Ok i've been searching but I cant find what I want.

I wanna lower the Pook mobile by an inch or 2 (whatever that is in millipedes).

Not a long way, just so it has a better stance and appearance.

Its not something I have bothered with on other cars so I dont know that much about the nitty gritty of it.


Those of you that have done it................


What do I need to change? (Springs, shocks, camber kit etc)

What adjustments have to be done? (wheel align etc)

What drawbacks are there? (ride comfort noise etc)

Will 235/40R18's fit and not rub afterwards? (any suggestions of a nice 18 that goes with sienna red, thumbynail attached for chops)

What is the best way to do it? (brand or part numbers would be noice)

What else should I be aware of if I do it?

What sorta cost am I looking at?



Bear in mind i'm old so the old bones dont like hard jolts so I aint slammin the damn thing .....mmkay :happy:

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Most popular way to do it is with Kings/Lovells Low springs. I've read that you need to replace the shock absorbers as well as the stock ones travel too far for the shortened spring travel and wear out quickly. I'm looking at doing the same thing so I'm also after shock recommendations as well :P

my recomendation - king lows with either boge or kyb shocks. After you do it get a wheel alignment and away you go!

as for nice rims, thats an opinion thing :P

Any specific shocks by those guys that you need with lowering springs or do they adapt to them?

What sorta cost am I looking at?

Shoulda put that in the first post......edit time. :happy:

i have 235x40x18's on mine and they fit just fine :) no rubb.

i have king spring lows all round and was thinking of going Lovells super lows onthe rear for looks, but havn't go the cash.

i have been always told to replace the shocks when you go lower. The ride is a little harder i guess, i look out for pot holes alot more because if you hit them you will bottom out or brake something (if you hit it hard) and you become more aware of speed bumps. But i recomend it because it helps SO much with turning and reducing roll :) cant wait to see how it turns out


i was quoted by Lovells for 2 super low springs around $155 for a pair of springs + frieght and instillation.

Considering your old man hehe and liking your bones post, I'm going to recommend King Low SP's and KYB/Boge shocks, they sit a bit higher then lows, but considerably lower then exec springs - It will bring it just below Sports/VRX height and give it a nice stance that won't attract any popo attention etc...

Give Philcom a call for a quote on KYBs or Boges, they do a good price on springs around $200 for the set of four if you buy the shocks and springs through them....and if you come to MMX I'm sure we can get a couple of us to put them on for you, and then you can go off and get a wheel alignment done at each corner....

You don't have to replace your shocks when you change springs. It depends on how old your original shocks are.
Most people will recommend changing them at the same time as you have to remove them anyway and the labour's already done, but if they're in good nick it's not a requirement.
Boge shocks from Phillcom are the flavour of the day ATM with KYB a close second.

I would recommend Kings or Lovell Lows all round. Kings are the firmer of the two so you may prefer the Lovells. Both are firmer than stock but in a good way, it won't be a bone jarring ride ;)
Camber kit is not necessary for lows.
You WILL need a wheel alignment. If you fit new springs give it a week or so for the springs to settle before getting the wheel alignment.
Ride will be firmer with either spring. Handling will be much improved from "boat" spec.
Your wheels will be fine.
Get some mates from the club to help you change them, nothing that can't be done in an arvo. IDK what a workshop would charge.
Looking at ~$220 for new front and rear springs.

If you want a smoother ride, dont get kyb shocks. They are very firm and will jolt you around those yucky bundaberg rd's. I would probably talk to someone like pedders, who have many different types to choose from. The springs that came in my verada were pedders, and they made for a very comfortable ride. They should be able to offer you something lower than stock, but still reasonably soft. From what ive read, lovells are generally a softer ride than kings too.

I have 235/40R18s on 18x8" rims (+38 offset) and had to get the lip in the rear guards rolled ($100-150, most panel beaters and tyre shops can do it). Otherwise I've had no issues with lowering and bigger rims. On the stock rims (narrower and offset in the guards more) I didn't have to do anything.

I agree with Life, if you're not after a 'dumped' look, King Low SPs are most suited to you. They're supposed to lower about 30mm (compared with King Lows that lower about 45mm). KYB and Boge shocks are the two most commonly recommended shocks.

A camber kit isn't a necessity. However, your camber will be out on the rear (about negative 1.5 degrees) so you will chew the inside of tyres quicker. If you did get a camber kit, I wouldn't adjust the camber all the way back to zero, as (depending on the size and offset) your rims may foul the guards.

I'm on Lows with KYBs and I'm happy with the ride. In fact, I preferred the way my car rode when lowered compared to stock - it was firmer, but not as harsh over the bigger bumps. With the 18s on, the ride is definitely firm, but it definitely isn't 'hard'. I've done the Bruce Highway a fair few times (I'm living in Gladstone at the moment) and the ride is definitely tolerable. I've been in stock standard cars/4WDs that have rode much worse than mine.

