Changing springs for 'lower' rated?

[Conor D]

I've just installed a set of GAZ Adjustable Dampers with GAZ Lowering Springs, at the minute I'd like it to sit a bit lower. It's a coilover kit with a fixed height spring so the height isn't adjustable - but the dampers are.

Is it possible/safe to take the springs (300lb and 295lb) and replace them with springs that will drop the car a tiny bit more? Or are the Springs and Dampers supplied with the GAZ kit likely to be paired?

What (if any) effect is this likely to have on the handling, I can still adjust how stiff the dampers are.

[davepoth]

It won't be unsafe so long as the springs are specced for the car. Don't expect it to ride any more smoothly than a skateboard though - the springs provide the primary damping, not the shocks.

[Conor D]

I think the springs that came with the kit dropped the car 30mm, would swapping them out for 45mm springs result in a drastic difference in ride comfort?

[ZeeTacoe]

Coil bind the springs , that'll give you the most grip

[Kawasicki]

conor, cars are complex.

nobody can answer that question without first having done what you are considering.

softer/lower rated springs that also reduce ride height may mean that the car is riding on its spring aids/bump stops, and then the actual spring rate is not just the rate of the spring that you have installed, but also the rate of the spring aid. The rates add together.

The balance and steering of the car will also change.

Like I said, nobody knows for sure.

You could be fine, or the car might be a bit crap, and you could have problems.

shane

[thinfourth2]

Go look at demon thieves you should be able to get shorter and stiffer springs that are that same diameter.

Will ruin the car but if you want it lower then go for it

[Fleckers]

get an angle grinder out, chop off the coils you dont want

simples

[300bhp/ton]

Conor D said:

I think the springs that came with the kit dropped the car 30mm, would swapping them out for 45mm springs result in a drastic difference in ride comfort?

What car is it?

As a rule if you drop a cars ride height with shorter springs you'll need to stiffen them up too. Think about it. A shorter spring means less wheel travel, so you'll need to make the wheel move up and down less often.

A softer spring might sag more if it's the same length, but is unlikely to improve handling unless they are over stiff in the first place.

The best practice is to lower the spring perch/seat. This way you retain the full travel of a same length spring.


BTW - too low can be bad, especially for road use and can mess up suspension geometry too. Also cars look utter ste if they have the appearance of the suspension having crapped out.