So I had the front upper shock mounts go out on me again so I decided while I was in there I would swap out all of the springs for a set of lowering springs... here is the final result (which I am very happy with):

AFTER the lowering springs...


Also AFTER the lowering springs...

In the front I replaced the upper shock mounts and the upper control arm bushings and the springs, shown here:

Finished front...


Front Springs comparison...please note they ARE upside down

For the rears I JUST replaced the springs as I had done the shocks and mounts a year and a half ago and they looked fine. Here are a few pics:

Rear suspension after replacement...


Rear spring comparison... (MUCH beefier - they are also upside down)

Please note, the last time I did the rears I was dying using spring compressors and trying to bend down the back plate as motorcarman always says to do... BUT this time I bought a spreading tool (on sale for $79) and I inserted it between the rear suspension mounting plate and where it bolts underneath and I was able to bend it down enough that I pulled out the old springs and put in the new ones WITHOUT using any spring compressors... here is the tool that I bought:

This is the tool as I started to bend down the bottom plate...


This is the kit I bought from Northern Tool on sale for $79...

The tool kit was a life saver. I was able to do everything by myself except I needed someone to step down on the lower control arm in the rear as I put the spring, shock and mount back into place here:

I needed someone to push down on this lower control arm as I installed the rear setup up and into the upper mounting bolts and down into the rubber seat...

Just thought I would share how well it went with that tool

 

Chris, she looks great! How much difference does it make to handling? Please tell us about that.

Thanks John

 

Thanks! I will post back next week for sure (I won't be able to give it a thorough driving until the weekend or later)...

 

Chris, I like the stance. We will all be interested in your observations on the change to ride / handling. By the way, what wheels are you running? I assume they are aftermarket. Are they 20"? Stock offsets? Spacers required? They have the appearance of the Perseus wheels from the Victory package without the trim rings. They are beautiful! Joe K

 

Thanks! They are 20" Avant Garde M310 wheels... and I did buy them because they reminded me of the Perseus wheels. The only issue I had with them was the center bore, but I called them and they said I could have it bored out to the 73.9mm without any issues.

Not sure of the offset but I was not running any spacers (although I just purchased some 3mm spacers as the wheels do rub slightly on the inside - they probably rubbed when I first put them on but I didn't notice and they wore away a little of the lip on the back inside of the wheel well, but now that its lowered I hear a small amount of rubbing so I hope the 3mm does the trick... if not I will try 5mm spacers but that would be about the max without swapping out the lug bolts).

Once I do get the spacers in I will take it out for a thorough drive to see how it handles

 

Thanks for the info Chris! I have been on the hunt for about one year now. I mounted my Michelin Pilot Sport tires in 2009. I plan to keep those for winter storage and mount a new set on new wheels. This might be the solution I've been seeking. Look forward to your assessment of the new ride. I hope it is everything you wanted!

 

Beautiful ride.

 

Hi Chris, We chatted back in June of 2018 when you had just installed the lowering springs on your car. What has been your opinion of the change in ride and handling with the lower springs. Also, what spacers did you finally use to correct the wheel well contact with the Avant M310 wheels? I have owned my 2000 XKR since 2003. It is something of a garage queen with only 14,500 miles on it. I am about to bite the bullet on a new set of wheels, and really like your Avants. Would like to consider the lowering springs as well if the ride is not compromised. I would appreciate your experience. Thanks! Joe K