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Front suspension height is 13.75” from hub center to top of wheel arch. Two inches below spec.
Rear is 16” right on spec.
This may explain why I have scraped the oil cooler on road dips and parking curbs several times.
Already purchased new upper shock mounts from Welsh. These will help raise the front a bit but do you
all think I need new front springs as well? I would like the car to be more balanced looking front to back.
Front too low and that makes the back look like it is up in the air.
The new shock mounts will make a big difference but you can add a spacer up to 3/8" thick on top of the shock mount. I used a plastic cutting board for my 97. New springs are probably the best choice, but that's expensive.
Other thing is to look into the lower shock joint. The boot wears out and it gets contaminated. They are available separately from the shock, but require a press to remove, a bit of a pain. General wisdom is to replace the joint ($20?) on the expensive adaptive shocks, but replace the entire shock for the conventional setup ($100?), especially if you have higher miles. I went the cheap way, and in retrospect, as the spring has to be messed with (spring compressors just scare me), I should have taken advantage and just replaced the entire shock. Your wallet, your call.
Front and rear shock bushes from my CATS dampers.
All rubber boots were gone, and several millimeters of play.
Front can be done while you change the uppers, rear can be done in situ if needed.
Changed most all the front end rubber and upper shock mounts. Now measures 15.25 inches from hub to
wheelwell. Still a bit below spec (15.75”) but I am quite happy.
Changed most all the front end rubber and upper shock mounts. Now measures 15.25 inches from hub to
wheelwell. Still a bit below spec (15.75”) but I am quite happy.
Some varations in specs (R features and handling package l think) note a 10-15mm lower ride height. Just putting that out there in case it covers your car.(Detroits and brembos in pic)
Front and rear shock bushes from my CATS dampers.
All rubber boots were gone, and several millimeters of play.
Front can be done while you change the uppers, rear can be done in situ if needed.
Hi thank for the details concerning the repairs. Do you have the boot part numbers ?
Changed most all the front end rubber and upper shock mounts. Now measures 15.25 inches from hub to
wheelwell. Still a bit below spec (15.75”) but I am quite happy.
Wow, that sure is a big difference when I look at your picture from before. You actually have a gap now between the top of your wheel and the wheelwell. Just by changing bushings and rubbers! Nice! I gotta do exactly the same for the same problem.
You're saying you're still a bit below specs front, but that could be the springs being 'tired' too. Many advised me that it can really affect the height.
Another thing is, in my case, I have a R package, I've read somewhere that's why the ride is lowered 10mm (ie a little less then 1/2 inch). So that could be why in your case too. That or the springs...
Btw what do you mean by replace front end rubbers exactly? Did you use polyurethane? Changed the mounts?
I'm in desperate need of doing the same op on my car. I mean the car literally hits the road on freeways and streets whenever I drive over a bump/dip at 20mph +.
It's so scary I'm scared to drive the car now. Last time I heard the bottom scratching the road on a freeway, driving at 65mph! I literally freaked out and finish the drive at 50...fml
03-14-2019, 10:43 AM
Front end too low
