I've asked this before but really never got an answer. Is one better than the other or are they basically the same? Thanks!

The only reason I went with Eibach is becasuse of there reputation of making a quality product. I would assume you would be more interested in how low you want to go.

The only reason I went with Eibach is becasuse of there reputation of making a quality product. I would assume you would be more interested in how low you want to go.

Yeah I noticed they all have different lowering specs.

I have had the SprinTechs for almost 2 years- no problems yet. Pricing is good as well.

It depends on how low you want to go. Eibach will lower the car 1" and the others will lower it from 1.25" to 1.75". I have Eibach's because I didn't want to go any lower than 1" but I think they all are good quality springs. I know folks that have Springtech and Intrax springs and haven't had any problems.

springtech 1.75" drop here, love the handling and ride height

springtech 1.75" drop here, love the handling and ride height


What size wheels do you have? I have 18s and was wondering about rubbing.

You should also be advised that the lowering specs stated by the various brand springs are estimates. In my case an actual before & after measurement revealed that my Eibachs lowered my LSE 1.25" to 1.2". Could have been because my stock springs only had 2000 mile and were not fully set, but I suspect the luck of the draw.

:Beer

What size wheels do you have? I have 18s and was wondering about rubbing.

20s and with a lot of passengers it rubs just slightly. i've modified where it rubs because it leaves a mark, just some banging and cutting..nothing to drastic.

20s and with a lot of passengers it rubs just slightly. i've modified where it rubs because it leaves a mark, just some banging and cutting..nothing to drastic.


Appreciate the help; I'm going with the Springtechs.

I got a little over an inch drop on my Eibachs and it's plenty. I have a firmer ride as well. LOVE those cloverleafs at 60mph. While I know some guys on here have lower set-ups, I can't imagine having to deal with the downsides to being any lower than I am. I STILL have to take most speed bumps at a crawl diagonally and have to constantly anticipate every driveway and curb I encounter. Despite all my precautions I occasionally SCRAAAAPE bottom or bump hard. It's like fingernails on a chalkboard. I visited a buddy with a steep drive way and drug my right Borla exhaust tip. Ended up having to drive through his yard on the way out to avoid it. Seems like the drop that you're going to get with Springtechs is going to be a huge pain in the ass, anywhere but on flat highways.

It depends on how low you want to go. Eibach will lower the car 1" and the others will lower it from 1.25" to 1.75". I have Eibach's because I didn't want to go any lower than 1" but I think they all are good quality springs. I know folks that have Springtech and Intrax springs and haven't had any problems.

Do you have problems scraping on driveways? also do your wheels rub with people in the car

I'm not even dropped and I drag my LSE tips once and a while. I do carry a bit of crap for work in my truck, probably similar to a 1" drop. I'm thinking of just a front drop, do they sell seperate front springs? I'm used to lowered cars, but too low can be inconvinent for a daily driver.

I got a little over an inch drop on my Eibachs and it's plenty. I have a firmer ride as well. LOVE those cloverleafs at 60mph. While I know some guys on here have lower set-ups, I can't imagine having to deal with the downsides to being any lower than I am. I STILL have to take most speed bumps at a crawl diagonally and have to constantly anticipate every driveway and curb I encounter. Despite all my precautions I occasionally SCRAAAAPE bottom or bump hard. It's like fingernails on a chalkboard. I visited a buddy with a steep drive way and drug my right Borla exhaust tip. Ended up having to drive through his yard on the way out to avoid it. Seems like the drop that you're going to get with Springtechs is going to be a huge pain in the ass, anywhere but on flat highways.

Thanks for the input. It's interesting that no one else said I'm going to have a lot of problems. Oh well, it's too late now. Hopefully it's not as bad as you say but I do appreciate your input. I'll let everyone know.

Thanks for the input. It's interesting that no one else said I'm going to have a lot of problems. Oh well, it's too late now. Hopefully it's not as bad as you say but I do appreciate your input. I'll let everyone know.
Tire size is got alot to do with ground clearance, my 20s are a little taller than the stockers, so the 20s with a 1 1/2" drop vs. the stockers with a 1" drop = about the same ground clearance.

