Ride height

[AZhitman]

Dumb question here - My 95Q45t (88K, stock susp) has a distinct "rake" to it, or a "nose-down" look when viewed from the side. It's nice, but I'd like a little more neutral profile with less rear wheelwell gap.

Is it feasible to use a shorter spring (like the Eibach's) to provide a .8" drop ONLY in the rear? Or would the varying spring rates upset the handling characteristics?

Can some other members give some ground-to-wheelwell lip measurements so i can compare?

p.s. The "rake" is even more pronounced now that I've removed the spare and the tools from the trunk...

[sultan]

sounds like you need to put more some more bodies in the trunk. it will give you better traction, too. did i say bodies? i meant subs. my car is higher in the rear also, even though there is excessive weight in trunk due to subs.

[DAEDALUS]

Ride height is measured at the wheel well arch. Should be on the last page of the Front Suspension section. Stock height is 27" front and 26" rear for the '90.

[PalmerWMD]

Hmm It shouldn't be racked.Maybe you need new front springs?Good opportunity to put on a set of Eibachs all around.

Fred...

[Q45tech]

My 92 book say UNLADEN with floor mats 27.8" front and 27.4" rear ground to top of arch and the 90 book says UNLADEN 26.97" and 26.10"..............yet the springs are the same.

Not sure if one was empty and the 90 was with 155.00000000 lb driver and a full tank of gas......the difference from gas alone would be 0.6" in the rear. 244 pounds in the trunk will drop it 1.0".

Doubt the springs grew strong as they aged certainly not 80 pounds stronger on the rear.

The gas charge in the shocks can affect the distance a little as worn ones won't auto expand.

[Q45tech]

The Eibachs are progressive on the rear 123, 150, 175, 200 pound inches . The ratio of the weight to spring stiffness is calculated to avoid pitching motions front to rear over expressway seams at a certain mph and weight load.Changing rear without front moves the speed and amount of motion probably not significant as long as the rear shocks are stiff enough to not let the motion exceed 1" or a total of 2" oscillation would recommend Tokico Blue on the rear with Eibachs.

Shock rebound control is critical in dampening out the oscillation....a rear bar 15.9 or 20 mm [with rubber bushings] will reduce the side to side waddle with stiffer but lower rear springs!

[AZhitman]

Good stuff.

So here's the plan - Eibach's in the rear ONLY (if someone will sell me just the rears); Tokico Blue's in the rear; blacks in the front; retain stock "t" rear bar with new rubber bushings...

Sound about right?

[Q45tech]

Remember to adjust your headlights at each change of height! With your weight in the front seat. Remember the rear changes by 0.65" full to empty.