Lowering a daily driver 1LE, advice please

[CreeperRS]

Originally Posted by LoneCynic

Some of us purchased a 1LE for the handling characteristics, but live in a rural area, sometimes drive on mountain roads, and some of those roads aren't really conducive to track wheels and tires.

If you live in an urban area with all well maintained roads, and everything is flat as far as the eye can see, and you don't ever have to clear uneven roads, or go up sharp inclines often, then you don't need a setup like mine. If you live in a region that rarely sees harsh weather, you also probably don't need to consider it then either.

I'm glad you seemed so amused by the photo I shared, but you obviously have never had to be concerned with some of the obstacles and potential road hazards other people have to be concerned about in different regions. That's a fairly narrow view that you have.

I never said I permanently switched to this setup, I still have the stock wheels and tires, and can switch to them when the situation calls for it. I never understood the hive mind "one solution fits all" mentality.

It's obvious I hurt your feelings, get over it. I live in SoCal, we have everything you mentioned you don't hear me bitching about it. I put up with the rough roads and broken asphalt, it's part of life, deal with it.

[MBaseman]

Here are some crummy garage pics that I just took. Dirty car...sorry.

[MBaseman]

Rear angle

[MBaseman]

Front

[MBaseman]

Hard to get good pics with the dark color car and black rims/tires. Pictures don't do it justice. I like my choice, especially since my 2 main concerns were 1) not being too low and 2) retaining a decent ride quality.

So far these springs have really surprised me. The ride quality is amazing and I would say the drop is noticeable, and damn near spot on for being a daily driver and not having to worry about much during normal driving conditions. Sure there is still wheel gap, and definitely room to go lower, but for me it seems to be just right.

I can't wait to get my new 1LE strut installed in a few days. Then I can get an alignment and some new tires (20K on the G2's) and really test these springs out.

[SS PANTHER]

Get some PSS's for more life and a better ride. Be sure to have your bushings timed.

[MBaseman]

Originally Posted by SS PANTHER

Get some PSS's for more life and a better ride. Be sure to have your bushings timed.

Bushings were timed during/after the install. At least that's what I was told, as I specifically asked a few times for them to please do it.

I would love the PSS but damn they are expensive! Still haven't ruled them out, but seriously considering giving the new Nitto NT555 G2's a shot. Thinking of trying 295/35/20 and 315/35/20. Heard they run narrow but compared them to similar sized PSS and they seem to be nearly identical. So not sure the rears will even fit with the 1" springs.

[Tonto's1le]

Can someone explain in a bit more detail the "timing of the bushings "? Anyone on here go a different route and install the Z28 suspension kit, it's my understanding that the kit lowers the car also.

[Firefighter]

Originally Posted by Tonto's1le

Can someone explain in a bit more detail the "timing of the bushings "? Anyone on here go a different route and install the Z28 suspension kit, it's my understanding that the kit lowers the car also.

Do a search I can't remeber the screen name but there is at least one member who did the Z/28 kit.

As for the timing there are some links and explanation on the JPSS site.

In a nutshell you want to install your suspension parts and then loosen some key bushings and put the car under load and tighten them back to spec. The idea is the bushings bind and you want them to be at the proper angle for the new ride height.

[Norm Peterson]

What Firefighter said.

You don't want the bushings to be under any stress when the car is just sitting there, else when the suspension does compress you could overstress the bushings which could potentially tear them.


Norm

[JusticePete]

You guys are good.

[Kendall421]

Isn't it amazing how people will talk to people through a keyboard? LOL. I don't know either of you, but, I can tell you that roads throughout this country are SO different. I live in Michigan and our roads and driveways SUCK! I cannot lower my 1LE, I would destroy the bottom of the car! I have been in and driven in 41 of the contiguous United States and most (not all) are better. I have two brothers and my mom in S. Cal and spent a LOT of time in the San Diego area. (even spent considerable time in dune buggies and Quads in Glamis). I can tell you that roads out there are silk compared to 75% of the country.
So, all I can say is...if you don't know, don't judge. I would love to lower my car! But depending on the region, it is not always a good idea.
We are all 1LE brothers and kindred spirits, let's not forget that and just be nice to each other. Peace out! :o)

Originally Posted by CreeperRS

It's obvious I hurt your feelings, get over it. I live in SoCal, we have everything you mentioned you don't hear me bitching about it. I put up with the rough roads and broken asphalt, it's part of life, deal with it.

[CreeperRS]

Originally Posted by Kendall421

Isn't it amazing how people will talk to people through a keyboard? LOL. I don't know either of you, but, I can tell you that roads throughout this country are SO different. I live in Michigan and our roads and driveways SUCK! I cannot lower my 1LE, I would destroy the bottom of the car! I have been in and driven in 41 of the contiguous United States and most (not all) are better. I have two brothers and my mom in S. Cal and spent a LOT of time in the San Diego area. (even spent considerable time in dune buggies and Quads in Glamis). I can tell you that roads out there are silk compared to 75% of the country.
So, all I can say is...if you don't know, don't judge. I would love to lower my car! But depending on the region, it is not always a good idea.
We are all 1LE brothers and kindred spirits, let's not forget that and just be nice to each other. Peace out! :o)

Roads out here are silk? Now I know you're lying! Also you seem to know where I travel to? Apparently you're implying I don't travel outside of SD? You got me twisted! Please butt out! Who gave you a peanut?

So it seems I can't crack a joke, or someone will take it personal, then days later someone feels obligated to defend that guy? Weird?

[Kendall421]

I don't see where I said anything at all about you...where you travel to or imply anything about you. I don't do that, a bit more grown up than that and I respect my fellow 1LE owners. Have a great day and enjoy the smooth roads. Yes, COMPARED to other areas of the country, they are silky smooth. Come drive around Michigan for a while and you will agree.

Carry on with the OP about lowering the cars. Can be a good topic.

Originally Posted by CreeperRS

Roads out here are silk? Now I know you're lying! Also you seem to know where I travel to? Apparently you're implying I don't travel outside of SD? You got me twisted! Please butt out! Who gave you a peanut?

So it seems I can't crack a joke, or someone will take it personal, then days later someone feels obligated to defend that guy? Weird?