Lowering a truck's suspension can have several benefits, chief amongst them better handling. By lowering the suspension, the center of gravity is lowered, increasing grip and responsiveness. A lower suspension can also improves the appearance of the vehicle, if that is the look the owner is going for. You can either use lowering springs or simply cut the existing springs as a budget solution. Cutting springs is generally considered a less desirable method of lowering a car compared to purchasing proper lowering springs.
Loosen the wheel's lug nuts. Lift the vehicle with a floor jack and lower it onto jack stands. Repeat the process until all four corners of the truck are supported on jack stands.
Remove the front springs. This procedure will vary depending on the model of truck. If the truck uses MacPherson struts, the strut and spring assembly will have to be unbolted at the top and bottom and withdrawn from the truck. A spring compressor is then used to compress the springs so that the nut and upper strut hat can be removed.
Remove the rear springs. Most rear springs are easier to remove than then fronts. Usually, you can jack up the axle and differential and unbolt the shock at the top and bottom. Carefully lower the axle until the coil spring can be withdrawn from the suspension.
Set the springs next to each other on a workbench or a flat surface. Determine how may coils from the springs you want to remove. Start with one or even fewer coils to avoid removing too much material. You can always cut off more later.
Mark where the springs will be cut with a piece of masking tape or a marker. Make a corresponding mark on the other spring, ensuring that the marks are at the same place so that the springs will sit at the same height when reinstalled.
Cut the both of the springs with an angle grinder and a metal cutting wheel on the mark that you made. Repeat the process for the rear springs.
Spray paint the wheels with several coats of primer. Allow the primer to dry and then paint them with spray paint. A nice coat of paint with prevent rust and corrosion and provide a better appearance. Allow the paint to dry overnight before handling and reinstalling the springs.
Reinstall the springs in the reverse manner that they were removed. Reinstall the wheels and lower the truck back to the ground. If the suspension is not as low as you would like, repeat the process of cutting the springs until the desired ride height is achieved.
Have your truck's suspension aligned immediately after cutting the springs. Lower springs will alter the suspension's geometry and may cause tire wear and handling issues without the proper alignment settings.
