Suspension lowering on a 1st gen

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Old Apr 1, 2008 | 06:44 PM
  #1  
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Default Suspension lowering on a 1st gen

Can i use 2inch drop springs and 2inch drop spindles and still use a 15inch rim without having lower control arm contact the rim?
Has anyone or does anyone know of anyone who has used this system and does it work well for the average driving conditions?
 
Old Apr 2, 2008 | 12:43 PM
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Default RE: Suspension lowering on a 1st gen

you will have no problem with your rims, but for average driving conditions that set-up isn't really good at all.

also, how tall of a tire were you thinking of using?
 
Old Apr 2, 2008 | 02:22 PM
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Default RE: Suspension lowering on a 1st gen

i plan to use 215-65-15 on a 7in wheel and why is that suspension not good for normaldriving conditions(specificly)
 
Old Apr 4, 2008 | 01:18 AM
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Default RE: Suspension lowering on a 1st gen

a 2 in drop. What year is this on. On a 4th gen atleast that would be retarded. You'd basically be sitting on the ground. mine is lowered a lil over an inch and it sucks for daily driving. Like pot holes, bumps. dips up driveways and such.
 
Old Apr 4, 2008 | 01:18 AM
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Default RE: Suspension lowering on a 1st gen

I saw u said 1st gen. But man, that would be pushin it. I gotta say.
 
Old Apr 5, 2008 | 01:55 PM
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Default RE: Suspension lowering on a 1st gen

ORIGINAL: 6t8383

i plan to use 215-65-15 on a 7in wheel and why is that suspension not good for normaldriving conditions(specificly)
the reasons are the you will be bottoming out all over the place. those suspensions don't give enough clearance for normal day-to-day driving. some people think if they do a drop like that, and then go with a spring that won't compress much, they have the problem solved, but that creates even moreproblems. then the car will just jar you around over every little bump in the road and you just compremise your ride quality even worse, and to top it all off, you will be rattling your car apart bit by bit

hope that helps

besides, with a tire that tiny you are going to be sitting real low anyway
 
Old Apr 5, 2008 | 08:11 PM
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Default RE: Suspension lowering on a 1st gen

yah the 215-65-15 are kind of small but they match the 255-60-15 on the back how can i lower it to give it a more racey look( like vintage trans am cars )
 
Old Apr 6, 2008 | 10:37 AM
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Default RE: Suspension lowering on a 1st gen

There are trade offs to do what you are talking about. You can lower the car but ground clearance will be an issue. If you drop the car a fair amount in front you will have to measure for wheels very carefully to give clearance for turning, otherwise the tires will rub the fender lip. By getting a little more backspace on the wheels you can cure that but you may lose some turning radius because tires will rub on the lower control arm. Don't forget exhaust either, long tube headers hang lower so maybe mid-length or shortys are needed.

I would suggest 2" drop spindles and then use the stock springs but drop a coil or two to get the desired height. You can either heat the spring or have it cut, personally I like heating them. This will preserve some ride quality and get you to the exact ride height your car can handle. Also, a heavier sway bar should be installed to keep the car from diving down on one corner. Then measure for wheels. If your wheel/tire choice contacts the control arm you will have to adjust the stops.
 
Old Apr 6, 2008 | 03:00 PM
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Default RE: Suspension lowering on a 1st gen

So basically, all that sounds like crap in my opinion. You're either ****ing your turning radius, ****ing ride quality, and may need to redo exhaust. I'm not saying that's wrong, because i dont know anything about the suspenion on 1st gens, but that sounds like you're sacrificing alot.
 
Old Apr 6, 2008 | 04:24 PM
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Default RE: Suspension lowering on a 1st gen

The benefits will definately outweigh the sacrifice if the mods are done right. First gens did not handle that well, they improve by just lowering the center of gravity. As for the turning radius, a loss of 2' isn't that much and is about what you would lose. By using shorter headers your horsepower would most likely be reduced by around 10-20 depending on the build of the engine. All trade-offs are worth it for a car that handles much better.
 



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