What do I do about rear springs?, My ass is way up in the air! Options

[Zeke]

I have Koni streets on the rear with the non adjustable perch for ride height. I want to lower the car. At this point, if I want to keep Konis, I have to buy yellow "sports" and smaller diameter (2 1/2 ID) springs and threaded collars to accomplish what I need.

After 15 months of construction, I am out of money, but the car is finished save for the rear springs. I just want to track it a couple of times before choosing new suspension stuff. I can't find any short stiff springs to lower the car with the Konis. So, I am thinking of cutting down some 160# stock height springs that came with the street Konis off a six conversion that wrecked.

If I cut the springs and bend the wind at the base to fit in the perch better, I will have about a 185-190 short spring. That fits pretty well with my front 22mm T-bars. I could use some advice before I do this.

[TimMartin]

if you overload a spring. ( ie compress it beyond yield strength ) you might be able to make it shorter. sounds dangerous, but possible.

This process of overloading causes what's called "work hardening". This happens when the metal strains past it's yield point. The metal becomes stronger and more difficult to deform. However, work hardening also reduces ductility, which increases the chances of brittle failure.

I personally would stay away from cutting or changing springs at all. I would get the right size, or have a special shop make springs for me if it was important enough.

.tim