Level with cut rear springs

[sbwrench]

Hi Guys,
New to the forum but been lurking for awhile. I have a 2012 Express RCSB. I travel for work alot so it does'nt get much mileage. Eventually I will do a 2/4 and probably upgrade the headlights but for now I just want to level it out. I know the pros and cons of cut springs. Been there. Done that. Simple question for those who have done it; 1 1/2 coils or 2 coils to get the rear level. I searched all the forums and this looks like the range people are working in, just looking for first hand knowledge. Thanks for any help.

 

[Graygoose]

for the price of the Ground Force 2" leveling kit and new shocks, why cut? Its a brand new truck dont let $200 stop ya


Welcome to the site, thats the exact leveling I did, and love it.

 

[sbwrench]

Kind of not what I was looking for but i appreciate the input. I've lowered plenty of vehicles with cut springs and I know how to calculate before and after rates, etc. The plan is to go with a 2/4 down the road but level it for now for NO COST as I will be getting springs when I do the kit. Most kits can't be broken up separately so it makes no sense to double buy. I don't see how people argue you're screwing up a new truck either. Buy some new o.e.m springs and put it back to stock down the road. Big deal. Any way, rant over. So which is it ? 1 1/2 or 2 coils to start? Thanks.

 

[HemiBabe]

Welcome to RF.

I would just start with the 1.5 coils just incase and put them back in, set the truck down and see. I think every 1/2" is worth 1" of drop tho? Hopefully someone will chime in who has done it.

 

[blackout11]

i cut my coils at first then got the ground force but ya you want to go 1.5

 

[Graygoose]

Kind of not what I was looking for but i appreciate the input. I've lowered plenty of vehicles with cut springs and I know how to calculate before and after rates, etc. The plan is to go with a 2/4 down the road but level it for now for NO COST as I will be getting springs when I do the kit. Most kits can't be broken up separately so it makes no sense to double buy. I don't see how people argue you're screwing up a new truck either. Buy some new o.e.m springs and put it back to stock down the road. Big deal. Any way, rant over. So which is it ? 1 1/2 or 2 coils to start? Thanks.

well, maybe what you didnt want to hear, but you asked on an open forum, but good luck.
Me 'personally' would rather lower it correctly, cutting and heating springs to me is a no-no on a new truck, or anything really.

But to each his own.

 

[sbwrench]

Hey no animosity here my friend. 1.5 coils off that spring will give me about a 7% increase in spring rate over stock. I can live with that on the short term to get the look I want of a level truck. When my traveling season ends for work I'll do it the correct way. In my mind that will entail spindles in the front and springs in the rear with trailing arms and panhard rod restored to their proper corrected geometry. If it sees 500 miles with shortened springs I'll be surprised but aesthetically I'll be much happier with it level! We all gather information and try to make the best informed decision for our own needs. Input always appreciated. http://www.ramforum.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

 

[Graygoose]

No problem sir, good luck, and please post before and after, like to see it

 

[sbwrench]

Wow! Incredibly easy to do on these trucks. Just jack it up by the rear end housing, put some jack stands under the frame rails, lower the rear end, reach in and pop the springs out. No taking shock bolts out, wheels off or anything. Used a cut off wheel to cut the coil. Total time from on it's wheels to back on it's wheels; about an hour. Looks way better and any changes to the ride characteristics are not even noticeable. All in all well worth the time spent. When I get a second I'll post up some pictures. I took photos of the the whole operation if anybody is looking for any of specific steps.

 

[mikeb33]

I did 1.5 coils and it is perfect. Took less than an hour. Still rides just fine. Do it.

 

[scotts2012ram]

Could u post or send a pic of what u cut off

 

[EvanYJ350]

bump.....

 

[sbwrench]

Sorry guys, just saw this. been traveling for work. I cut off 1/1/2 coils. Do you need a picture?

 

[ChicagoBill]

Thinking about doing this myself and would love to see any images. Thanks!

 

[Lawhand]

POST A PIC ALREADY!!@#!@$!@%#$^@$%#$ thank you come again

 

[sbwrench]

jeez. Ok. Here is before:

 

[sbwrench]

Here is after:

 

[sbwrench]

oops, after:

 

[sbwrench]

Here is spring cut:

 

[sbwrench]

Another spring cut: