Tech Question - Cutting Coils IV

Mike,

I cannot believe I finally found a spring expert! I have read all your tech articles and thank you very much for sharing your knowledge. Now for my question -

Can you take an existing spring, stretch it and then shorten it to get a stiffer spring rate while keeping the car at the same height?

I ask because my application is for racing and the spring rates need to be at least double of the OEM design. No one makes a spring like this and I am hoping it can be accomplished by stretching and cutting. - Jason

Jason,

First, thanks for all the buttering. Now let me answer your question with an answer you will not like, then we will go from there. Yes, a coil spring can be stretched and then shortened increasing it's rate and maintaining stock ride height, at least for a little while.

In order to stretch the coil the steel would have to be stretch beyond it's yield point. Doing this weakens the spring and the spring will come back to it's original height and then slowly loose height.

The best way to accomplish what you need is to provide me with the vehicle information and we will custom build springs for you.

You can also find more information on our Cutting Coil Springs page.