Least expensive way to Lower 91 SHO

[ChrisR]

My rear susp. is really sagging, which I think looks pretty cool, but I'm sure it's crap for handling. However, up front I have big time wheel gap. Just looks kinda aukward (how do you spell that word??? ). What would be the least expensive way to lower the whole car. I understand it may actually raise the rear, which would be ok about an inch or so, but the front could be lowered by like 3 inches to keep up (or down) with the rear. I'm not really going for super-performance or anything.

Opinions?

 

[Levand16]

You can use spring compressors from auto zone. It just compresses the spring so telling how well it will work or how long it will last. Either way if you drop the car you'll need to align it.

 

[Nook]

Heck, just take a torch to the springs til they start drooping.

 

[Off Road SHO]

Torch smorch, just let the air out of the tires.

Just kidding. Do it right, get 4 new springs and struts.

Tom

 

[cRaZySHO.]

I'd say a set of Intrax's with GR2's. Chop off a dead coil on the Intrax. That sould have you pretty low.

 

[SHOZ123]

Drop the struts in the clamp for a 1/2" or so. It's free and effective. Just keep them off the CV boot.

 

[ChrisR]

Well, I don't think taking air out of the tires would work too well, since they are only 40 series to start with!

But the spring compressing/clamping do you think that would really work, or what are the bad sides to that?

I wish I had the money for springs struts, but I don't. However if you really think compressing won't have any bad effects, I may try that. I do have some KYB-GR2's (front's only) sitting in my garage that I got for free. How hard is a front strut install?

Thanks for the replies

 

[sdpatt]

ChrisR:
But the spring compressing/clamping do you think that would really work, or what are the bad sides to that?

Really ****** ride and handling.

 

[ChrisR]

Hmmmmmmm.. Interesting. Well, thanks for the truth Scott. I guess I just have to save up for springs/struts. Maybe summer? beer

 

[cRaZySHO.]

Front struts are not hard to install. Should be about 2-3 hours for both sides, if no bolts are frozen, and if you have an air gun for the spring compressors. But if you were to change your fronts, and not the rears, you will notice how bad the car handles even more. By offsetting the amount of dampening from front to rear, with new struts in the front, and worn struts in the rear, will cause an ill handling suspension.

If the $$$ factor is that big of an issue, keep your eye on the classifieds, and Ebay for some used Eibachs or Intraxs.

 

[ChrisR]

Good call, I will heed your advice. Thanks thumbs_u

 

[91 SHOplus]

ThomasDooley:
Torch smorch, just let the air out of the tires.

Just kidding. Do it right, get 4 new springs and struts.

Tom

Don't chintz on suspension. It's the main component keeping you and 220 ponies alive.

 

[SHOTHING]

if your rear struts go down past the clamping point pretty far on the knuckle, you can raise those like an inch and it'll raise the rear of your car, and lower the front a little bit.

 

[DHMag]

yall are forgetting something about OEM struts. they have a weldon bracket on the back that the pinch bolt goes thru to keep the strut where its at. taking it from that area could result in catastrophe.

 

[SHOTHING]

How do you think the Gen III guys lower their cars using the struts? They either drill a new hole or cut part of the tab. If you raise the strut in the knuckle, if the pinch bolt fails its still going to hit the tab and stop.

 

[SHOZ123]

A sawzall will make quick work of that tab. It the pinch bolt fails the tab will just fold up anyway. It is more of a locator than a true stop/support.

 

[BeatDaSHO]

Could you in theory take a sawzall and cut the tabs off, and then weld them lower on the strut tube? This would in effect lower the car.

 

[DHMag]

BeatDaSHO:
Could you in theory take a sawzall and cut the tabs off, and then weld them lower on the strut tube? This would in effect lower the car.

the theory is right but the contributing factors are not. you COULD if you could keep the heat to a bare minimum. simply because the heat will break down the oil in the strut housing, reducing its capabilities, and also the heat would damage the internal seals and valving.

and SHOTHING,
raising the strut in the knuckle does not lower the vehicle. youd have to lower the strut from the locator tab and if the pinch bolt fails...ouch, bye bye CV joints (if applied to the front).

 

[RStalveyARFF]

I have done it. Raise the strut in the back, and you'll watch your fender gap lower in the front. It's a principle of balance.