Does this SHO sit too low in the rear?

[Airborne]

After putting on '95 knuckles and new front struts I took my '89 in for alignment. Big O said they were able to get the front perfect but the rear was at 2.25 percent and sitting too low. They recommended that I put on new rear springs and eccentric bushings, bring it back within 30 days and they would re-align for free. I like how it sits and rides, so I put on eccentric bushings and brought it back. They were able to get the rear to 1.5 percent, which I can live with. Big O said the alignment is closer, but still sits too low, bring it back with new springs and they will do it again. I asked if I put on another set of eccentric bushings or adjustable rods, would they still do it for free? They were being cool and said sure. My question is do you guys think this car sits too low? or too low in the rear?

 

[Ishodu]

If there not lowering springs, they are sagged. You would be better off getting some adjustable control arms to get it aligned the way you want rather than using the bushings.
GM GTP arms fit the SHO with a sleeve kit from SHONUT. If you search it I am sure you will find lots of info on this.

 

[intimdatr]

Good lookin' car youve got there!

The rear does look like it sit pretty stickin' low! I Personally would get new Struts and Springs to increase the handling of the car and once the new setup had broken it should ride just as well if not better! But its just my two cents.

 

[Airborne]

ok, so I should get new springs, and while I am in there I will put on struts. I am looking for stock height and ride. Which ones? Front height looks ok? Will the front be low now compared to the new rear springs?

 

[kevinspann]

I don't think the front would be too low. Monroe sensatrac struts, and maybe Moog cargo coils, with a dead coil or so removed to make it sit a little lower.

How many miles on the springs?

 

[Airborne]

How many miles on the springs?

Looks to be original, 140K or so.

 

[Airborne]

Good lookin' car youve got there!

Thanks, thats the one I got from Tim the Toolman.

 

[kevinspann]

Get it back up in the air, and retinted, and it'll look 100% better

 

[DJSHO91]

It's actually setting fairly normal for a Gen1 SHO. Here's a photo of my 91' with 16" Alloys:

Most of the sinking look is actually a simple illusion because the rear wheel opening is smaller(and less flared) than the front.

 

[kevinspann]

I *think* if you can find or borrow a factory manual, it has ride height measurements in it, to measure from hard points on the body down to the ground. I have one for a 92, and it might be the same.

Edit - this section was actually for measuring the unibody, not ride height, so may not be of any value.

 

[rubydist]

I assume you are meaning 2.25 degrees and 1.50 degrees, not percent. 1.5 degrees is perfectly fine for a street SHO as long as they have enough toe-in.

I think the rear is perfect height, you just should lower the front an inch.

There will be no performance improvement with new springs that raise it up, because the car will sit higher it will not handle quite as well. the spring rate of the springs doesn't change, they just take a 'set' so the free length is shorter and therefore the are slightly shorter when compressed.

 

[intimdatr]

There will be no performance improvement with new springs that raise it up, because the car will sit higher it will not handle quite as well. the spring rate of the springs doesn't change, they just take a 'set' so the free length is shorter and therefore the are slightly shorter when compressed.

LOL. I was being sorta very vague. I meant to imply that fresh struts and cut springs the handling could be improved because the back end doesnt bounce like the wind when in a rough conner.

Not to derail the thread!

 

[oneqwicksho]

If you do get Moog springs dont cut them they will settle I cut mine and after a year rear struts are shot

 

[SHOtime2511]

It's technical SHO name is SAS (saggy ass syndrome).
New springs correct this.

 

[LOUDSHO92]

Typically you don't need anything extra to adjust the rear so you do have something going on. The Ingalls adjustable control arms will probably get you into range: SHO Source

Moog springs are good stock replacements: SHO Source

They pair well with Monroe struts: SHO Source

You will need strut mounts as well: SHO Source

You can also get quick struts: SHO Source

 

[TwistedMunky]

It almost looks normal. I did the rear end on my 90 and it still looks saggy.

 

[kevinspann]

Quick struts will definitely raise the rear. My gen 2 sat pretty high on them.

 

[Frisbeeguy]

It almost looks normal. I did the rear end on my 90 and it still looks saggy.

I also recently put new Eibach springs & monroe struts on the rear of my '89 & it sits just as low. SAS for me & my car.

 

[dohcsable]

my 92 sits kinda the same way, just depends if I want to bother with the new moogs that came with it....lol



it sags much worse if/when you take a stab at the secondaries tho

 

[RichieSHO34]

I think the rear is perfect height, you just should lower the front an inch.
.

This. My 90' sits just like this. and less wheel gap would look good in the front too. You got yourself a mighty clean 1st gen