cutting front springs

[narfire]

While putting the car back together after second paint job(pictures to come), I whacked a coil off the rear with a cutoff wheel as recomended in the other post. Think it looks better, however I'm considering one off the front but the spring does not seem to release like the rear,ie can't spin it.(still has some load?) It looks a bit close quarters for a cutoff wheel ,but wondering about a recip saw and a metal or rescue blade. We use a rescue blade at mva's and they cut just about everything found in a car. Anyone tried one on a spring or am I going to get tired?
Thanks for any insight.
Chris

[TulsaSpider]

I don't think you can do it without a spring compressor and removing the lower ball joint. I did mine while replacing the ball joints.

[htchevyii]

I don't use a spring compressor, but either unbolt the upper control arm or bj with a floor jack under the l. C. A. And the body supported on stands. Slowly lower the jack and pull the spring out.

[mdrburchette]

We've been known to remove the springs like Trey suggested, but you better watch out cuz that sucker can pop out the side and hurt.

[htchevyii]

If you unbolt the top shock mount, but leave the shock in place, the spring can't escape. I've not had any thing scary happen doing this, but I wouldn't stick your head down there to watch.

[narfire]

Thanks for the info. Think I'll give it a go this weekend. I'll wear a helmet and make sure my organ donor card is up to date Having a difficult time trying to focus at work when the car is in the shop with all these little things I want to do.

[TulsaSpider]

Measure the height from the ground to the top of the wheel well. If there is a difference you might cut a little more/less on one side to compensate. Mine has an inch difference, before and after the lowering. This thread has convinced me to go back in and cut a little more out of the taller side, I wasn't going to do it if I had to separate the ball LBJ again! I cut 2 out of the front and 1 in the rear, it's about perfect!