Ally Dawood
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The ride height of a car can have a dramatic impact on its handling and road holding. A lower suspension places the entire car closer to the road for a lower center of gravity, which can reduce body roll and improve stability and grip. A lower suspension can also make a car look better. The best way to lower the rear of the car is to install performance lowering springs. It should be noted that you should not modify the rear suspension without also modifying the front suspension, as the handling may be adversely affected.
Instructions
1
Park the vehicle on a flat surface. Loosen the lug nuts for the rear wheels. Lift the rear of the car with a floor jack and lower it onto jack stands. Finish removing the lug nuts and the rear wheels.
2
Remove the rear springs. On some cars, this may be a very simple procedure. If the spring is a separate unit from the shock, place a floor jack under the rear control arm or axle. Jack up the suspension just enough to support pressure from the shock.
3
Remove the lower shock bolt. Carefully lower the jack and the suspension. This should allow the rear coil spring to be withdrawn from the suspension. If there is still tension on the spring, use a spring compressor to compress it enough to withdraw it from the car. It is a good idea to consult a workshop manual for your particular vehicle so that the proper procedure is followed for removing and installing the springs.
4
Install the lowering spring of your choice and put it into place. Oftentimes, installing a lowering spring is easier than a stock spring because it is shorter and provides more clearance.
5
Jack up the suspension so that the lower shock and the bolt hole in the suspension are at the same height. Insert the shock bolt and tighten it with a socket and a ratchet. Repeat for the other side of the car.
6
Reinstall the wheels. Lower the car off of the jack stands. Tighten the lug nuts to the proper setting with a lug wrench.
Instructions
1
Park the vehicle on a flat surface. Loosen the lug nuts for the rear wheels. Lift the rear of the car with a floor jack and lower it onto jack stands. Finish removing the lug nuts and the rear wheels.
2
Remove the rear springs. On some cars, this may be a very simple procedure. If the spring is a separate unit from the shock, place a floor jack under the rear control arm or axle. Jack up the suspension just enough to support pressure from the shock.
3
Remove the lower shock bolt. Carefully lower the jack and the suspension. This should allow the rear coil spring to be withdrawn from the suspension. If there is still tension on the spring, use a spring compressor to compress it enough to withdraw it from the car. It is a good idea to consult a workshop manual for your particular vehicle so that the proper procedure is followed for removing and installing the springs.
4
Install the lowering spring of your choice and put it into place. Oftentimes, installing a lowering spring is easier than a stock spring because it is shorter and provides more clearance.
5
Jack up the suspension so that the lower shock and the bolt hole in the suspension are at the same height. Insert the shock bolt and tighten it with a socket and a ratchet. Repeat for the other side of the car.
6
Reinstall the wheels. Lower the car off of the jack stands. Tighten the lug nuts to the proper setting with a lug wrench.