Lowering suspension question...

[johnnyc]

Hi guys!

I just installed Hotchkins mutli leaf springs and coils on my 67 Camaro that are supposed to lower the car about 1 1/2 inches, but after looking at it, the car actually looks to sit higher than before. ...Do you guys think it just needs to settle, or what is going on??? Im kinda bummed....I added the front and rear sway bars, plus Edelbok shocks....The car handles much better, but I wish it would sit a bit lower....

Johnnyc

[trackrat79]

How old were the springs that you replaced. If they were the original ones they may have sagged more than the lowering springs you put on. The new springs will settle, but how much I cant say.

[Tyson A]

Down at the shop we have a 67 and a 68 sitting next to each other. The 68 has the original suspension (for a few more weeks) and the 67 has the Hotchkis TVS kit, which drops 2" in front and a 1.5" in the rear. You would think the 67 would sit lower But do to sagging the 68 sits a good inch lower. I dont know how long it will take for the car to settle or if it will settle that much.

[Andrew McBride]

I am told that they will settle with some miles on the car. I added 1" lowering blocks on my car and really haven't seen a difference, but I also don't have my interior or tank back in!

I like the 3" DSE's personally and I wish I would have gone that route.

[6'9"Witha69]

Also remember that rear leaf springs can suffer the same bind issues as LCAs in the front. If you tighten everything up even a little too tight while the suspension is in droop then you can get a bit of binding which will cause the car to have to "settle" after time and miles.put the car on the ground with the hardware just snugged up finget tight and then tighten at ride height. I too was in the same boat until I applied this method. It has worked for others as well.

[johnnyc]

Thanks guys!

Yeah when I installed the leafs, the directions said not to torque the shackle bolts, but to wait until the car was on the ground at proper ride hieght, which I did...

As for the old springs....well...yeah they were the originals, so I can see how they coul dhave sagged quit a bit....I think maybe driving the car for a 100 miles or so to see if everything settles then look at maybe 1 inch blocks, may be the solution.

Id hate to cut the front coils, but if I do, it would only be one coil, and to keep them as cool as possible while cutting takes place...what do you guys think?

[6'9"Witha69]

Be careful, 1 coil = ~2 inches. I would do 1/2 coil first then see how you like it, of course, depending on your taste.

[johnnyc]

Oops....yeah your right 1/2 a coil, not a full coil.....thanks!