Questions on Suspension, ride and height
04-20-2014, 09:17 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: 04-05-2014
Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Posts: 5
Questions on Suspension, ride and height
Hiyas...
Just a few easy questions, thanks in advance for the help.
My driveway has a steep approach, I'd like to raise the front end of the HHR just an inch. I could get under the HHR and look, but I assume torsion bars that I can crank up?
But maybe struts\springs?
Whats a good way to get the front end up an inch or two?
Also, this 2011 with 27k miles seems to be harsh on bumps. Feels like the springs are maybe worn already? I don't think this is shocks but any general info on improving the ride?
Lastly, I do haul things in the back and that slick plastic is just nuts. Any products (rubber lining, spray on?) that you guys use to help keep things from sliding all around?
Just a few easy questions, thanks in advance for the help.
My driveway has a steep approach, I'd like to raise the front end of the HHR just an inch. I could get under the HHR and look, but I assume torsion bars that I can crank up?
But maybe struts\springs?
Whats a good way to get the front end up an inch or two?
Also, this 2011 with 27k miles seems to be harsh on bumps. Feels like the springs are maybe worn already? I don't think this is shocks but any general info on improving the ride?
Lastly, I do haul things in the back and that slick plastic is just nuts. Any products (rubber lining, spray on?) that you guys use to help keep things from sliding all around?
04-20-2014, 02:12 PM
#2
Moderator
Join Date: 01-23-2009
Location: Fredericksburg,VA
Posts: 24,727
Coil springs all around.
The front sprung travel on an HHR is fairly short anyway, making for a "stiffer" ride than you might expect from a 1974 Chevy.
My 2011 LT sits at 27.5 inches center of the front wheel wells to ground with fairly new struts & springs.
I think raising the front end any is a big mistake for handling reasons.
There is a carpet made for the cargo area from GM, mine has it from the factory.
Rear Cargo carpet for 4-door - GM P/N: 17803396
Rear Cargo all-weather mat for panel (includes rear seat mat) - GM P/N: 25795311
from the "illusive parts" thread.
The front sprung travel on an HHR is fairly short anyway, making for a "stiffer" ride than you might expect from a 1974 Chevy.
My 2011 LT sits at 27.5 inches center of the front wheel wells to ground with fairly new struts & springs.
I think raising the front end any is a big mistake for handling reasons.
There is a carpet made for the cargo area from GM, mine has it from the factory.
Rear Cargo carpet for 4-door - GM P/N: 17803396
Rear Cargo all-weather mat for panel (includes rear seat mat) - GM P/N: 25795311
from the "illusive parts" thread.
04-22-2014, 09:16 AM
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: 04-07-2008
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 1,051
I second what donbrew said about the spoiler. You don't want to cause safety issues just to get slightly better clearance.
You didn't say what trim line it is. LS, LT1, or LT2. The LT2 has a slightly stiffer sporty suspension. And if it has 17 in wheels the sidewalls will be shorter also stiffening the ride a bit. If it is an LT2, the struts and shocks can be swapped out for ones with a softer ride. You can replace the wheels with 15 in and put on non-sport tires to further soften the ride.
You didn't say what trim line it is. LS, LT1, or LT2. The LT2 has a slightly stiffer sporty suspension. And if it has 17 in wheels the sidewalls will be shorter also stiffening the ride a bit. If it is an LT2, the struts and shocks can be swapped out for ones with a softer ride. You can replace the wheels with 15 in and put on non-sport tires to further soften the ride.
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