Lowering with GM parts
Senior Member
Joined: 09-12-2009
Posts: 143
From: Charlotte NC
Senior Member
Joined: 10-02-2005
Posts: 1,245
From: VA
Over three years ago, I went with the Gen I Gold-Lines. For me that was a BIG mistake!! Ablsolutely NO travel on fairly good roads and carrying any load only made a bad situation worse! 
A few months ago, I picked up a good deal on a set of '09 Cobalt SS/TC springs and installed them with a new (well, used, but still new in box from someone who never installed them!) Koni shocks.
Add that to the TTR rear bar, and the car handles like a dream! Good travel, slightly stiffer, yet smooth.
I couldn't be happier!!
A few months ago, I picked up a good deal on a set of '09 Cobalt SS/TC springs and installed them with a new (well, used, but still new in box from someone who never installed them!) Koni shocks.
Add that to the TTR rear bar, and the car handles like a dream!
Good travel, slightly stiffer, yet smooth.I couldn't be happier!!
Platinum Member
Joined: 05-09-2006
Posts: 6,805
From: "Upland" Mesa, Arizona
JoeR....
You, essentially, have the same set-up for the rear, that I'm doing. Although I have a factory "source" at Bilstein and KYB, and MAY go in that direction.
In any event, have you done anything to the front suspension, and if so, what??
You, essentially, have the same set-up for the rear, that I'm doing. Although I have a factory "source" at Bilstein and KYB, and MAY go in that direction.
In any event, have you done anything to the front suspension, and if so, what??
Senior Member
Joined: 10-02-2005
Posts: 1,245
From: VA
As far as Bilstein, I have their "Sport" shocks on my '87 Mercedes and love them, but to my knowledge, they have yet to offer anything for the HHR.
The KYBs, again to my knowledge, are their lower end shocks and struts.
If you have "connections"... more power to you and good luck!
My only challenge for awesome handling is to replace that nice, smooth, slippery leather for Velcro!!
Platinum Member
Joined: 01-09-2007
Posts: 16,081
From: SE USA
This has me scratching my head ?
Got an email from Fed-Ex tracking, stating my order thru Flow Chevrolet (GMPartsDirect) is being processed. I called Fed-Ex & they have 0 parts, just the go ahead to process a tracking number.
Look on GMPartsDirect site & my rear 09 'balt SS/TC springs are still on National back order.
GMPartsDirect says in email, my order was processed & expect parts any day now.
Got an email from Fed-Ex tracking, stating my order thru Flow Chevrolet (GMPartsDirect) is being processed. I called Fed-Ex & they have 0 parts, just the go ahead to process a tracking number.
Look on GMPartsDirect site & my rear 09 'balt SS/TC springs are still on National back order.
GMPartsDirect says in email, my order was processed & expect parts any day now.
Platinum Member
Joined: 01-09-2007
Posts: 16,081
From: SE USA
08/09 'Balt SS/TC rear springs are heading this way...
OK, seems my parts are on route to me. And (of course) I was already told this by a friend here...
I now have tracking info & should have them monday. (hopefully)..
So maybe the GM 08/09 SS/TC rear springs Part# 25821162 are no longer on National back order. I paid $31. a spring.......Yea, that'll work.. Then I'll probably be painting my calipers & drums, (& thorough brake inspection) while I'm dug in there.. Then the headlights & fogs re-adjustment.
Next I think a TTR sway bar.
I now have tracking info & should have them monday. (hopefully)..
So maybe the GM 08/09 SS/TC rear springs Part# 25821162 are no longer on National back order. I paid $31. a spring.......Yea, that'll work.. Then I'll probably be painting my calipers & drums, (& thorough brake inspection) while I'm dug in there.. Then the headlights & fogs re-adjustment.
Next I think a TTR sway bar.
Platinum Member
Joined: 01-09-2007
Posts: 16,081
From: SE USA
For those who would like to know.......
The HHR SS rear springs will drop the car about 3/4 inch. I haven't installed the fronts yet, so I can't provide any info.
Also, the "wire" diameter is the same between the two, approximately .568 thick (measured at the middle coil). A side by side comparison of the 2LT springs and the SS reveals about a 1 1/2 inch difference in height. The coil is wound a little tighter, which probably accounts for additional stiffness.
The HHR SS rear springs will drop the car about 3/4 inch. I haven't installed the fronts yet, so I can't provide any info.
Also, the "wire" diameter is the same between the two, approximately .568 thick (measured at the middle coil). A side by side comparison of the 2LT springs and the SS reveals about a 1 1/2 inch difference in height. The coil is wound a little tighter, which probably accounts for additional stiffness.
I just measured the wire thickness of my New '09 Cobalt SS/TC rear springs (at the middle coil) & I read .567 thick on these. So, that's approx the same as the 2LT spring thickness..With an expected drop of 1 inch.. I'm glad I waited to get the Newer springs..
Install planned for this weekend, if no "Honey-dos" get in the way..
Senior Member
Joined: 07-13-2009
Posts: 414
From: NC
Hello SSGuy, Just curious, I understand about the spring's wire diameter, but are there the same number of turns? If not, that would account for the extra stiffness, sort of like cutting a spring back? It could be a different metal composition as well. Best wishes and God Bless, Marc
