Board logo

Lowering Ride Height
Matt21 - 30/5/17 at 08:18 AM

So, I'm wanting to lower the ride height of my MK.

The front coilovers are already wound right down and the rears are about an inch from the bottom, but cant go lower otherwise the rear will sit lower than the front.

To get it lower is it just a case of buying shorter springs? or do I need shorter shocks?
My Indy seems to sit higher than others I've seen but I'm not sure why.

nick205 - 30/5/17 at 08:30 AM

My understanding is you would need shocks with a shorter stroke as well as shorter springs. However you should also be aware that simply lowering the car in that way will alter the suspension geometry too and may put the underside of the car (engine sump) at risk of grounding out.

Paul_Arion - 30/5/17 at 12:23 PM

As above really - lowering the car properly would mean moving the suspension mounting points and re-working the geometry. Simply going lower and lower will more than likely destroy the handling rather than improve it.

Smaller diameter tyres would be the only suggestion i could make myself.

CosKev3 - 30/5/17 at 12:36 PM

If your wishbones are sitting nice and level and the car is handling well leave it alone!

adithorp - 30/5/17 at 02:04 PM

quote:
Originally posted by CosKev3
If your wishbones are sitting nice and level and the car is handling well leave it alone!


+1. Are your lower wishbones level? (between inner bush bolt and centre of the ball joint) If so that would indicate the ride height isn't far off.

johnemms - 30/5/17 at 06:47 PM

Take springs off..
Put just shock absorbers on..
Lower car till sump 1 inch off ground..
Now measure and fit bump stops to shocks..
Drop car without springs car should rest 1 inch off the ground..
Replace springs.. set ride height for compression and droop..

Now do the back...