Lowering a car w/out an alignment?

[BenjiBoy650]

So I came across these H&R springs the other day that claim to lower the car only .75" front and .5" rear. I'm thinking that this will probably not be enough to necessitate a strut replacement. My question though is if it's bad enough to require a camber kit or even an alignment? I really don't want to get another alignment, I just got one less than a month ago.

[04EXNavi]

I don't think that's enough drop to need a camber correction kit - I believe a general rule of thumb is to get a kit if the drop is more than 1.5". But an alignment check can't hurt after working on the suspension - if you're going to the trouble of changing the springs, you might as well get the full benefit from them. Maybe if you're devious, you can take it back to the place that did the original alignment and tell them it doesn't feel right, and have them check it again.

[stevel]

defffinately get an alignment. that small amount of drop won't change the camber enough to need a correction kit, but it will change the camber a little, and that will change the toe quite a bit... If you do put them in and get an alignment, could you post the camber readings??

[Inspector1]

Originally posted by BenjiBoy650
So I came across these H&R springs the other day that claim to lower the car only .75" front and .5" rear. I'm thinking that this will probably not be enough to necessitate a strut replacement. (With the mileage on your car Ben I would consider replacing struts If you are doing the labor you're already there)unless they have already been replaced. My question though is if it's bad enough to require a camber kit or even an alignment? I really don't want to get another alignment, I just got one less than a month ago. If you do you will not need a camber kit on 6th Gen.. also you could run it for a couple thousand and just check your tread depths all the way across and watch for any uneven wear!! :thmsup: :thmsup: :thmsup:
My car has yet to have alignment touched @ 79k and no problems

I1:)

[BenjiBoy650]

The thing is Honda struts seem to work REALLY well. Even with 118K I don't notice any wallow. I do notice that one of my rear wheel gaps is less than the other by maybe a finger, but never thought it to be a big deal. Anyone have an opinion on KYB struts? Cheapest way out for me lol, don't feel like spending $450-600 on Koni/Tokico/Neuspeed.

[Inspector1]

Ben are you buying a used spring kit?
I know cost is on a budget.... I am not saying you have to replace at this time just not a bad idea..:)
If you replace struts it will have to be aligned.
If your just looking for better handling your better mod would be sways and or strut tower brace!

I1:)

[BenjiBoy650]

No I would buy new, the H&R sport springs are really rare, I've never seen them used anywhere, EVER. I was looking for better handling but I wanted a bit firmer ride and "the look" too lol. I'm going to look into doing sway bars and strut tower braces too. Would these accomplish the goal of a firmer ride as well?

[Inspector1]

Yes I think it gives a more stable controlled ride.

I1

[04blkpearlcoupe]

yes it will give a more stable ride over relatively smooth roads. watch out on bumpy roads though. i used to have a lowered civic with upgraded eibach springs, kyb shocks, wheels, strut bars...and it handled great on smooth roads but got scary on bumpy ones. oh and even small potholes will feel like you just hit a curb.

[Inspector1]

Sway bars and strut tower braces will not effect the ride quality negatively IMO.
The Rough ride is due to stiffer spring rate and rebound rates on aftermarket strut and spring kits. Sway bars will greatly improve body roll on cornering and aid during braking. Strut tower brace just increases the rigidity of your strut mounts for cornering...
The most bang for the buck if you want to keep an everyday driver a smooth but controlled ride is Frt and Rear sway bar kits and bushings!!
If you every get a chance to drive a Mazda Protege5
you will note how it rides more like a RadioFlyer wagon compared to an Accord or Civic .. It has increased spring rates from the factory!



I1:)

[BenjiBoy650]

Originally posted by 04blkpearlcoupe
yes it will give a more stable ride over relatively smooth roads. watch out on bumpy roads though. i used to have a lowered civic with upgraded eibach springs, kyb shocks, wheels, strut bars...and it handled great on smooth roads but got scary on bumpy ones. oh and even small potholes will feel like you just hit a curb.

How did the KYB's works and did they last long? I would buy them (because they're the cheapest) but I'm not willing to be a guinea pig to test how long they last or how well they work.

[marinakorp]

realy need to get one's that compliment your springs


the "drop" will cause the rebound of the existing struts to be different.

there should be a combination that is right for the H&R springs


too much rebound will send the car bouncing down the road and not get the most out of the springs... too little will not get enought rebound and cause damage to other components (potentially)

really need to do a little more homework before just lowering the car.