Cutting coil spacers
 

Before doing any real research I bought a 3" coil spring spacer kit with extended shocks. After some research I found what most of you probably already know. So instead of dealing with the time and hassle of shipping them back, I have decided to cut the spacers down to 2".

My question is, has anybody done this before(cutting them)? And if you don't get a perfectly square cut what are the potential hazards?

What are they made of and do you have access to a lathe?

Careful, there's a metal sleeve molded into most (quality) spacers.

They're poly spacers. I have access to a portable band saw, but no lathe.

I understand, and that's the type I'm talking about.

On second thought, I may not install this at all. I've been reading all day on these BB lifts, and it seems like they're a bad idea unless your suspension components are in top shape. My ZJ has almost 300k, amd while it drives and handles ok for the most part, I'd be afraid of developing the DW by jacking it up. I'm not sure what if anything has ever been replaced. I don't really have any slop in the steering, or any driving vibrations or shaking, but I had a look underneath today and saw that some of the boots look "iffy" on the tie rod ends.

Yeah, I hear you there! I thought about a 2" BB on my WJ, but the more I thought about it, the more I thought "just leave it well enough alone". It works well for me now, why change it?

Dave, I completely agree. I just wish I would have thought more before pulling the trigger, sometimes I get way too far ahead of myself. I don't really do a whole lot of off-roading, I occasionally play in some mud or drive down some very mediocre trails, and it hasn't done me wrong.

On another note, I wonder how the "extended" shocks would fare on a non lifted set up.

I wouldn't recommend it. They may bottom out on compression and snap off the mounting bolts in the rear.

So since I can't return this kit, (won't accept returns after they've been opened) I'm still pondering doing this. I can get a square cut with a bandsaw. But I am wondering 2 things...

1- The spacers have a tapered end, and from what I can find out, they are tapered for ease of installation over the bump stops. If I was to cut an inch of these spacers it would take the taper completely away. Is that taper really needed?

2- I believe I have some sag in my current springs( friend of mine has a zj, completely stock and sits up about 1.5" higher than mine). So.. If I didn't cut the spacers, would that make up for the sag and not have to cut the spacers altogether?

The top of the inner hole is tapered to fit the spring seat correctly. Not for ease of install.

I see. The most I could find on the taper was that it was there so it could easily be slid over the bump stops but that makes a lot more sense.