Dr.NickRiviera

Hi all. I know jack and squat about suspension parts at this point. Well I know what parts are there, just not how to tell when they are bad.

Here is my delimea, The front of the car sits noticably higher than the rear. Probably 1.5"-2" (measured by top of wheel to fender clearance) It looks like crap. Car handles well though. Should I just replace shocks/springs on all for corners, or is there a way to tell if it is something in the front or back or if it is springs or shocks?

Stephen

iTrader: (12)

My first guess would be worn out/sagging rear springs, or brand new stiff shocks on the front.

I'd be more inclined to guess the work out springs.

Dr.NickRiviera

OK, I thought it might be that. I was under the car last weekend putting in the alum drive shaft and noticed the springs where very compressed at the top (they were covered in road grime, but a little bit of blue was showing). I wasn't sure if the level of compression they showed was normal since I had the jack stands under the axles, thus they were at normal compression.

Honestly, I'd rather have it sit as low as it is in the back and match the front to it, I just don't have the money right now to do a "correct" lowering with new torque arms and LCA's.
Or if I do a 1" drop(from factory) with new springs/shocks on all four corners do I need to change anything but the springs/shocks or will it screw something up if I don't change the other parts too?

Stephen

iTrader: (12)

You don't HAVE to change anything, when you lower your car.

Look at my sig pic. I installed a set of Ground Control Weight Jacks & didn't change ANYTHING else. Same struts, same shocks, same TA, same LCA. Not even LCARBs. I might install LCARBs later, but for my driving purposes, I don't need them right now.

I'd guess you need new rear springs right now. In a pinch for temporary use, you could try those spring inserts they use in 4x4s for lifting the springs. I don't mind the ring rubber spacers, but some people use those little metal inserts that fit in the coils & lift the coil back up. Maybe they are fine for a driver.....I'm just not comfortable with those, myself.

AM91Camaro_RS

If the springs are blue, they may be aftermarket. If they are aftermarket and "compressed" more on one end, they might be progressive rate springs. Have you done any work to the car that might effect any of this? I would lean towards looking at the front end. Also, measure from the ground to the (top) wheel well openings and post the numbers if you don't mind.

Dr.NickRiviera

I haven't done anything suspension wise to the car. I just got this one in Dec. I'll take measurements when I get home.

Dr.NickRiviera

Drivers Front is 27.5" from ground to top of wheel well.
Passenger Front 28.5"
Driver Rear 27"
passenger rear 27.5

The measurements dont seem like a lot, but looking at it, it is very noticeable, especially on the passenger side.

AM91Camaro_RS

I think I'd look at the RF first to make sure nothing is bent and the spring is seated properly. It shouldn't be an inch higher than the LF. Also, I'm assuming no body damage.

Dr.NickRiviera

No body damage other that the typical fender mounts that were flattened by someone using them as jack points.