compressing springs

Handling, suspension, and brake tuning discussions
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knoxville2013
Posts: 39
Joined: Mon Sep 27, 2004 11:46 am

compressing springs

Post by knoxville2013 »

i was talking to a relative of mine who really knows his stuff about trucks/cars and i brought up lowering springs. he suggested just compressing the springs already on my vibe so that way it lowers it but you dont have to go through the hassle of getting new ones. Does anyone know if this is possible?
MadBill
Posts: 1513
Joined: Thu Nov 14, 2002 9:39 am

Re: compressing springs (knoxville2013)

Post by MadBill »

This is touched upon in this thread: http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=12600
knoxville2013
Posts: 39
Joined: Mon Sep 27, 2004 11:46 am

Re: compressing springs (MadBill)

Post by knoxville2013 »

i read that before i posted actually, and all i read was about cutting springs which is not what im asking about, but maybe i missed something in there.
MadBill
Posts: 1513
Joined: Thu Nov 14, 2002 9:39 am

Re: compressing springs (knoxville2013)

Post by MadBill »

The last couple of posts talk about heating springs, which is what I thought you meant by "compressing" Possibly you meant what is also called "bulldozing", wherein the spring is compressed to coil bind in a press and then tapped a few times with a brass or lead hammer. This jars the spring into "taking a set", leaving it at a shorter free length and thus a lower ride height. AFAIK this is a pretty hit or miss proposition re the resulting drop...
ragingfish
Posts: 11022
Joined: Tue Oct 15, 2002 8:23 am

Post by ragingfish »

My understanding is that springs are far more techincal and precision components than many are led to believe...I honestly feel that messing with your stock springs, via cutting, heating, "bulldozing" or any other method is unsafe, and is doing more harm than good.You can get a good set of used springs for under $100 in some cases...and they're designed specifically for handling the car safely and properly at the lowre height.Plus, if you hang on to the stock springs, it leaves you the option for always returning to stock...Just my humble opinion though...
YES!I still visit GenVibe periodically. I have not forgotten about my "original" family over here!

2009 PONTIAC G8
3.6L V6 (256 HP @ 6300 rpm, 248 ft-lbs. @ 2100 rpm)
knoxville2013
Posts: 39
Joined: Mon Sep 27, 2004 11:46 am

Re: (ragingfish)

Post by knoxville2013 »

alright yes madbill i think the "bulldozing" thing is what im asking about and thank you for that, and that looks more like a hassle than buying new ones which is what im going to do now in response to your comments. thank you guys for the information.
St. Martin
Posts: 111
Joined: Tue Feb 18, 2003 11:23 pm

Re: (knoxville2013)

Post by St. Martin »

I'm with ragingfish on this one. I picked up the Tein S-tech's (highest member recommended) for $142 including shipping w/ no tax.
Sold the vibe.Sorry, GM. I bought an Acura.
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