Hello there,

Just bought a cheapie 96 TE Exec (the peasant model) the other day. I used to have a TN back in the mid 90's and it was a pretty reliable car until a drunk drove into the back of it:cry: , well it was starting to get a bit rusty and I got some insurance dollars:)
Anyway the biggest problem with the TE right now is the fact that it has been lowered by some boy racer (probably the same person who put an aftermarket spolier on the back without painting it:nuts:, I'll be taking that off as well).
Seeing as the TE's job is family trucking I do not want it lowered (yeah I know lowered cars look good in the movies and cruising main street but in the real world they are a pain in the behind).
So I was just wondering what is best? Put the original set up, which I presume to be Monroe, back in or are there better alternatives available. Remember high speed performance is not high on the list but good handling and comfort are.
Thanks for any and all replys

hmmm dont take this wrong way but what u said didnt make a whole lot of sence cos having it lower would inprove the centre of gravity therefore giving u better handling. as for comfort what rims are on there cos the factory alloys would feel smother than 18's or higher. so if its got huge rims just find sum 16'' alloys and the comfort level would be better.

Hello there,

Just bought a cheapie 96 TE Exec (the peasant model) the other day. I used to have a TN back in the mid 90's and it was a pretty reliable car until a drunk drove into the back of it:cry: , well it was starting to get a bit rusty and I got some insurance dollars:)
Anyway the biggest problem with the TE right now is the fact that it has been lowered by some boy racer (probably the same person who put an aftermarket spolier on the back without painting it:nuts:, I'll be taking that off as well).
Seeing as the TE's job is family trucking I do not want it lowered (yeah I know lowered cars look good in the movies and cruising main street but in the real world they are a pain in the behind).
So I was just wondering what is best? Put the original set up, which I presume to be Monroe, back in or are there better alternatives available. Remember high speed performance is not high on the list but good handling and comfort are.
Thanks for any and all replys


Try and source some secondhand VRX/Sports springs. That way you will still get ok handling, but with the comfort and handling you are after.
How low is it???? What profile tyres?
Maybe it just needs new shocks, try a suspension place for advice:)

hmmm dont take this wrong way but what u said didnt make a whole lot of sence cos having it lower would inprove the centre of gravity therefore giving u better handling. as for comfort what rims are on there cos the factory alloys would feel smother than 18's or higher. so if its got huge rims just find sum 16'' alloys and the comfort level would be better.
Yeah sorry, when I said handling I meant on road performance such as the ability to get over speed humps without destroying the underside of the car.
Only had the TE a couple of days and have not had a chance to fully look into what the set up is. All I know the car is too low (roughly about 5-6 inches under the sump), considering I live in the Adelaide hills and the missus will be driving it around as well (if I leave it at it's current height one day the missus may come home with the front bumper assembly in the boot:shock: ).
If I was gonna do a lot of highway/country miles and I was the only person driving it, I probably wouldn't change the ride height.
I may well get some secondhand springs from the wreckers depending on the price of new parts.

Try and source some secondhand VRX/Sports springs. That way you will still get ok handling, but with the comfort and handling you are after.
How low is it???? What profile tyres?
Maybe it just needs new shocks, try a suspension place for advice:)

Well you'll probably get stoned at the gate for saying that lowered cars aren't desirable as daily drivers (I mean this site is 'Scrape the Bum, Bling the Wheels' central after all!) but I agree with Wilsact - get some VRX springs (max $70 second hand), a pair of whiteline sway bars, a whiteline strut bar, optionally the anti-lift castor kit and camber pin; and fit some KYB shockers and a decent 4 wheel sports alignment. See my profile - that's the kit mine runs with and she handles very well, rides decently and still retains a 'full load' capability. To get a fitter - go via www.whiteline.com.au and find one on the list nearest you.

Well you'll probably get stoned at the gate for saying that lowered cars aren't desirable as daily drivers (I mean this site is 'Scrape the Bum, Bling the Wheels' central after all!) but I agree with Wilsact - get some VRX springs (max $70 second hand), a pair of whiteline sway bars, a whiteline strut bar, optionally the anti-lift castor kit and camber pin; and fit some KYB shockers and a decent 4 wheel sports alignment. See my profile - that's the kit mine runs with and she handles very well, rides decently and still retains a 'full load' capability. To get a fitter - go via www.whiteline.com.au and find one on the list nearest you.
This is a case of each to their own and I did say that if I was the only driver and doing mainly highway work I would leave it as is but for my situation the standard ride height is the go.
I am sure people with lowered cars get the cold sweats when they see a speed hump or a spoon drain (of which there are quite a few where I live), I suppose the ultimate would be an adjustable height air set up.
However money is also a factor, the main reason I bought the TE was so I can take my other car off the road and fix it up a bit. What attracted me to the V6 was value for money, performance, fuel economy, looks and reliability. It also does need to be user friendly.