When in doubt, ask an expert - like a spring manufacturer:
From: Stephanie [mailto:stephanie@hrsprings.com]
Sent: Wednesday, December 03, 2008 2:15 PM
To: ppro
Subject: RE: H&R SPECIAL SPRINGS
Hello Paul-
I noticed you have not received a response back from you’re last question and I apologize! When you cut a spring the structural integrity is damaged. People will argue this but if you look at most springs there are dead coils and then there are active coils. Each serves a purpose in the working condition of the spring.
Some will argue that the dead coils serve no purpose which is half true, the main purpose for dead coils is nothing other than provide enough free length to keep the spring tight when the perches are at full rebound! Then you have the active coils which are the working portion of the spring!!!
You also have to take into consideration the spring rate is now compromised, when determining spring rate the height of the spring as well as the number of coils is used in the calculation. So when you cut a spring not only are you damaging the strength you are also destroying the handling characteristics!
If you have any questions please let me know,
Sincerely,
Stephanie French
H&R Special Springs
Technical/Sales
E-mail: Stephanie@hrsprings.com
Phone
360) 738-8881
Fax: (360) 738-8889