I have been driving sport suspensioned lowered cars all my life. I have to say the the 1.25" lowering of my LSE is all that I would be prepared to handle. I must watch dips, speed bumps and even some intersections with a very sharp eye to avoid bottoming or scraping the chin (which BTW now measures only 3.25" off the ground. I too don't know how the people with 2" drops survive every day driving. My hat is off to them.:)

I have been driving sport suspensioned lowered cars all my life. I have to say the the 1.25" lowering of my LSE is all that I would be prepared to handle. I must watch dips, speed bumps and even some intersections with a very sharp eye to avoid bottoming or scraping the chin (which BTW now measures only 3.25" off the ground. I too don't know how the people with 2" drops survive every day driving. My hat is off to them.:)

Damn sounds like I made a mistake. I guess I better try to change the order before it's too late

Your tire size is important. Guys with the 18s run a smaller diameter tire.

Your tire size is important. Guys with the 18s run a smaller diameter tire.

Yeah and I'm on 18s so I'll be all over the ground.

Do you know the diameter. Stock is like 26.3. Most popular 20 size is like 26.7.
I put my 20s on just last week and the ground clearance differance is noticeable. I'm not saying slam your car, nor am I suggesting people don't know what their talking about, I'm just trying to help you. It'd be helpful to know the tire diameter.

Do you know the diameter. Stock is like 26.3. Most popular 20 size is like 26.7.
I put my 20s on just last week and the ground clearance differance is noticeable. I'm not saying slam your car, nor am I suggesting people don't know what their talking about, I'm just trying to help you. It'd be helpful to know the tire diameter.

Honestly I don't remember but when I ordered my rims/tires the combination was almost exactly the same as stock. I just measured my clearance and it looks like I'm about 8 in off the ground now so that should put me right around 6; probably about the same as the Vette.

A 245/45 18 is the exact same height as the 245/35 20, alittle bigger than stock. I think a 2" drop would be driveable. If your tire is slightly smaller than the the stockers, you gonna be low.

I run Intrax Sport - 2" lower all corners. I also added Howe Spring Rubbers. With my body kit - I'm 3 1/2 of the ground in spots.

Corners like it's on rails - improved my track times and looks good (IMHO)

Anybody know if any of these companies sell front only?

A 245/45 18 is the exact same height as the 245/35 20, alittle bigger than stock. I think a 2" drop would be driveable. If your tire is slightly smaller than the the stockers, you gonna be low.

Well hopefully I'll be ok because that's the size I have.

well I did have to adjust how i drive. it took a few months getting used to. the roads around here aren't bad at all, they're always well maintained. i know when i went to dallas for the weekend i couldn't imagine owning 20s in that city. it was unbelieveable with the drop and 20s, too many potholes and bumps in the road. houston is flat so im never worried about it

well I did have to adjust how i drive. it took a few months getting used to. the roads around here aren't bad at all, they're always well maintained. i know when i went to dallas for the weekend i couldn't imagine owning 20s in that city. it was unbelieveable with the drop and 20s, too many potholes and bumps in the road. houston is flat so im never worried about it

Well I just talked to Suspenion Maxx and they were willing to work with me but said the look and handling is awesome with this combination. So, I guess I'll give this a shot.

I want to put the eibach springs on with an LSE bodykit. Does the body kit make it lower and by how much.

Having the LSE body kit doesn't make the car any lower than it already is. I have the LSE body kit on my car with Eibach's. You can check it out in my car gallery.

Having the LSE body kit doesn't make the car any lower than it already is. I have the LSE body kit on my car with Eibach's. You can check it out in my car gallery.

I too have an LSE with 18" wheels and Eibach Springs. See mine in my Gallery.

I too have an LSE with 18" wheels and Eibach Springs. See mine in my Gallery.

yeah I saw yours and that's what scared the crap out of me. yours already looks low and mine will be 1/2 inch lower. By the way your LS is beautiful.

yeah I saw yours and that's what scared the crap out of me. yours already looks low and mine will be 1/2 inch lower. By the way your LS is beautiful.
Thanks. Not much left for me to do, but wait for the next viable modification. It is the one frustrating thing about owning an LS. There are not many performance mods out there for this engine/chassis combination.

I used SpringTechs, got about 1.75". Still running stock tires, going to 18's when it's time for new rubber.

I hit certain speed bumps, but going slow and at a slight angle helps

I used SpringTechs, got about 1.75". Still running stock tires, going to 18's when it's time for new rubber.

I hit certain speed bumps, but going slow and at a slight angle helps

That's good to hear. I don't mind the speed bumps but I was under the impression I wouldn't be able to drive the car. Do your tires rub at all with passengers?

never had an issue with the tires rubbing

I just found a place to install my springs (Midwest Customs). They said $200 for the install and $50 for the alignment which is done at Meineke. Now, is that too much to pay and should I be worried that the alignment will done at Meineke? Thanks!

are you sure Meineke can't do both? Midas did both of mine.

