Lowering Springs

[TSITurbo95]

Ok, so I can get a good deal on some 2" megan racing lowering springs $40 for the set, and was wondering if I could just throw these on. My questions are. . .

If I throw them on, will my stock struts handle them?

Second, to fix the camber from the drop, would I take it someplace to do a 4 wheel alignment?

 

[gofer]

Ok, so I can get a good deal on some 2" megan racing lowering springs $40 for the set, and was wondering if I could just throw these on. My questions are. . .

If I throw them on, will my stock struts handle them?

Second, to fix the camber from the drop, would I take it someplace to do a 4 wheel alignment?

The stock struts will fail FASTER than they would running the OEM springs but its not going to just blow them, who knows though they could already be blown?

To fix the camber your going to need this STM: REAR CAMBER KIT 2G DSM (95-99) and a 4 wheel alignment or your tires will wear unevenly...

 

[TSITurbo95]

They are not blown "yet" . But shit, for that price, I have tons of bolts and washers I could use in exchange for that, save some money. Ok, thanks.

 

[PieEyedPiper]

I don't suggest you put those springs on your car - no matter what shocks you have. OEM shocks will blow in a hurry with a 2" drop. Don't even try. Gr-2's likely won't cut it, HP's, Illuminas or AGX's stand a better chance but Konis are about the only shock for our cars that can really handle a drop like that.

Megan springs are so low/low spring rate that you'll constantly be on the bumpstops (bad ride), scraping your bumper, having half the city off limits and you'll be reaching the point of diminished returns on lowering the car so much. The suspension geometry changes with a drop like that so much that it could start to hamper performance.

As for camber kits, Eccentric bushings are most desireable kind for the front because they will not alter the geometry and potentially cause interference between the upper a-arm and the inner fender/shock tower. All other types of adjustment for our cars suffer from that characteristic. For the rear camber, longer hardened bolts and washers will do the trick. Use locktite.

A 4 wheel alignment will not be able to correct camber straight out of the gate. You will need a kit of some kind for the front and rear as our cars do not come from the factory with any adjustment for camber.

 

[TSITurbo95]

I just did research and not going that route. I am going to go with a strut/spring combo of a 1.75" drop.

 

[nothingfiction]

Why would anybody want to lower a 2G anyway? i don't know about you guys, but my front bumper is literally only 3 inches off the ground as it is. i am told that is stock height. if anything, maybe lower the rear just slightly, like half an inch. But that is my opinion, i have been known to be wrong.

 

[PieEyedPiper]

Why would anybody want to lower a 2G anyway? i don't know about you guys, but my front bumper is literally only 3 inches off the ground as it is. i am told that is stock height. if anything, maybe lower the rear just slightly, like half an inch. But that is my opinion, i have been known to be wrong.

The key is to lower the car with style AND purpose. I'm on Prokits and it's pretty much too low all the time.

And to the OP be sure you want to go even as low as 1.75". I'm assuming you're looking at the HP kit?

 

[nothingfiction]

The key is to lower the car with style AND purpose.

i understand the purpose part. air velocity and such.
but the style part? unless it's a dramatic drop no one but you and your paycheque will ever notice.
if anything get something adjustable like the Megan Racing adjustable coilovers. Maybe you don't have crappy roads there, but here in the hills... imagine cruising around with a 2 inch drop in pennsylvania. We all have heard those horror stories on just stock height alone any any and all cars.

 

[TSITurbo95]

I was looking at the HP kit, as it is the cheapest and seems like the best deal. The pro kit is like $240 plus the cost of the shocks, kinda pricey for me.

 

[gofer]

I was looking at the HP kit, as it is the cheapest and seems like the best deal. The pro kit is like $240 plus the cost of the shocks, kinda pricey for me.

If i had a 2g with a stock suspension and I was wanting to get a more aggressive stance while keeping it driveable and getting somewhat of an improvement in the corners I'd run the eibach prokit springs on the stock shocks... thats me though. Aftermarket shocks are $100+ a corner and don't have a lifetime replace warranty. If you head down to autozone you can get stock shocks for $60 a corner with a lifetime warranty, you blow a shock then its time to head into AutoZone and get a freeby... try doing that with a blown $125 Tokico Illumina.

prokits FTW.

