Lowering Springs and Handling
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Don't recall who... but I'll get the ole Colt 45 ACP out just in case I do! lol
Here's why I even mentioned it:
Wheel travel and the settings on a stock set-up. If the vehicle is "tuned" for optimum wheel travel with a given coilover/shock per the spring height, then, I suppose, using a shorter spring on an otherwise stock set-up would therefore limit the travel of the shock/coilover and therefore negatively effect handling characteristics.
*just my rationale why I gave my initial statement any consideration.
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That's telling 'um
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Yeah I'm not gonna lie, I've heard that too. But that's really after a certain point of lowering and is also the reason manufacturers make shocks to match.
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We got the Stack Performance lowering springs and love them! There isn't much difference in ride comfort from stock, but the performance and handling is far better.
I think the guy you heard that info from is talking out their ass to be honest. But that's just me
I think the guy you heard that info from is talking out their ass to be honest. But that's just me
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466 Posts
No way did it hurt the handling! Improved handling on my R/T. The only thing I really noticed is not as much up travel for those really big bumps like when the highway meets a overpass, the overpass is 4 inches taller than the road so they built a short ramp of asphalt to ease the transition- 2 ft long with a 4 inch rise doesn't do much for transitioning. Fling this thing into a corner now and it hugs the road with no tire squeel like it did before lowering it.
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2,440 Posts
....it all depends on the characteristics of the particular suspension and the components being installed. The fact remains that when you change the suspension geometry (like lowering, using a different wheel offset or even a change in alignment settings) you are also changing the way the car will respond in corners, under load, how toe/camber changes during manuevers, etc. Some vehicles simply do not respond well to being lowered. In other cases its a compromise (trading a new, less desired characteristic for a benefit).
All in all, I don't think its a cut and dry question/answer. I would really like to hear one of the experts make a unbiased thread on the Challenger suspension to really explain/discuss how it works, the effects of lowering in this application, performance alignment recommendations, etc.
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286 Posts
When using the correct parts it will exceed the factory ride quality. Sway bars and Coilovers are highly recommended. Lowering Springs are nice but the ride quality can sometimes be less than factory.
Spring rates on coilovers are also important as it will make a difference in the quality of the ride.
Spring rates on coilovers are also important as it will make a difference in the quality of the ride.
Good points gents...
My particular application would be a new 392, if and when I get one... are the biltstein's on the 392 load-leveling and therefore need replacement if being lowered with springs?!
Also, I ALWAYS heard coilovers were THE way to go when lowering a car... but then I see good reviews for just springs, hence why I started this thread.
I also would like to see a thread started by and commented-on by suspension experts... vendors, etc.
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To do it right you need to change the shock at the same time to something valved to work with the spring to create the desired effect. The springs primary job is to hold up the car. Its the damper that controls the motion of the suspension. Addressing the shock should be a priority when making any suspension changes.
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286 Posts
Different suspensions. Not sure why Dodge went through their line up and changed all the suspensions.
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Since installing the Eibach Pro lowering springs on my SRT8 6-speed 3 months ago, I would say the ride feels a little stiffer, but certainly not what I would call harsh. The car feels tighter, more like a race car. It is still very pleasant to drive as a daily driver, and as yet I have zero regrets and would do it again without reservation.
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....with the changes I think it's obvious they were retuning the suspension to make improvements.
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The trucks even got an overhaul on the suspension
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....I suppose it's all part of their aggressive plan to improve their line-up.
OMOM – We’ve had great success with just springs. Wheel traveling and handling characteristics are associated, but are two different things. If you’re not lowering the car excessively, springs greatly improve handling without the expense of installing coil overs.
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