changes when lowering?
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 75
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From: Shirley New York
changes when lowering?
just did the adjustment on the spring stops today and was able to lower the front a 1/2" and the rear only 1/8", now i'm wondering? won't this change the alignment or the spring rate on the wheels and the ride itself? feels fine now but worry about permature tire wear, has anyone noticed trouble after doing this change - or the even greater drop useing aftermarket replacement stops or cutting the stock ones?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 5,865
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From: Hope, Arkansas - '07 LMB Coupe
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Posts in other lowering threads do recommend getting the alignment checked after making adjustments to the lowering bolts whether it be the stock bolts or aftermarket ones. I don't recall anything being mentioned in respect to the spring rate.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 937
Likes: 3
From: Austin Texas
Mine was done..
The rear especially on a Z51 will not move much as you have noted with the stock adjustment bolts.
Mine has used the WWC lowing bolts. However (much to my embarrassment) mine is lowered but I have YET to find a rack where my car will FIT to do the alignment (too low). I pull very slightly to the right and otherwise everything is fine but need the alignment. The Chevy dealer was going to do the alignment at no charge (good people) but it won't fit on their rack. So if anyone knows the manufacturer of an alignment rack or a nation wide company where is will fit please let me know.
Mine has used the WWC lowing bolts. However (much to my embarrassment) mine is lowered but I have YET to find a rack where my car will FIT to do the alignment (too low). I pull very slightly to the right and otherwise everything is fine but need the alignment. The Chevy dealer was going to do the alignment at no charge (good people) but it won't fit on their rack. So if anyone knows the manufacturer of an alignment rack or a nation wide company where is will fit please let me know.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 10,399
Likes: 26
From: Austin Texas
richbell; Bring some 1" X 12"'s with you to the alignment shop, a combination of lengths and spacing will get you on to any alignment rack. There was a post earlier showing someone's homemade approach ramps, maybe a search will find it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,566
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From: Goleta CA
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Nothing will change the spring rate other than changing the spring itself, or it's mounting points. Mine's lowered on Zip's replacement bushings by about 1.5in. The ride is not affected at all, however it will bottom out sooner, but I've never done that and probably won't. I think mine tends to pull just a little bit, so I'm going to get the alignment checked soon. If you lower it, make sure to put miles on it before getting the alignment done. When I did mine, I drove around my neighborhood a bit then adjusted it. The next weekend I did a 140 mile trip and the rear settled by over 1/4in and one side needed another adjustment.