I went to a Midas and they wanted like 400 to do mine, not including alignment. I had them done by a Ford tech at a collision center for 200 cash, included allignment.

I just found a place to install my springs (Midwest Customs). They said $200 for the install and $50 for the alignment which is done at Meineke. Now, is that too much to pay and should I be worried that the alignment will done at Meineke? Thanks!

My dealer charged just over $300.00 to replace the springs and align the front and rear of the car. Both must be done.

are you sure Meineke can't do both? Midas did both of mine.

You know what Quick, I never asked. I think I will call Midas and Meineke. So I take it you had no problems using them. Well if it's good enough for you then it's good enough for me.

Im curious about ride quality. I love the way my LS rides now and it is a little stiff stock. How much more stiff will the ride be? Ive been considering going 1 inch lower as well but I drive a lot and dont want to be bouncing and bottoming out all over the place.

Im curious about ride quality. I love the way my LS rides now and it is a little stiff stock. How much more stiff will the ride be? Ive been considering going 1 inch lower as well but I drive a lot and dont want to be bouncing and bottoming out all over the place.
Ride quality is so subjective that it is difficult to quantify in a meaningful way without actually trying the springs. When I changed from Sport to Eibach springs it felt to me to be only slightly stiffer than the stock springs. If I could have lowered my car and maintained the stock spring rate, I would have. However, the improvement in handling was worth the slightly stiffer ride. Be advised that you do have to be alert for curbs, speed bumps and driveways with a 1" lower LS.
:Beer

Im curious about ride quality. I love the way my LS rides now and it is a little stiff stock. How much more stiff will the ride be? Ive been considering going 1 inch lower as well but I drive a lot and dont want to be bouncing and bottoming out all over the place.

Expect a considerably stiffer ride. It won't "float" over potholes and you'll feel cracks in concrete highways. The most positive aspect, aside from closing the gaps in the wheel wells and the general lowered appearance, is in handling through curves.

I've asked this before but really never got an answer. Is one better than the other or are they basically the same? Thanks!

Ok the shop just called and said my springs are in and the alignment is good. Now how can the alignment be good? I thought it was automatic that the alignment would be out of wack? Help before I go pick it up.

They should be able to get it pretty close but I don't think it will be perfect. The fronts should be fine if I remember but the rears are a little off.

Ok the shop just called and said my springs are in and the alignment is good. Now how can the alignment be good? I thought it was automatic that the alignment would be out of wack? Help before I go pick it up.
Mine was pretty close, only the camber needed adjustment.

Ok the shop just called and said my springs are in and the alignment is good. Now how can the alignment be good? I thought it was automatic that the alignment would be out of wack? Help before I go pick it up.

Ok everyone below are the results of my alignment after lowering 1.75. Can someone please tell me if this is ok or do I need to take it back.

Ok everyone below are the results of my alignment after lowering 1.75. Can someone please tell me if this is ok or do I need to take it back.
That looks fine, it is nearly impossible to get perfect alignment on a used car. I watched an Auto Mechanic teacher do my alignment and a couple places couldn't be perfect without replacing large parts.

Can you post some new pics with the lowered springs?

That looks fine, it is nearly impossible to get perfect alignment on a used car. I watched an Auto Mechanic teacher do my alignment and a couple places couldn't be perfect without replacing large parts.

Can you post some new pics with the lowered springs?

I wonder why the Caster is out? Won't hurt anything, but I don't see why lowering the car would bump the Caster up. Just do not know enough about the geometry of our suspension I guess.

I wonder why the Caster is out? Won't hurt anything, but I don't see why lowering the car would bump the Caster up. Just do not know enough about the geometry of our suspension I guess.
George,

When I had my car lowered the dealer couldn't get the caster adjusted enough so mine is out. I have slight oversteer sometimes on hard bumps but since I've had my car lowered for well over 2 years now I'm use to it. I guess there isn't that much adjustment for caster on LS.

A little off on caster shouldn't create any problems. Maybe just a little oversteer at times when going over bumps.

That looks fine, it is nearly impossible to get perfect alignment on a used car. I watched an Auto Mechanic teacher do my alignment and a couple places couldn't be perfect without replacing large parts.

Can you post some new pics with the lowered springs?

I have my "winter" wheels on now but I will take a pic later.

George,

When I had my car lowered the dealer couldn't get the caster adjusted enough so mine is out. I have slight oversteer sometimes on hard bumps but since I've had my car lowered for well over 2 years now I'm use to it. I guess there isn't that much adjustment for caster on LS.

