reset springs? can you explain that please
Yep, you take it to a suspension place and they reset them - I think generally by heating the metal and changing the winds, spring length, spring curve etc. Basically no different to how they make the springs in the first place. In this case, the springs had a coil removed and the length (height?) of the spring adjusted/stretched/compressed so that the spring still sits firmly in the spring/shock assembly. I guess it's the professionals way of "cutting coils", just with a bit of science used in the process.
By doing this, the spring rate is obviously changed by around 12%, but the spring is still firmly attached, and the ride is still as comfortable as factory (actually, a little less harsh), as the spring/shock assembly retains the original full travel as per factory, but the slightly softer spring means that the truck starts from a lower base.
I have remeasured tonight after everything's settled a bit, and it is now 42 mm (1 3/4") lower at the front, and exactly 25mm (1" at the rear).
I could have also got custom made and wound coil springs, but the price difference was horrendous - a one off set of springs is not so cheap, but a spring reset is reasonably priced.
In terms of leaf springs, a reset either means increasing the curve of the spring to raise the vehicle, or flatten the curve to lower it - again, all done using heat and to specific measurements.
Here's a link to one company (in Oz though) that does the leaf spring reset:
http://www.industrialsprings.com.au/towing.htm
And the same companies article on how coil springs are made:
http://www.industrialsprings.com.au/make_co.htm
