Lowering, the the proper way

[DSM_Rastafari]

Finally ready to lower my eclipse, thing is i want to do it the right way. What all do i need to lower it 2". I like the idea of coilovers but how exactly do they work? Also how much am i looking to spend?

 

[DSMnOOb00]

700 for Megan coil overs, 100 on camber kit

 

[DSMnOOb00]

Extremepsi.com

 

[DSM_Rastafari]

So if im going for coilovers, all i need is a coilover kit and camber kit? What all do i need if i just go with springs?

 

[Alx555]

springs are going to be the cheapest way to go and the only downside is that it will stay that low unlike with coilovers witch can be adjusted, and I'm not positive but i think the springs is all you need. let us no what you decide

 

[grothe3297venge]

I would hope your looking into shocks also if you go into just the springs. That low you need obviously shocks, the springs (or coilovers), and front an rear camber kit.

 

[Spector5]

I went with kyb struts and Megan racing lowersprings. With megans your gonna get 2" in the front and 1.9" in the rear. You just have to make the decision, coilovers: Ruffer ride, but are adjustable. Lowering Srpings: not adjustable, but won't beat the crap out of you as bad during daily driving. However, if you have the money do as much as possible struts springs, Camber kit.

 

[4g63tc]

Kyb Gr2 are the same as stock, no upgrade there.
Koni Yellows Best upgrade you can get for a non-purpose built coilover setup , adjustability, and rebuildable. approx $ 150 and up each.

Lowering springs= set height and use of stock struts (non-adjustable) $100- $200

Coil over sleeves = basic adjustabilty through using a threaded sleeve that allows you to raise/lower the position of the lower spring seat. these are available in different spring rates, may be used with stock or upgraded struts $200-$500

Full coilovers = The body of the strut is threaded making the mounting surface one-piece, adjusts the same as a sleeve set up, Full coil overs allow for different spring rates, and dampening on the strut to allow for a soft or hard ride. $500-skys the limit based on quality and manufacturer. IE: custom set up.

With any Changes to the geometry of the suspension camber kits will be required to maintain good tire wear.

There are plenty of threads regarding quality, cost, and choices available.

The Biggest question is what do you plan for the car? DD, auto x, drag etc. then base your choice according to usage, and pocketbook.

 

[TSIturbo91]

Kyb Gr2 are the same as stock, no upgrade there.
Koni Yellows Best upgrade you can get for a non-purpose built coilover setup , adjustability, and rebuildable. approx $ 150 and up each.

Lowering springs= set height and use of stock struts (non-adjustable) $100- $200

Coil over sleeves = basic adjustabilty through using a threaded sleeve that allows you to raise/lower the position of the lower spring seat. these are available in different spring rates, may be used with stock or upgraded struts $200-$500

Full coilovers = The body of the strut is threaded making the mounting surface one-piece, adjusts the same as a sleeve set up, Full coil overs allow for different spring rates, and dampening on the strut to allow for a soft or hard ride. $500-skys the limit based on quality and manufacturer. IE: custom set up.

With any Changes to the geometry of the suspension camber kits will be required to maintain good tire wear.

There are plenty of threads regarding quality, cost, and choices available.

The Biggest question is what do you plan for the car? DD, auto x, drag etc. then base your choice according to usage, and pocketbook.

Best advice for you right here. I'm at work and was going to help out but 4g63tc beat me to it. Anyway, yes when you lower it you change the geometry of your suspension. This will cause improper tire wear, improper alignment and reduce drivability. The camber kit will give you the ability to counter the 2" of drop and bring the geometry back to "spec" thus correctly lowing the car 2".

As pointed out you have many options but in the end it's up to your wallet and build plan. So a camber kit, your preference of coil overs, springs, ect and an alignment and you should be 2" lower with out compromising quality and drivability.

 

[Johng322]

I'm curious how the coilovers would result in a rougher ride than just lowering springs. My knowledge of this says that, assuming both setups use comparable springs and shocks, the only difference would be the coilover sleeve which shouldn't cause any handling effect unless they are very poorly/improperly made. Can anyone else shed some light on this?

I agree witth 4g63tc there are many options available which would suit you depending on your intended usage.

