocks, coilovers, bushings, RCAs, sway bars, custom tubular arms, etc. Springs: cut your own. Performance shocks: Koni (on-road) or Bilstein/KYB (offroad). Everything else: custom ($$$)

[1.5]

Originally Posted by otterhere

I've been penny-wise and pound-foolish before, and I probably will be again, but not when my life's at stake. Thanks, guys! Put in a "bid" to 1.5; hope he's not insulted.

Nice I just saw this post then checked my thread and responded.

As Yarisgui said please PM for price discussion

Do not go the cheap route when it comes to springs, this is your cars connection to the ground, you don't want it to be ghetto rigged.

[yarisugi]

what misinformation?
OP asked if it's possible and if it's recommended.

@Beef - Do not cut the coils on a Yaris. If you do, the coils will not sit on the perches correctly. (Notice how the coils taper to a smaller diameter on the ends)

[Yaristeve]

Originally Posted by yarisugi

what misinformation?
OP asked if it's possible and if it's recommended.

Originally Posted by 12 yaris

Heat them with a torch,...

Originally Posted by BEEF

I wondered about just cutting a ring out of the existing springs to achieve the drop.... ...the spring rate won't change.

Originally Posted by yarisugi

It's also possible to heat the coil springs up until they come close to each other.

Originally Posted by ljming99

That in return changes the way the car handles and that can be very dangerous in high speed cornors or even in emergency braking as the behaviour the car can become unpredictable.

Perhaps I should have said, "so much bad advice"?

If you're short on money, long on time, not looking for the perfect ultimate race car handling, AND you know what you are doing, there is nothing wrong with snipping a coil or two from the stock springs.

[1.5]

I prefer my car not to act like a jetski when I drive down the road ^^

[yarisugi]

possible versus recommended.

I've done all of them "back in the day" as well - Back when coils were straight
coils, not tapered and when there were few aftermarket parts. Heating coils
just for the lowered look, sacrificing ride, was the cheapest way to go. But the
Yaris and many "newer" cars are different from old school. If you look at the
Yaris coils they're not straight. I highly suggest you buy a set of aftermarket
coils rather than cutting them.

@otterhere - I agree with Yaristeve on getting new shocks as well. After you drive over a bump, do you get that floating feeling like you're on a magic carpet?

[BEEF]

I had pointed out to the OP (in another thread) that drop springs could be had for ~$150. I was trying to think of something you could do that was actually cheaper. I have changed my springs and went with H+Rs. I honestly didn't look too closely at the springs I took off. I know guys have cut springs before.

[otterhere]

Okay, guys; trying to get estimates here... Now they want to know if the STRUTS have to be removed first... Yes, no? Over $300 if yes, PLUS the cost of the springs and shipping; don't think I'll bother for just over an inch of lowering! Around $100 if not...