I've posted in all kinds of suspension threads with the same pics but new threads keep popping up asking about a 2" drop or what springs/suspension should I run so here are a few pics I've posted on other threads as examples.

roughly a 2" drop...

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

roughly a 1.3" drop on the prokit...

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

i not only can go over speed bumps and dips like a normal car im also running A LOT wider tires at all four corners and never rub which might benefit you later down the road when you start having traction problems.

 

[PieEyedPiper]

i understand the purpose part. air velocity and such.
but the style part? unless it's a dramatic drop no one but you and your paycheque will ever notice.

Good thing that my drop not only improved my car's style and performance (marginally) but I didn't do it for anyone but myself. I don't much care what others think. Most are all just hating anyways. Seriously though, while the drop wasn't dramatic, the car's change in stance is. I do firmly believe in the aesthetics equation of suspension but function over form for me. I do know where you're coming from.

If i had a 2g with a stock suspension and I was wanting to get a more aggressive stance while keeping it driveable and getting somewhat of an improvement in the corners I'd run the eibach prokit springs on the stock shocks... thats me though. Aftermarket shocks are $100+ a corner and don't have a lifetime replace warranty. If you head down to autozone you can get stock shocks for $60 a corner with a lifetime warranty, you blow a shock then its time to head into AutoZone and get a freeby... try doing that with a blown $125 Tokico Illumina.

prokits FTW.

Would you be surprised if I told you that Tokico Illuminas, HPs and Konis all have lifetime warranties?

*DRUM ROLL*

They do.

Besides, who wants to continuously be swapping out blown struts?
Furthermore, I think it needs to be said that I wouldn't advise Prokits to anyone looking for any serious level of performance. The Prokits too, suffer from too large a drop and the same or lower spring rates than stock. I do, however, recommend them for your average DD looking to put a little spunk in their step while keeping a ride height that allows you to still get across town, as you mentioned.

Basically my bit is this: Research. Plan your suspension upgrades. Save your money and spend it only once. I detest my Illumina + Prokit setup because, well because it's too ####y for lack of a better word. The only way to improve it is to go with REAL springs like GC's with hypercoils, but then it's the Illuminas thatd be holding me back. No S-tech, Prokit, GF210, Syntrax, etc. spring is going to cut the mustard.
The ride around town is decent, sure. But as far as real performance goes? No way, man. Konis + GC's all the way. Getting the Illuminas + Prokits was a great experience for me though, overall. Far better than stock and I learned so much about my car and why I shouldn't have settled for anything but the best (being a high-end dedicated coilover setup or the Koni +GC route). I guess it's a double-edged sword.

 

[gofer]

Would you be surprised if I told you that Tokico Illuminas, HPs and Konis all have lifetime warranties?

*DRUM ROLL*

They do.

I'm not surprised your telling me that, I'll be surprised when you show me the proof that way I can trade in my two blown rear Tokico Illuminas...

 

[PieEyedPiper]

It wasn't included in your paper work? I mean I will have to admit that I haven't yet had to have one replaced but here's a reference from their site:
Tokico Gas Shocks - FAQ's
- Q: Does TOKICO offer a warranty on their products?
A: TOKICO offers a limited lifetime warranty for all of our performance shocks purchased for street use. Products used or designed for competition are not covered under warranty.

- Q: How do I make Warranty Claim?
A: You need to have your original proof of purchase and make a claim with the business that you originally purchased the product from. If they are no longer in business, you will need to work with another authorized distributor near you.

I at least hope that my shocks are covered in reality and not just on paper. I've not dealt with Tokico personally on this matter. It was one of the reasons I purchased them. You're right though since I can't substantiate that Tokico and the distributor actually follow through. It could be like trying to get ebay warranties honored, who knows! haha!
I do have a friend who has received a warranty replacement pair of Konis, so at least I can prove that much I suppose.

 

[gofer]

Gotcha... Thats good info for most but I have seen that little blurb. I bought my Illumina's 7 years ago from a place in CO, I now live in CA. I did call them and ask about them being covered by the warranty (I do still have the paperwork) and they said their business wouldn't cover them.
I guess I should probably contact Tokico via EMAIL and let them know that one of their "approved dealers" isn't returning/replacing blown shocks.

Thanks.