DIY Lowering-cut springs!

[MOS500]

Hi,

Just sharing some pix of my DIY lowering by cutting the factory springs. Not a tutorial but just a summary: rented spring compressors, used hydraulic jacks to manipulate car, used air cutoff wheel to cut 1 full looped coil which lowered it about 1.5" in the front. For the back, I adjusted the leveling valve to lowest height. I currently has a front raked look (front lower by 1/2" than back). I may cut the back in the future. I also replaced the sway bar end links and steering damper. Got a MBZ dealership internet $85 alignment special done. Alignment is spot on but they said the front lower control arm bushings are torn/tearing which explains the front end squeak over bumps. Another project in the near future.

BEFORE:

[MOS500]

DURING:

[MOS500]

AFTER:

What do you think?

[vvee12]

the million dollar question is how is the ride with cut springs? Is it that bouncy lowrider ride?

[omairtheman1]

yah i heard cuttin' springs kills high speed cruising!

sorry won't do it!

how does she feel?

[MOS500]

After cutting the springs/coils affecting the ride is WAY overrated! At first I thought it might severely affect ride and if it did, I'd just purchase some H&R, Eibach or whatever. But if it didn't, chalk one up for cutting springs (only one coil vs. 2 or more)!
I forgot to mention in the original post that the change in ride quality and handling is negligible. My wife doesn't notice any change in ride quality. It still rides like a stock S class. I thought I might have to adjust the leveling in the Xenon headlamps but I didn't need to since they are self leveling.

Bottom line: no suspected bounciness or change in high speed handling (80mph). It rides like stock but with a look of lowering.

[bayhas]

wait till your shocks are worn a lil more... :S

BTW, how is your self leveling hydrolic system feeling about this? please tell me you dont have one in the rear...

[NZ Benz]

Hmm, something about cutting makes me uneasy I think your better compressing.

[Haku]

Originally Posted by NZ Benz

Hmm, something about cutting makes me uneasy I think your better compressing.

Exactly - for the amount gained, why not go for compressing?

[NZ Benz]

Originally Posted by Haku

Exactly - for the amount gained, why not go for compressing?

I've seen some bad things happen to cornering ability with cut springs on other cars thats all.