Identifying Cut Springs

Boog · tinkerer Joined: 06 Mar 2002 Posts: 65

I just bought a gemi wagon not long ago. It had been lowered, the previous owner seemed pretty smart and did everything by the book however I've noticed that the suspension is really soft, I'm tending to think he may have went the dodgy way and put cut springs in there.

The shocks are monroe ones, is there any way to easily identify if the springs have been cut ?

Sorry for probably what is a dumb question but I'm not too knowledgable about cars. Learning quick tho thanks to this site !

In the case they are cut, how much is it gonna cost to get things put right ?

Gemini Driving Yobbo · petrol head Joined: 26 Feb 2002 Posts: 3897

Take of your wheel and have a look at either the top or the bottom of the springs and look out 4 metal. Sometimes ppl will level the top of the springs by cutting the coil in half. Also lowered springs are normaly yellow and the colour of standard gems are brown with rust. New lowered springs will cost ya about $175 - $250 all up.

cheers
mick

Boog · tinkerer Joined: 06 Mar 2002 Posts: 65

Yep, they look to be a cut job. Its just done very neatly tho so thats what made me wonder.

Anyway time to save my pennies for some new springs. Would I new a new set of shocks as well or is it not crucial ?

Thanks for the help

doomboy_666 · tinkerer Joined: 25 Apr 2002 Posts: 206

you wouldn't NEED a new set of shocks. You would only have to get sum springs i should think. Aslong as the shocks are still in good order. But it depends on the sort of ride you want really, and how much $ you want to spend.

greg j · backyard mechanic Joined: 05 Oct 2001 Posts: 534

if you lower your car heaps, get shortened shocks so that your springs are held in better. otherwise, u can get away with the shocks fine, either way. have fun. greg.

Mooch · backyard mechanic Joined: 17 Oct 2001 Posts: 573

its possible the shocks are stuffed (soft ride) and that as a result the standard springs have sagged. depending on ur budget doing them at the same time would be best to prolong their life.

SikGem · tinkerer Joined: 18 Nov 2001 Posts: 373

If you're going to get proper lowered springs, then I'd suggest getting lowered shockies as well (I've heard Camira shocks do the job). You can get away with standard Gemini shockies but depending how low you want your car to be, you will find that everytime you put your car on a hoist or go up some gutters, you're springs will actually fall out!! And I am speaking from experience. It is a pain in the arse.

Mooch · backyard mechanic Joined: 17 Oct 2001 Posts: 573

dont listen 2 her shes a girl.

(ok thats a joke so dont ram down my throat all ur sexist bullshit - get back in the kitchen amy and take ur damn shoes off)
i'm in a wierd mood. dont think i better post anymore

SikGem · tinkerer Joined: 18 Nov 2001 Posts: 373

yeah yeah... I'll get back in the kitchen. But only if you bring out the whip!!! RRROOOWWW!! hehehe Smile