If you weren't in a rush to get your car lowered, I *might* be heading down Bundaberg way in the next month or two to see a mate. If I do I'd be happy to take you for a spin to see how you found the ride.

I had the springs lowered,

Kings all round - My shocks were ok so the mechanic said.

With a wheel alignment, springs & balance as well - cost was $495, done on a Sat morning.

No wagon roll now! Great for cornering, a bit harder ride but with 17" 325 45r - it is expected.
Doesn't look too low and isn't an issue with bottoming out.

http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=204&pictureid=1264
http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=204&pictureid=1265

Hmmm sounds like some good advice.

I happen to have a set of 235/40R18's but I think maybe getting some 17's a bit narrower might be the go.

The shocks have done 60K (originals) but seem to be good.

I have all the gear and expertise to change em myself (some members have seen my set up :happy:) so thats no biggie.

If ya ever come down Red feel free to drop in, wouldnt mind checkin out yur ride. :beer::beer:

I'll probly wait till after christmas to do the work but I'll be looking for the stuff from now till then and grabbin it when I see the best ones for the right price. :happy:

I think I'll definately look at the rear camber kit though coz I like it fairly close to neutral.

Definately think about how low you want it... People on Superlows (like myself) have no paint/towhooks left under the car, people on Lows have little paint/a bit of towhook left, and SP's/Sports/VRX springs are mostly fine, a couple of scratches, but nothing major.

Mine is lower by 30mm.

With Kings Lows I also have ~1.5deg camber in the rear.
Whiteline camber kit KCA357 (http://www.whiteline.com.au/instruction/214_KCA357.pdf) is what you need. Although I'm sure you could make up a kit yourself ;) New longer HT bolts and make up spacer plates.

If you want a smoother ride, dont get kyb shocks. They are very firm and will jolt you around those yucky bundaberg rd's. I would probably talk to someone like pedders, who have many different types to choose from. The springs that came in my verada were pedders, and they made for a very comfortable ride. They should be able to offer you something lower than stock, but still reasonably soft. From what ive read, lovells are generally a softer ride than kings too.

My KYB's are excellent on Sydney's shitty roads, better than 100,000km stock shocks thats for sure.

I had the springs lowered,

Kings all round - My shocks were ok so the mechanic said.

With a wheel alignment, springs & balance as well - cost was $495, done on a Sat morning.

No wagon roll now! Great for cornering, a bit harder ride but with 17" 325 45r - it is expected.
Doesn't look too low and isn't an issue with bottoming out.


Hi Steve - are the pics you posted after the car was lowered? Still looks quite high at the front with a fairly big gap between the wheel and arch (maybe the car is on a slope?). I'm considering swapping my Pedders springs over for either Kings or Lovells, my Magna with Pedders sits very low and the car really doesn't work that well on anything but smooth surfaces (ie. it is very firm!). Thanks D.

Brian,
FORGET pedders mate, you may as well run match sticks for dampers for all the good they are.

I would look at
King Lows front and rear
KYB or if you want a little softer try the Monroe GT Gas reflex

This will give you a nice height, not too bumpy (especially being a sedan as wagons are crapo in the back end) and you will clear most things no worries

Also $220 for springs front and rear, I dream of getting them that cheap so if you can get them for that price mate get them as I pay more than that trade.

Brian,
FORGET pedders mate, you may as well run match sticks for dampers for all the good they are.

I would look at
King Lows front and rear
KYB or if you want a little softer try the Monroe GT Gas reflex

This will give you a nice height, not too bumpy (especially being a sedan as wagons are crapo in the back end) and you will clear most things no worries

Also $220 for springs front and rear, I dream of getting them that cheap so if you can get them for that price mate get them as I pay more than that trade.

Ta Mal

Hmmmm a challenge ...........:woot:

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Hi Steve - are the pics you posted after the car was lowered? Still looks quite high at the front with a fairly big gap between the wheel and arch (maybe the car is on a slope?). I'm considering swapping my Pedders springs over for either Kings or Lovells, my Magna with Pedders sits very low and the car really doesn't work that well on anything but smooth surfaces (ie. it is very firm!). Thanks D.

Hi D

Yep 30mm lower, I didnt change the shocks.
The ride I have is not too bad considering the low profile 17's. Not much give in the tires. But I do have an issue with wheel balancing.

I am going to find out the model number of the springs and get back to you .

Cheers

Steve

Ta Mal

Hmmmm a challenge ...........:woot:

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I got my front and rear king springs (SL and L) for $215 on eBay last year, brand new, still in box and shrink wrapped. Even had the King stickers :)

Old fart.

I purchased Boges shockers@$450 front and rear and King Lows@$220 front and rear through Philcom recently. He's a site sponsor, very knowlegable and a good bloke to deal with at that.
Add about 60 bucks for wheel alignment.

Question, is the camber kit needed?