DSE 2" versus 3" drop leafs with 2" drop coils, what's your preference?

[Josh69]

I've searched and searched, but haven't really found the info I seek.

I've got to order the suspension for my '69 Firebird.

What looks/rides better when used with the DSE (or equivalent) 2" drop coils? I personally like a little bit of rake, or at least a level stance, I don't like the arse-dragging look. I don't plan on coilovers anytime soon.

I'm also undecided on 17x9.5 or 18x10 rears. Tires will be around 25.5" give or take. I want the top of the tires to be 'tucked' a bit.

I've had several lowered cars, mostly BMW/Audis. I've been around 25-26" to the fenders, but they were rounded, not flat like the '69's.

Let's see some pics of cars with DSE coils and springs!!

[jy211]

I have hotchkis 2" front dropped big block springs and 3" DSE rear leafs.

Picture in my sig..

[Josh69]

That's a real nice looking car! I'm sorta planning a similar look, only using the Pontiac Billet Rally II's for my Firebird. It'll be black also. Just the right modern touch but keeping it's identity.

[jy211]

Thanks.

[69TAPoser]

I went with DSE 3" drops for my Bird. I am planning 18" wheels and I am trying to get the top of the tire up into the qtr a little bit.

I just installed the springs within the past 2 weeks and I am hoping to have the car on the ground soon. I am ordering Budnik wheels, and I am told that they will take 6-8 weeks once I order and I plan to order soon. So I hope to have pics in 8-10 weeks.

Phil

[TA219]

When i ordered my 2" front drop springs DSE recommended the 3" drop for the back but i havent ordered them yet... JY, do you have a picture showing a straight-on side profile?

[Josh69]

That's where I'm confused. DSE recommended the 2" drop leafs if I was only doing 2" coils, saying that I could always add a block to go lower, but I couldn't really go higher if it sat too low in the rear.

However, I do have adjustable shackles, but was planning on dumping those, but I guess I could raise the 3" if they were too low.

I guess I would like to see how they compare on the ground.

Does anyone have the 2" springs in the back?

[Josh69]

I went with DSE 3" drops for my Bird. I am planning 18" wheels and I am trying to get the top of the tire up into the qtr a little bit.
Phil

I guess if the math works, the Hotchkis 1.5" drop springs are supposed to bring the fender to 25.5" or so. If the 2" drop brings it to an actual 25", then the tire will be tucked, as most sizes we use are around 25.5" -26" tall (275/40/17, 285/35/18), etc...or close.

3" drops, if they are in the mid 24" range, should get a good deal of the tire tucked. That's a great look, provided there is still some decent ride quality, and the fronts aren't too high.

Since I'm not running coilovers, I'll be hoping the 2" drop coils are enough without resorting to cutting...which typically alters the spring rates if enough heat is generated...that's the clapped out Honda Civic way of doing things....not mine. :)

Anyone got some nice side profile pics of finished cars with these set-ups?

[jy211]

When i ordered my 2" front drop springs DSE recommended the 3" drop for the back but i havent ordered them yet... JY, do you have a picture showing a straight-on side profile?

Not a 100% straight on but close..

http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/5633/514062ym7.jpg