I went with kyb struts and Megan racing lowersprings. With megans your gonna get 2" in the front and 1.9" in the rear. You just have to make the decision, coilovers: Ruffer ride, but are adjustable. Lowering Srpings: not adjustable, but won't beat the crap out of you as bad during daily driving. However, if you have the money do as much as possible struts springs, Camber kit.

 

[RamenPride]

I'm curious how the coilovers would result in a rougher ride than just lowering springs. My knowledge of this says that, assuming both setups use comparable springs and shocks, the only difference would be the coilover sleeve which shouldn't cause any handling effect unless they are very poorly/improperly made. Can anyone else shed some light on this?

I agree witth 4g63tc there are many options available which would suit you depending on your intended usage.

Coilovers come with spring rates that are usually a lot higher than stock. Lowering springs have rates that range from softer than stock to just slightly stiffer than stock.

 

[Johng322]

I wasn't aware of the spring rate of lowering springs. I thought the stiffer/harsher ride was being attributed to the choice to go with coilovers. If the OP wanted to be able to adjust the ride height but didn't want a firmer ride softer springs could be used. As you said they usually have a higher rate but don't necessarily always have to.

Coilovers come with spring rates that are usually a lot higher than stock. Lowering springs have rates that range from softer than stock to just slightly stiffer than stock.

 

[foxracing4500]

if you dont go with coilovers I would get,
koni yellow with some eibach springs but that would probably run you $500-600ish

 

[jtmcinder]

I went with kyb struts and Megan racing lowersprings. With megans your gonna get 2" in the front and 1.9" in the rear. You just have to make the decision, coilovers: Ruffer ride, but are adjustable. Lowering Srpings: not adjustable, but won't beat the crap out of you as bad during daily driving. However, if you have the money do as much as possible struts springs, Camber kit.

This is mostly nonsense. Everyone should ignore it. Whether the ride is "ruff" or "beats the crap out of you" depends on spring-rate, compression damping, and available travel; it doesn't depend on whether you have sleeves or OE-style perches; it doesn't depend on shape of spring.

 

[jtmcinder]

My guess is that the OP just wants Sportlines and a DIY rear camber kit. My guess is that the OP wants to slam the car for minimal money and handling be damned.

 

[4g63tc]

if you dont go with coilovers I would get,
koni yellow with some eibach springs but that would probably run you $500-600ish

Jtmcinder would disagree, best non-full coil over setup, that performs better than the low end coilovers. Koni yellows , with ground control sleeves. about $1100 new.

Cheapest I've found Koni yellows is $158 apiece, and a Ground control sleeve set up (koni specific) $399.00

 

[DSM_Rastafari]

I plan on just using the car as DD/ occasionally drag
Think im going to go with springs, made my choice on the the Megan Racing lowering springs 2" front 2" back
What struts and camber kits are recommended? What else might i need? sway bars ect...

 

[Isabelledc5]

Coilovers are expensive - I'd go with KYB AGX or KYB GR2 struts and Eibach springs

 

[jtmcinder]

Coilovers are expensive - I'd go with KYB AGX or KYB GR2 struts and Eibach springs

You do know that the car already has GR2s on it, right?

 

[Isabelledc5]

You do know that the car already has GR2s on it, right?

No, I did not read that. I'll look through again.

 

[jtmcinder]

It's not something you read in this thread; it's something you know. The OE shocks on 2Gs are GR2s.

 

[NWHTanK]

You do know that the car already has GR2s on it, right?

Asuming that it still has its factory struts or shocks still on it. Are cars arent getting any younger. The struts or shocks are a wear and tear item.

 

[4g63tc]

Asuming that it still has its factory struts or shocks still on it. Are cars arent getting any younger. The struts or shocks are a wear and tear item.

What he's saying is OE struts for the 2g eclipse are made by KYB and they are the same as GR2's, even my Outlander has OE GR2's.

To the OP

Pick up some coilover sleeves you'll thank me later, when you can adjust them a bit higher when speed bumps, and steep driveways become an issue.

At a minimum replace the struts, but it's not required ( then again why do it twice?)

When it comes to suspension you get what you pay for.

Jtmcinder can guide you if you're nice, and listen, although he'll cringe when i say i'm gonna bag mine with the ksport system. ( i don't drag, autox or even daily drive mine. it's just a project that keeps me busy)