Need help lowering my automatic c5?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee WI
Need help lowering my automatic c5?
I want to lowering the front end of my c5, automatic. What is the best way to get at the leaf spring bolts (with wheels off)? Any other tips or suggestions? :seeya
Drifting
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 1,677
Likes: 22
From: Newark CA
Re: Need help lowering my automatic c5? (98ntnsec5)
Check the Tech Tips C5 section for instructions. If you aren't going to cut the bushings, it's an easy job. It helps to unload the spring by raising it off the A-arm with a block of wood on a jack. Turn the bolts counterclockwise from the top. The front end won't drop much, but drive the car some (25 miles?) to let the suspension settle.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee WI
Re: Need help lowering my automatic c5? (joeflyer)
Thanks for the tip. The back end was a piece of cake to lower...it was the front end that did not want to budge. The bolts on my automatic do not seem to give at all when cranked counter-clockwise. I will have to work on it some more this weekend.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,205
Likes: 40
From: Tucson AZ
Re: Need help lowering my automatic c5? (98ntnsec5)
They might be all the way out; one of mine was. They can be VERY hard to turn, and as was noted, you won't really get much lowering unless you drop the A arms to get at the bushings. I decided that was not worth the effort... :rolleyes:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,191
Likes: 0
From: Palm Beach Shores, FL
Re: Need help lowering my automatic c5? (98ntnsec5)
I dropped my 01 A4 using the stock lowering bolts. Didn't get enough out of it. I didn't want to cut the bushings because of all the posts I read about rough ride after cutting the bushings. Wound up putting Breathless Performance's Coil Over system on the car. I can go as low as I want now, without the ride suffering. Handles much better also. Really sticks to the road!! :yesnod: :yesnod: :yesnod:
Call Ernie at Breathless. He'll get you fixed right up. Eric
Call Ernie at Breathless. He'll get you fixed right up. Eric
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee WI
Re: Need help lowering my automatic c5? (joeflyer)
Thanks for all of your help. I did have to drop the A-arm, get a jack under there to relieve pressure from the leaf spring, and remove the bolts for the bottom part of the front shocks. From that point it was very easy to turn the bolts. The car now sits at 27" on all four corners. No pictures yet (she's pretty drity), but I am satisfied with how she looks and rides (I only cut the rear bushings). Thanks again.
