you should mount the cut end up, and if you get airborn enough to misplace the springs, you shouldnt be cutting them in the first place, 'FS lowrider baja bimmer'. jk as for bending them, you dont really need to imo, but if it makes you feel safer go ahead, I also read somewhere about putting a notch in the top cap, then you can put a hose clamp there, not just some frilly wires.