I have a 82' trans am. I am replacing pretty much all of my suspension parts front and rear. I really like the way my cars sets and I had always thought that the car was lowered, but now I am not so sure. How can I tell if I have stock rear springs or lowering springs? Is there a measurement for stock?
I have read on here that if you lower you rear of the car you also have to replace the panhard and LCA's with adjustable one's. My car seems to be all stock. here is a pic of what I have removed.

Thanks,

 

I would venture to say that is all stock stuff. The rear springs may be sagging; hence the lowered look.
The reason for replacing the panhard bar is to keep the rear end centered under the car. The LCAs can be kept if you want but you should look into lower control arm relocation brackets (LCARBs). That will keep the rear suspension geometry in check.

 

Yes I was thinking the springs looked stock. So if I just replace them with new moog 5665 springs and don't lower the rear, I wouldn't need the lower control arm relocation brackets would I?

 

My GTAs rear axle was off by almost a full inch, with stock springs & only sagging by 1". Sometimes stock setups could use an adjustable PHB too.

 

probably wouldn't need the brackets, but you still may need the adjustable panhard, the axle isnt always centered, even stock, so after its all together measure and see.

 

You'll find that the Moog 5665's will jack the rear up considerably. I ended up removing the OE spring isolator (replacing it with radiator hose) and then trimming the spring itself to approximate stock ride height.

JamesC

 

Yes that’s what I was afraid of. I really don't want the car to set higher, but I wanted to replace the worn out springs. I am going to pick up an adjustable panhard bar as well as adjustable LCA's
Can anyone suggest a set of rear springs that will lower the car slightly but will also perform well. I see on the Spohn site they have the Eibach "Sportline" - Rear Only - Lowering Spring
SKU # EIB-3-Sport-R just wondering what theses are like?

 

Not the cheapest out there, but I like my Ground Control Weight Jacks.

When you install them, you can determine your own ride height up & down, by a good 2"-3" range, without ever changing springs & only by using a a few hand tool.

I've gone the set height lowering springs before. Never again. If I ever have to do another car, I'll go weight jacks again.

 

I just got my car off the stock springs replaced the steering components and tried replacing the balljoints and ends up the control arms are bad so i ordered and got the spown tubalars but havnt put them in. I replaced the stock springs with spingtech drop of 1.75 for like 160 i think for fronts and rears. You can find them on ebay. when i get the car back out and ill get ya pics, unless you get done befor let me no lol

 

yes, post some pics for sure man, I am doing a full rebuild from the ground up so I have lots to work on...lol