A little off on caster shouldn't create any problems. Maybe just a little oversteer at times when going over bumps.

I forgot to mention one of my sway bar links popped off. Where can I get new ones?

George,

When I had my car lowered the dealer couldn't get the caster adjusted enough so mine is out. I have slight oversteer sometimes on hard bumps but since I've had my car lowered for well over 2 years now I'm use to it. I guess there isn't that much adjustment for caster on LS.

A little off on caster shouldn't create any problems. Maybe just a little oversteer at times when going over bumps.

Actually I prefer a little more caster than stock as it gives a better on center feel to me and the LS is already too light in feedback for my taste. But what I was referring to was that his caster was out before he lowered and it moved toward the spec when it was lowered. According to his results sheet, he now has less toe (IMHO Good) and slightly less Caster (=) while camber is now closer to spec than before the new springs. Again it is all personal taste, but I live with a little tire wear to have as close to 0 toe & on some cars a small +toe works for me and as much neg Camber as I can live with.

So no one has a problem with the right rear being that far out of specs?

So no one has a problem with the right rear being that far out of specs?
Those numbers have to be a bit suspect. The R rear Camber is the same before & after the drop and the Camber on the rear is not adjustable. So How did that happen? Also toe is adjustable but R & L are different while the total toe is within specs. If it were my LS, I would prefer that the toe was adjusted equally to bring the total into spec. How about an alignment specialist's opinion. All my experience is from the days before computer alignment.
:Beer

Those numbers have to be a bit suspect. The R rear Camber is the same before & after the drop and the Camber on the rear is not adjustable. So How did that happen? Also toe is adjustable but R & L are different while the total toe is within specs. If it were my LS, I would prefer that the toe was adjusted equally to bring the total into spec. How about an alignment specialist's opinion. All my experience is from the days before computer alignment.
:Beer

Hey I appreciate your input. The numbers look weird to me too but I have no idea what is right for our suspension. I might just take it to another place and have them check it.

the right rear camber is out quite a bit - you'll need to watch tire wear, and swap them often.

the right rear camber is out quite a bit - you'll need to watch tire wear, and swap them often.
Quick why would this be?

But what I was referring to was that his caster was out before he lowered and it moved toward the spec when it was lowered.

makes no sense.

The LS already has a fairly large caster at 8.6 degrees. It should have increased when the car was lowered - I thought.... Far as I know - it is not adjustable.

Quick why would this be?

not sure why one side is out more than the other - maybe something is worn more, or bent a little.

the tire folks normally do not like seening more than 1.5 degrees camber on normal everyday street tires.

not sure why one side is out more than the other - maybe something is worn more, or bent a little.

the tire folks normally do not like seening more than 1.5 degrees camber on normal everyday street tires.

Honestly the more I think about it, the more I think these guys were clowns. I'm going to take it somewhere else this weekend and see what another shop comes up with.

Honestly the more I think about it, the more I think these guys were clowns. I'm going to take it somewhere else this weekend and see what another shop comes up with.

Post what they find, I will bet it will be interesting.

Post what they find, I will bet it will be interesting.

Ok the "Before" numbers are based on when the springs were first put on the car before the alignment, not when the car was first put on the rack with original equipment. And obviously the actual is after the alignment. So based on that what do you guys think? I'm still taking it somewhere else today to have the alignment checked again.

Ok the "Before" numbers are based on when the springs were first put on the car before the alignment, not when the car was first put on the rack with original equipment. And obviously the actual is after the alignment. So based on that what do you guys think? I'm still taking it somewhere else today to have the alignment checked again.

I can't speak for how you react to these types of things, but it would drive my crazy until I had it checked again somewhere else. It may verify the first shop's work or it may not. I would also like to know if anything on the R rear had been tweaked. Just for peace of mind, I would recheck the setup.

I can't speak for how you react to these types of things, but it would drive my crazy until I had it checked again somewhere else. It may verify the first shop's work or it may not. I would also like to know if anything on the R rear had been tweaked. Just for peace of mind, I would recheck the setup.

It drives me crazy and even my wife is surprised I haven't kicked this guys A$$.

It drives me crazy and even my wife is surprised I haven't kicked this guys A$$.
Hes not worth it. How you like them, to early to tell? I'm dropping mine soon,this thread is good for me. I got the 20s and need as much knowledge as can before I do it. Thanks all.

