Lowering springs in the snow....

[K2737]

Anyone venture into the snow with their GA lowered? I know it probably can't be good, just wanted to hear some experiences. I want to lower my car but I live in NY, so there is a lot of snow. I could probably unlower my car in the winter but that would become a pain, and I don't really want to get a beater. What do you think? What is the average cost to lower a car anyway? Springs, struts, and shocks...I might be able to get free installation 'cause I don't have the stuff to lower my car.

[mfuller]

Sure, there are plenty of lowered cars driving around in snowy climates. You just need to exercise some common sense and be careful where you are driving. I tore off my front airdam before I learned to drive in the snow with a lowered car.
As far as cost, well, lowering springs generally go for $200-230, give or take a few bucks. Installation shouldn't run you more than $100, and some people choose to install springs themselves. While it isn't a hard job, it does require some preparation and special tools; also, be careful when working with compressed springs as they can potentially do a lot of damage.
If you want upgraded struts, well....you can go from OE replacement (usually no more than $100 per strut)to completely wild custom one-off stuff (the sky's the limit here).

[K2737]

Well, I searched around on GMPowertalk for a while before posting here, and all the posts said to upgrade to KYB or something like that. Is that necessary? I don't really care how the car rides as long as it looks good. Also, does anyone have pics of a lowered GA with the 16" aluminum SE wheels? May be I should buy some wheels before I lower my car...... grrrrrrr decisions!!!

[mfuller]

Originally posted by K2737
Well, I searched around on GMPowertalk for a while before posting here, and all the posts said to upgrade to KYB or something like that. Is that necessary? I don't really care how the car rides as long as it looks good. Also, does anyone have pics of a lowered GA with the 16" aluminum SE wheels? May be I should buy some wheels before I lower my car...... grrrrrrr decisions!!!
Well, upgrading your struts to work with stiffer (lowering) springs isn't absolutely required, although I highly recommend it. Labor is cheaper if you do them both at the same time, of course. But the real issue is that a stiffer spring will wear out a stock strut faster and the ride will degrade. KYB's are okay; they're advertised to have about 10% more damping than OEM, so they should be suitable for use with Eibach Pro-Kit springs.

[K2737]

Alright thanks...I will have to lok around and see whats out there.

[EBlend]

well since we talking about springs and struts, how exactly do i tighten that top bolt thing, it just keeps spinning with the rod. I got my springs installed like a 6 month ago, but that top nut is not tightened all the way. any idea

[Rba007]

Just an fyi, im riding on eibachs right now in Michigan. I also live on a 200 ft tall sand dune, which I back up during the winter at no less than 30 mph. I havent bottomed on it yet! Just use common sense and youll be just fine.

-Dave

[Black Z28]

yeah, i've had rims for about 6 months, and i want to get springs, h&r most likely. the only problem is that i'll probably have to back the car into my driveway all the time which shouldn't be much of a pain, i will just have to remember to do it every time.

[brian]

Originally posted by EBlend
well since we talking about springs and struts, how exactly do i tighten that top bolt thing, it just keeps spinning with the rod. I got my springs installed like a 6 month ago, but that top nut is not tightened all the way. any idea

Once the strut is completely out, theres a couple ways of doing this. The correct way is to get an "Upper strutmount tool" and use that by grabbing the outter piece with a wrench and stepping on the wrench on the ground then using another wrench to untorque the other bolt. The tool is like 14 dollars, I suggest buying it. The other way to do it is to hold onto the strut shaft with a wrench or vicegrips or something and twist the otherbolt with a socket wrench. I strongly suggest the first one, whereas you have no chance of screwing up your strut then really. Also I hope youre using spring compressors before taking the strut apart. You probably are, but I'd rather be safe and double check.