The prev. owner of my car used two sets of 1-inch-high "washers" between the mounting surface and the front-strut bolts on the front suspension, under the hood. I believe the car is lowered approx. an inch right now as a result of this, but I'm pretty sure this is a home-rigged, poor performing, and unsafe method of lowering a car?! Suggestions on the next step to take?

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Brian P.
'91 TransAM: 305TPI -=flowed=-

 

Were it me, I'd take them out and install lowering springs. Or if I wanted a real drop I'd install dropped spindles. Just by asking the question you're admitting that it gives you the heebie-jeebies so you might as well do something about it.

But that's just me.

Steve

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Steve's Trans Am Temple

 

Struts don't hold the car up. Those washers won't change ride height. The springs hold the weight of the car. Maybe the strut mounts are toast and they were trying to fix the problem with some washers?



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82 camaro--original steering wheel, brake/gas pedals, seats--everything else modified
82camaro

 

Sounds like home made caster plates to me (caster/camber plates, whatever). Definitely not the optimum setup. Caster plates are a good idea with a lowered suspension though to utilize the shock travel better and retain a little bit of the geometry. The car is probably lowered with cut or shorter springs.

Clem

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Clem
SCCA TransAm Series Race Mechanic/CrewChief
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1983 Z28 with LG4, 5 speed, and (unfortunately) T-tops
1983 Z28, NO T-tops, (unfortunately) Auto Transmission (hopefully not for long)

 

Well, turns out the "washers" are strut-bolt-spacers, that do infact lower the car maybe a WHOLE HALF AN INCH?! Sheesh, imagine that, still, I'm getting them removed b/c the strut-mount-plate undeneath (inside the wheel well) has aftermarket/longer screws welded to it, making no sense whatsoever. Kinda' a ~pita~ since it's $20 for the parts, $40 for another alignment, and $40 for the labor. Thanks for the info, I think taking them out will restore a little bit of ride quality and I'm also planning on a set of south side machine sfc's. New tires in the plans also, any recommendations for a skinny wallet?


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Brian P.
'91 TransAM: 305TPI -=flowed=-

 

Seriously, the stuts don't hold up the car and those spacers won't lower it at all. Look at it this way, if your struts are completely worn out your suspension won't drop to the ground and scrape--it will just bounce alot.
Check the tirerack.com or ask around. I got some clearance Goodyear GS-C's for 68 bucks a tire from the local Goodyear dealer.


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82 camaro--original steering wheel, brake/gas pedals, seats--everything else modified
82camaro