One disadvantage is cost. Maybe. If you labor is free. You get the stock LS/LT ride height. If they offered a lowered loaded assembly it would fly off the shelves.

I used those "loaded" struts along with the KYB shocks on a 2011 LS and couldn't be happier. Better than new. Wife's daily driver. She'd rather raise the car than lower it.

 

In looking at these on Amazon, 1 customer gave it 5 stars but added a comment about different length links. What is he referring to?

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on April 30, 2022
Couldn't have been easier just be sure to have new links available. I had to cut my old ones off. The HHR has different length links depending on what suspension you have

 

The end links. They attach the sway bar to the strut bracket. You have 2. One per side.
They come in 2 lengths. 10 and 12 inches. HHR ‘s use the 10 inch version.

 

He mentions that HHR have different length depending on which suspension you have. Does the FE3 have different length than the FE1?

 

I think I see that there was a different part number for the SS suspension than non SS. Per this listing on gmpartsonline.net the SS one is discontinued.

20784688Link

HHR. Soft ride suspension. Cobalt. Performance/handling susp. Fe5 suspension. Without SS. Connects your vehicle's stabilizer bar to the control arm or strut Provides roll stiffness to vehicle GM Genuine suspension parts match the GM vehicles original equip ...

MSRP $66.96
$37.83
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[img]data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC 1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mN8Vw8AAmEBb87E6jIAAAAASUVORK5CY II=[/img]
Suspension Stabilizer Shaft Link
20784687Link

HHR. Performance suspension. With SS. Connects your vehicle's stabilizer bar to the control arm or strut Provides roll stiffness to vehicle GM Genuine suspension parts match the GM vehicles original equipment in ride, handling and stopping distance GM Genu ...


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Just get the 10 inch links. Your choice of many off brands. The 12 inch were only for some Cobalts and maybe some early 2006 HHR’s.

 

I just replaced 12” end links on my 2LT , I went back to 10” . Same ride.

 

Unless there's a problem, get the same length links that you have.

Don't even think about a cheap generic front end kit. Only replace what's needed, except replace shocks, springs, and brakes in pairs.

 

Disregard anything you read in parts books that say HHR is identical to Cobalt front end.
For part numbers look here : https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/comm...rt-numbers-68/