Should I use the ST lowering springs?

['76mintgrün'02]

Ah, I was just thinking that if someone had installed Bilsteins at some point, they might still have some life left in them.  Mike has said he cannot tell the difference between the set he installed many years/miles ago and the newer ones in his other car.  (I'm hoping mine last forever).

[tdskip]

[tdskip]

4 minutes ago, '76mintgrün'02 said:

Ah, I was just thinking that if someone had installed Bilsteins at some point, they might still have some life left in them.  Mike has said he cannot tell the difference between the set he installed many years/miles ago and the newer ones in his other car.  (I'm hoping mine last forever).

 

Hi, thanks for the response.

 

I was planning on refreshing the struts while I have everything apart, but hadn’t considered that those would have any significant impact on the ride height.  Do I need to rethink that? 

 

 Picture above is how she sat before I started removing everything  (Engine is still installed in that side on picture)

[Son of Marty]

Well Bilsteins will provide some lift due to the high pressure gas in them but it's not much and seeing as bilsteins are currently mia it looks like koni's are in your future and they shouldn't effect ride height.

['76mintgrün'02]

No.  The height is set by the springs. 

 

Looks good in that side view.  It'll be fun to see the difference the ST springs make.

 

 

 

[tdskip]

 I’d really like to avoid having to drop the sub frame again, but I suppose I have to just suck it up and get these installed and give it a try 

[Son of Marty]

No need to drop the sub frame to change the shocks and springs.

[Vicleonardo1]

Not the best pic (from the side). I will try and find a better one when I can.  

Here is mine with ST springs. 15X7 with 195 55/R15 's Just get a bit of rub over some potholes. (still have to roll the fenders)

Just about a 1/2" drop. 

Edited July 7, 2020 by Vicleonardo1

[TobyB]

yes

 

t

 

bilstones last forever.  Whether that's good or bad is subjective

 

Edited July 7, 2020 by TobyB

[NYNick]

10 hours ago, tdskip said:

 

Hi, thanks for the response.

 

I was planning on refreshing the struts while I have everything apart, but hadn’t considered that those would have any significant impact on the ride height.  Do I need to rethink that? 

 

 Picture above is how she sat before I started removing everything  (Engine is still installed in that side on picture)

No they shouldn't impact height, other than those front strut spacer removal."'Spring" for new Sway bars too! Ha!

 

Those rear springs don't automatically fit perfectly into the spring pads on the way down. Just make sure you guide them into place. I also wired the front ones to the top of the strut so they stay properly oriented. Tech article goes through that too.

[tdskip]

Thanks for all of the responses.

 

i am using the period funky alloy wheels the car came with, so 185/70/13s. Any issues with tire rub there?

 

Thanks for the picture @Vicleonardo1

[Vicleonardo1]

9 hours ago, tdskip said:

Thanks for all of the responses.

 

i am using the period funky alloy wheels the car came with, so 185/70/13s. Any issues with tire rub there?

 

Thanks for the picture @Vicleonardo1

Hard to be definitive with the topic. Each car is a bit different and the springs/shocks combo may have slightly different results. (Plus I have the big bumpers). Surprising differences in some tire brands and whether there is rubbing or not. 

 The wheel/tire combo I chose should be the same DIAMETER as yours. Not sure if my tire width is the issue. I Just need a little fender rolling. 

Cheers! 

Edited July 8, 2020 by Vicleonardo1

[steve oneill]

I am told there are spacers in the front springs to bring the headlights up to the correct level. What ever that is. I am taking the spacers out which will result in a 3/4" drop in the nose. That should also help with cornering.  

 

Steve

[tdskip]

1 hour ago, steve oneill said:

I am told there are spacers in the front springs to bring the headlights up to the correct level. What ever that is. I am taking the spacers out which will result in a 3/4" drop in the nose. That should also help with cornering.  

 

Steve

 

Hi Steve.

 

Federal regulations change the 1974 and in response many manufacturers simply raised the ride height of their cars for the USA market. Some manufacturers, and I’m not gonna name names but they’re British, only raise the front of the car and left the back alone so you had a reverse rake as they were shipped from the factory. 

 

[steve oneill]

My 76 '02 certainly looks like it has the British Reverse Rake.  I will know when the spacers are removed.