Hes not worth it. How you like them, to early to tell? I'm dropping mine soon,this thread is good for me. I got the 20s and need as much knowledge as can before I do it. Thanks all.

Yeah you're right. Besides the hassle with the alignment the car drives great. I took an offramp at a pretty high speed last night and it hugged the corner very well. I've hit a couple of bumps and railroad tracks and didn't feel that much of a difference but it was slight. My 18s are the same size as my stock in overall height so I don't anticipate and rubbing issues. Now when I put my other rims on will I have to get another alignment?

Does anyone else have their alignment specs for me to compare?

Yeah you're right. Besides the hassle with the alignment the car drives great. I took an offramp at a pretty high speed last night and it hugged the corner very well. I've hit a couple of bumps and railroad tracks and didn't feel that much of a difference but it was slight. My 18s are the same size as my stock in overall height so I don't anticipate and rubbing issues. Now when I put my other rims on will I have to get another alignment?
Only if you change overall tire diameter or significantly change tire width or offset.

Only if you change overall tire diameter or significantly change tire width or offset.

What would cause my right rear to be so far out of wack? What's back there that could've worn?

could be bent control arms, frame damage from accident, lots of things.

could be bent control arms, frame damage from accident, lots of things.

Man don't say accident. I was guaranteed it wasn't in an accident. Got if off a employee lease

bushings could probably cause...possibly a bad pothole or curb "incident" bent something (didn't say accident):)

Man don't say accident. I was guaranteed it wasn't in an accident. Got if off a employee lease
Accident is such a negative word. Perhaps the previous driver just had a curb incident that he never thought about and would not report to his leasing company. Sliding sideways on an icy road into a curb at slow speed may not even register as being significant. It is not out enough to be visually obvious.

Accident is such a negative word. Perhaps the previous driver just had a curb incident that he never thought about and would not report to his leasing company. Sliding sideways on an icy road into a curb at slow speed may not even register as being significant. It is not out enough to be visually obvious.
I have to admit, I've been driving the hell out of the car since the new springs and love it.

I can't speak for how you react to these types of things, but it would drive my crazy until I had it checked again somewhere else. It may verify the first shop's work or it may not. I would also like to know if anything on the R rear had been tweaked. Just for peace of mind, I would recheck the setup.

Ok everyone, drove the heck out of the car so the suspension would settle. Took it to a real alignment shop and everything is right on. Of course the rear is still barely out of limits but they said that's normal for the LS. The original shop had the Toe wrong but it's now fixed. All I can say is I love how the car corners and so far the drop hasn't resulted in too many scrapes. I'll try to take pics today.

Ok everyone, drove the heck out of the car so the suspension would settle. Took it to a real alignment shop and everything is right on. Of course the rear is still barely out of limits but they said that's normal for the LS. The original shop had the Toe wrong but it's now fixed. All I can say is I love how the car corners and so far the drop hasn't resulted in too many scrapes. I'll try to take pics today.

Could you post the new specs so we can compare. Just curious.:)

Could you post the new specs so we can compare. Just curious.:)

Ok hopefully this works!

could be bent control arms, frame damage from accident, lots of things.

Sorry you asked for specs. I'll post those when I get back to work!!!!

Ok hopefully this works!
Fine looking LS.:dancefool

Could you post the new specs so we can compare. Just curious.:)

Ok here is the second set of figures. Remember the first post then look at what was actually reported by the second shop and their corrected numbers.
14347

Ok here is the second set of figures. Remember the first post then look at what was actually reported by the second shop and their corrected numbers.
14347
Looks a lot better to me. My rear camber was just out of spec also after lowering the car (I don't remember exactly how much). 2 tenths of a degree difference on a non adjustable system is close enough IMHO. Overall I would venture that the second shop either had a more accurate device, or better trained techs.

Looks a lot better to me. My rear camber was just out of spec also after lowering the car (I don't remember exactly how much). 2 tenths of a degree difference on a non adjustable system is close enough IMHO. Overall I would venture that the second shop either had a more accurate device, or better trained techs.

yeah I'm very happy with the results. I think the second shop just had a more experienced person. Overall I like the 1.75 drop better than I anticipated.

How did they adjust the rear camber when the rear camber is fixed???? With my SpringTechs I'm running -1º rear camber on both sides.

How did they adjust the rear camber when the rear camber is fixed???? With my SpringTechs I'm running -1º rear camber on both sides.

They didn't adjust them at all.

mike - isn't that what you want? ;)

I put in a 1.5 degree camber in every car I own - once I lowered the LS 2" - tada!!!