Resptectfully disagree (archive)

I'm afraid your logic doesn't hold. If you install lowering springs, then you "will be changing the spring rates to something other than what they originally were designed to be". In fact, cutting about an inch will increase the spring rate perhaps 15%. The milder aftermarket lowering springs increase the spring rate about 15%.

Regarding cutting, Metric Mechanic used to put out data on how much to cut for the E28, but I haven't seen it for the E34. Cutting is a common practice and can be OK if done correctly. I don't like torch-cutting because it changes the temper and brittleness of the steel. Make sure the springs you start with are of equal length unsprung and check the ride height before you remove them from the car. If the ride height isn't equal on both sides (properly loaded car - see Bentley), or if the unloaded length is different, you have a sagged spring that should be discarded.

Bottom line, however, is that new springs are pretty inexpensive ($200-250, but if you're patient, I got slightly used ones for $175) that, compared to all the labor of removing and installing the springs and $400+ for new shocks (you shouldn't use stock shocks with lowered springs - increases probability of botoming the shock)and a few $ for miscellaneous nuts, gaskets, and maybe replacement rubber parts, that it's a whole lot easier to go with bought springs.

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Re: Resptectfully disagree r o b 01:36 8/17/2000 (0)

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