Lowering springs help! Important questions need answer :-)

[Strider044]

OK,

First

So i'm in the middle of my performance spring install. I just finished the rears but I have a question. I spun the rear shock and I'm not sure if that makes any impact. When I took the rear spring off the shock twisted and rolled on the ground and I couldn't remember which side it faced. I noticed a green dot on the shock front but I couldn't remember if it faced the road or the car.

Second

How long should I wait for alignment. I read about a week or 150-200 miles but then I heard make sure its done asap. best advice will be taken on this one.

Third

The springs I installed are Hotchkis Sport Springs from... 2012. They have been sealed in box in my garage. I purchased the springs new and where for my 2nd camaro before I sold it for a bmw

The hotchkis website says that the springs will still work for 2010-2015 camaro's so I know there isn't a fitmet issue but I was wondering do springs go bad just sitting and arn't under load? welp let me know what you think!

Oh I will also be installing a 1LE rear bar today when I finnish up the install .

[KillboyPowerhead]

Google "camaro rear suspension" and you'll see the orientation of the upper mounts; the kind of "pointy" corner goes toward the inside of the car. The bolt holes for the mount are also slotted so the mount has a bit of wiggle room when installing.

I did an alignment right away because I knew my toe was way off (ended up having around 0.8° toe in on all four tires haha). I recommend going right away, and then if you feel the need, go back a couple hundred miles later or so.

Springs won't go bad on the shelf.

[Strider044]

Originally Posted by KillboyPowerhead

Google "camaro rear suspension" and you'll see the orientation of the upper mounts; the kind of "pointy" corner goes toward the inside of the car.

LoL

I have them installed and seated correctly I was more taking about which way the shock is inserted into the rear cradle. From what I read it doesn't seem to be a issue but I just wanted to check.

Good call on the alignment early. Do you think I should hit a Chevy dealer or third party?

[KillboyPowerhead]

I went third part (NV Auto in my case) and they did a great job, almost perfect side to side in an hour's work.

[JusticePete]

Everything you need to know is right here http://www.jpssonline.com/the-book-f...-2010-camaro-2

Print it out to help you finish up your installation and take it with you to get your car aligned after you time the bushings.

[Strider044]

"The Book" states fe4 OEM, Pedders aggressive street and road course as alignment options. If I just used hotchkis springs and 1le rear swaybar. Would you suggest sticking with OEM or aggressive street? :-)

[Strider044]

"Your new Hotchkis Lowering Springs are now ready to go. Make sure to tighten the shock bolt and the inner lower control arm bolt once the weight of the car is on the
wheels. This will avoid preloading the bushings causing the ride height to be
higher."

I just read this and freaked out knowing I didn't complete this step and tightened everything prior to lowering the car back onto the ground... Would this be fixed with alignment?

[JusticePete]

Originally Posted by Strider044

"The Book" states fe4 OEM, Pedders aggressive street and road course as alignment options. If I just used hotchkis springs and 1le rear swaybar. Would you suggest sticking with OEM or aggressive street? :-)

No question, Aggressive Street

Originally Posted by Strider044

"Your new Hotchkis Lowering Springs are now ready to go. Make sure to tighten the shock bolt and the inner lower control arm bolt once the weight of the car is on the
wheels. This will avoid preloading the bushings causing the ride height to be
higher."

I just read this and freaked out knowing I didn't complete this step and tightened everything prior to lowering the car back onto the ground... Would this be fixed with alignment?

Have them follow my instructions while on the alignment rack followed by the alignment. You are then good to go.

[Strider044]

AMAZING PETE thank you!!!!!!

[Strider044]

ALL done!! It corners so much better!!

[JusticePete]

[DC5]

Looks fantastic, Strider044!

But I am biased, as I also have Hotchkis coil springs installed on my Camaro.

[Strider044]

Ok small issue, when making left turn I hear like a slight knock or clunk sound at the rear passenger side.. I did install a rear swaybar too but I can't for the life of me figure out what's causing it. I just re tightened everything but it's still there. I know when installing the bar that the bearings looks dry but didn't think anything of it. . It doesn't knock then going over bums on the road or driving normally only when turning... let me know your thoughts

[JusticePete]

Originally Posted by Strider044

Ok small issue, when making left turn I hear like a slight knock or clunk sound at the rear passenger side.. I did install a rear swaybar too but I can't for the life of me figure out what's causing it. I just re tightened everything but it's still there. I know when installing the bar that the bearings looks dry but didn't think anything of it. . It doesn't knock then going over bums on the road or driving normally only when turning... let me know your thoughts

Check to see if your ebrake cable is rubbing on something i.e. the outer edge of the inner side of the wheels