Lowering Kits

[apple]

Hi all, i'm toying with the idea of lowering to 50mm. From experiences, has anybody had problems with the wheels "bottoming out" when you have a full load? I've read on here that some have had valance problems on sloping driveways etc which is i suppose to be expected to a certain degree. Just don't wanna destroy my tyres (or anything else for that matter) :unsure:

[steve67car]

mines on fk coilovers and nearly 80-90mm lower only the tow bar catches some times

[Marky]

the standard eibach sportline kit gives about 35-35mm drop...looks nice...

[apple]

Thanks chaps, i have my eye on a gmax 50mm kit, going for

[NikpV]

very tempting - always thought that the gap above rear wheel to arch looks too big - anybody got some before and after pictures please

[baz69]

anybody know how easy it is to fit the lowereing springs on a galaxy, im pretty handy with the spanners so i have a general knoledge of whats involved ,just wondered wether there was any awkward bits to look out for when i come to do it

[Ghia-X]

Lowering a Gal is not too bad a job .

 

The rears are easy . Its just a case of removing the lower shock mount and lifting the car high enough to let the rear beam drop until you can remove the spring . Re - fitting is just as easy .

 

The fronts can be a pain in the a$$ if youve an older car .

 

Typical Macpherson strut assembly but the top nut sits in a recess which always fills with water and that usually makes it difficult to remove . Best to let it soak in plus gas or WD40 for a few days before fitting.

If you get it loose , its just a case of dropping the track rod end off the hub and removing the bolt at the base of the strut , and knocking the hub assembly down .

 

The strut will come out and then you can get to work with the spring clamps , but be careful .

 

First time I did it took me about 2 hours start to finish . That was on a brand new Zetec mind you :unsure:

 

I will hunt some before / after pics out to show you the difference in the drop .

 

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a84/arv6/galaxy/0galaxyzetec.jpg

[VeeDub Nutter]

I've just fitted the Eibach kit a couple of weeks ago.

Took me almost 6 hours in a mates garage with a four post lift.

Mainly due to everything being seized!

 

The Shazza now sits 35mm lower all round, and is great to drive, cornering is vastly improved.

 

It is well worth doing as the ride is barely compromised at all.

 

Just allow yourself plenty of time...

 

;) ;) :o :)

[cos 4x4]

right i,ve had the eibach kit in my garage for 2 years know could you tell me what the metal discs in the kit are for? :D

[steve67car]

ADP PLATES FOR REAR SPRINGS WHERE THEY MOUNT INSIDE THE O.E MOUNTING PLATES

P.S SORRY FOR THE CAP LETTERS KEY BOARD HAS LOCKED ITS SELF

WILL SMACK AGAINST WALL TO ALTER ITS MODE :D

[apple]

Spring kit purchased :16: along with mk1 zetec style alloys (Special thanks to galaxy99 for them) and 4 Toyo Proxes T1-R. Got to wait for the tyres to arrive from distributor and Dunno when i,m gonna get around to fitting the springs but there will be piccies when completed. Just hope it's as straightforward as described, i'm sure it will be :P

[Guest 3.5bullet]

Toyo Proxes T1-R.....

oooh nice tyre prurty looking :P be ready to replace them as they dont last long! IIRC also they are not renforced, hence why they dont last on the Galaxy :16:

[Marky]

very tempting - always thought that the gap above rear wheel to arch looks too big - anybody got some before and after pictures please

 

 

coming soon....kit ordered and 18" wheels on the way !! wooohoooo

[apple]

oooh nice tyre prurty looking be ready to replace them as they dont last long! IIRC also they are not renforced, hence why they dont last on the Galaxy

 

 

 

 

 

Certainly hope so, as that's what the R apparently means :P The T1-S is the non reinforced flavour and punters were NOT happy with them :P Anyway, if you learn from your mistakes ,at least i'm getting a damned good education :16:

[mumof4]

Hmmm..as far as i can remember, the R does not stand for reinforced..rim size i think it is..If a tyre is reinforced it will say so on the tyre..or heavy load is good aswell.

 

 

 

The Galaxy must have reinforced or heavy load tyres , if you dont it will invalidate your insurance if you have an accident.

[AndeeeH]

Go here for full description of tyre markings: http://www.dunloptyres.co.uk/ourTyres/car/sidewallMarkings/

The site is Dunlop specific but most for the markings will apply to all tyre makes. On Dunlop's the R signifies a radial tyre. ;) Andy.

[mumof4]

Ahh..thanks for the correction..couldnt think of the word last night! ;)

[AndeeeH]

Should just add that the 'R' in question is the one between the tyre size and rim size and not one that may be part of the tyre name as in Toyo Proxes T1-R. ;) Andy.

[Guest galaxy99]

Spring kit purchased ;) along with mk1 zetec style alloys (Special thanks to galaxy99 for them) and 4 Toyo Proxes T1-R. Got to wait for the tyres to arrive from distributor and Dunno when i,m gonna get around to fitting the springs but there will be piccies when completed. Just hope it's as straightforward as described, i'm sure it will be :P

 

:D cheers mate for the mention look forward to seeing her with the wheels and lowered, could be forced to lower mine.

 

best regards galaxy99

[apple]

Due to the concerns shown regarding the toyo's (and after learning to read properly :D )

I've managed to switch the order to some budget Nankang NS-2 215/55 ZR16 97W XL .

 

Thanks for saving me some serious pennies and a major headache :D