Lowering & Drivetrain stress

[Nick McCardle]

Can a 1G AWD be lowered w/ Sportlines and not have to worry about any damage from Drivetrain stress? I've heard of being low causing too much stress and eventual damage on the drivetrain. Properly aligned, with upgraded shocks, etc. will the drivetrain be totally fine with Sportlines?

 

[2-0turbo]

I would say "yes"--you can lower without fear from damaging your car. I am not sure what kind of damage and drivetrain stress you are referring to. If you lower and don't increase your spring rate and are constantly running on the bump stops, that could cause some problems. Other than that, the geometry of the suspension will easily allow a small drop. I lowered the rear of my 1G AWD 1.25 inches and I needed camber correction on the rear--you might too. This doesn't really effect "suspension life", but it dramatically effects tire life and handling.

The only thing I can really think of is wheels--if you start getting into some crazy offsets to stuff big tires under there or if you just like your wheels to stick out a foot (oh gosh, please don't say you want this!) : ), you can shorted the life of your wheel bearings dramatically. Other than that, have fun.

 

[Nick McCardle]

I'd just heard of going too low causing problems with the drivetrain...mainly for AWD cars. I don't want to do anything extreme. Just some Sportlines w/ some Koni or AGX shocks/struts, maybe sometime down the road some nice 17" wheels.

 

[GreenGSX]

Just like Matt said, you can go ahead and lower the car without fear of hurting anything. The thing to look out for when lowering the car is the change in the pinon angle which applys to 4x4 trucks that are lifted. Our rear diff is fixed to the body so there is never a change in the pinon angle. There will be a change in the angle of the rear half-shafts but they are CV jointed at both ends so again, not a problem.

If your interested in handling don't slam the car in the weeds. It is better to lower the car but to much will change the roll center of gravity and actually make the car handle worse. Most of the good springs out there H&R-Eibach work great for everyday driving and some autocrossing but to go beyond that a set of coilover springs are a must. Mike at DSS is a great guy to talk to.

Tim

 

[2-0turbo]

Originally posted by GreenGSX
Most of the good springs out there H&R-Eibach work great for everyday driving and some autocrossing but to go beyond that a set of coilover springs are a must. Mike at DSS is a great guy to talk to.

Tim

I agree with Tim to talk with Mike. Ahem! Tell him Matt sent you! Maybe he'll cut me a deal on the next thing I buy from him. I have DSS coilovers on my car and have been pleased with them. Yes, they are more expensive than sportlines, H&R, etc. but for $200 more, I can redo my entire suspension (spring rates) and set my ride height to anything I desire.