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I currently have an SS obviously with the FE5 suspension. It currently has 190k and the suspension is starting to feel a bit soft. I replaced the shocks and the struts about 20-30k ago but even after replacing them it still felt soft. I know on the SS there is not much to gain as far as drop with the Eibachs, but I am not really looking to drop or lower the car, I just want to replace the tired worn out springs with something new and a little stiffer. Factory springs are not really available from what I have found, so my solution is to get the Eibachs. What are the forums opinions on this?
I think FMG should answer this one , he has experience with lowering springs in his SS and I’m sure others will chime in. The RockAuto FE5 springs show a different static height from OEM springs https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...il+spring,7512
they list as 12.2 inches yet I just installed a pair of SS rear springs today and they were definitely shorter
Something like 11 5/16 inches static height 11 5/16 to 11 3/8 inches
Unless there’s material loss due to rust, the physics of steel springs becoming “soft” with age does not compute for me. Getting lower due to fatigue or overloading is possible, but I don’t understand how the rate could change significantly.
Oldblue. Appreciate you deflecting the OP over to me but not sure if I can help him much. The only lowering experience I have is that I have the full set of Pedders on my SS. Gives mine a 1.5 inch drop all around.
If the OP has a specific question about my set up, then I would be glad to give an opinion.
He says his still feels "soft" after replacing the struts and shocks. The question is, what brand struts and shocks ? If they weren't the true FE5 replacements then that may be the reason for the soft feel.
Thank you FMG , My intention was to confirm the lowering measurements, and yes, the struts and shocks can give the soft feel if they aren’t valved to control compression and rebound .
What brand did you install? Also, at 20,000 to 30,000 miles those shocks might be trashed, gas shocks don’t need to be leaking in order to be worn out.
most members report using KYB brand
I never did take measurements of my rear fender height on the stock springs (or didn't write it down). My car sits at 26.5 ins. rear on the Pedders. It's stayed the same for around 9 years.
Now the fronts were (R) 26 ins. and (L) 26 1/8 ins. when 1st installed and settled. Just measured and they sit at 25 3/4 and 25 7/8, so about 1/4 in. of settling over those 9 years OR, it could be tire wear since I still have the original Michelins on it.
That 1/8 in. difference between R and L I always blamed on the fender being hung a little off at the factory on 1 side.
I replaced the factory struts and shocks with FE5 original parts, cannot remember from where, but they were original AC Delco parts and made sure they matched the part numbers from here.
I guess when I say soft, I did not feel much improvement from the 160k+ mile originals other than they firmed up the ride and reduced the bounce from worn struts and shocks. I was hoping for a more flatter ride with less body roll. I am hoping to firm up the ride and handling a little more than what the stock springs provide without lowering the car much. I am not a fan of excessively lowering a car, so coil overs are not really for me. I know most have said the Eibachs don't lower much if at all, but they are a little bit stiffer. I plan on adding a rear bar as well.
Then TTR is your best bang for the buck , their 1 inch rear bar is a great addition to the rear suspension, ant they have the Eibach kit your looking for. In that link I posted in post #3
