Well I bought some Steeda Ultralite lowering springs today...... can't beat Brenspeed's everyday price of $209 delivered. I've reviewed TacoBill's writeup; I don't plan on doing the fronts at this time since I mainly want to lower the rear.

But this is the first car that I've had that I'm lowering......... anything special that I should look out for? I know about the panhard bar.....

 

Congrats you won't be disappointed. I can almost guarantee you'll end up putting the front springs in once you see how good the rear looks.

 

LOL Leo, you're getting to know me all to well..... I was kinda thinking that same thing.

 

tom281, you'll definitely want to do the front also. The stance of the car with the springs installed is just right.

As far as the install goes: Follow TacoBill's tech writeups and you'll be fine. The rear is amazingly simple, you'll be done with it in no time. A couple of bolts on each side, drop the springs, you're good to go.

The front is actually very simple as well, but if you'll be using a spring compressor, it'll be somewhat time consuming. It's easy unbolting everything and pulling the strut out, but then cranking down the spring compressor takes a bit of time.

Let's put it this way: A buddy and I started installing my springs about an hour before the sun went down. We did most of the installation with hardly any light, in my apartment parking lot, and were still done in 2 and a half hours, taking our time and BS'ing with the neighbors as well. It's a simple job, have fun with it!

 

I forgot to mention, there is ONE thing you should look out for if you decide to do the fronts as well. My friend and I were at first doing the fronts by jacking up one side at a time. We found out that you can't do this, because after you finish one side, it will be nearly impossible to get the swaybar link back into the strut housing. The car has to be level for it to go back in on the second side.

 

You'll love the look of them, and I agree, do the fronts too!

Me and a buddy installed mine. I've always been scared of springs for some reason, but I said to hell with it, I'm going to save myself some money and put them on my self so I printed off TB's write up and followed it to a tee. It was a piece of cake.

As far as the panhard bar, I didn't get one and don't believe I need one since it's only a 1" drop or so. There is no noticable shift in the rear end at all, so I didn't get one. I've read other people with Ultralights say the same thing.

 

ScottM, ditto here, no panhard bar. I may get one at some point in the distant future just for peace of mind, but I don't think it's necessary.

 

I lowered my rear only w/ these. The back is slightly lower than front now. I will be installing front ones this summer..I heard no camber bolts needed ..just adjusting the toe and maybe a panhard bar/maybe not..depends on if you're lucky

 

Titan and Scott- thanks for the info guys!

And Boltzman- I like how the rear springs look on your car..... very nice! What size wheels/tires do you have?

 

stockers 235/50 zr18 rims are 8.5...I'm getting 255/45 as soon as these wear out Thanks for compliment

 

I had mine installed about a week ago. Your going to like the stance with these springs. Its not as drastic as the prokit which sits to low for my taste.

Ride comfort is bearly affected. No one will be able to tell the difference. Good stuff.

 

Wait, so with the Ultralites all we need is the panhard bar and maybe cambers? and the car will ride fine without any problems?

 

well some dudes are saying we mat not even need the panhard.....

 

This would be alot better than having to spend $1300

 

I lowered mine with ultralites and I needed the pahnard rod but I didn't need camper bolts.

 

and we'll still have a good ride?

 

Tom,

I've heard some folks on here were going with the roush springs rears only. Did you consider these? If so, what made you go with the Steeda ones?

 

Another here with just rear Ultralites, no panhard bar. Had them over a year, no issues. Rear looks centered and is still even to 1/4" higher than front. I still have the fronts in the box, and may someday install them, but I don't think I'll be able to get in my driveway w/ the chin spoiler and lowered front.

 

A lowered S197 reminds me of a NASCAR car.They sit low and they look pretty mean and nasty.Wouldn't it be sweet if they used the S-197's for IROC?If it would just quit snowing here in Denver I could drop my GT.

The big benefit is some sweet handling when cutting corners.

 

No camber bolts..maybe panhard...probably toe adjustment...still good ride