SpeedFreak123

iTrader: (17)

Im going to be investing in some new wheels, So I figured I might as well lower the car while I'm at it, to give it a nice stance.

I would like to see some lowered Formulas, and some input on what springs I should go with...

Also, I was thinking of purchasing LCA's and Relocation Brackets... Does it really make a difference, Bolt in brackets or Weld in?

Lets see some pics and hear some input.

Thanks in advance,

Kyle

squee

iTrader: (16)

Stranos are the only way to go. Only reason I plan to get rid of mine is for a KW coilover setup, and that won't be for a little while...

MasterTomos

iTrader: (15)

Adjustable LCA's are a must for a lowered vehicle, otherwise lowering the vehicle can mess up the geometry of your suspension setup and you'll have a lot of traction issues and wheel spin. Get a set from UMI or BMR along with relocation brackets to solve the problem.

Also, you'll need an adjustable panhard rod for re-centering your rear end after you lower it, another must-do for proper geometry. On-car single adjustables are easy, quick, and fun to install. Also available from BMR or UMI.

+1 on the strano's. He has a great reputation, and is very knowledgable.

97pontta

iTrader: (10)

I'm on Strano springs, Strano hollow sway bars, Koni 4/4's, UMI Roto-Joint LCA's, Adj Panhard Bar and BMR torque arm. I'm happy with my setup, very stable. Click the link in my sig for pics.

squee

iTrader: (16)

NOT true...

DAVE00

iTrader: (10)

+1 - This is not true. Aftermarket LCA's with Polys are just as good and the best thing to do for a lowered car and LCA's is get the relocation brackets to move your LCA mount point to the axel back down and gain the angle you need - also keeps wheel hop at bay.

Here's a pic of my setup:



BMR Subframe connectors with Trac Pack and TQ arm relocation bar and DS safety loop
BMR Adj. TQ arm
Hotchkis LCAs and relocation brackets
Hotchkis adj pan hard bar
Koni Shocks
Eibach Springs - Pro Kit
Hotchkis front and rear sway bars

squee

iTrader: (16)

Well to be honest, I'm not a 100% sure on what Dave was trying to say, but let me clarify. There is NO NEED for LCAs just cause you lower it. Adjustable LCAs won't do **** for the loss of traction you gonna notice. That will come from the angle they will be at. They need to be parallel to the ground, which the only way to accomplish that is relocation brackets. Simply put, it won't make **** for difference if all you do is lower the car and don't go changing absolutely everything under it, and even if you do, you probably still don't NEED them. An adjustable PHB on the other hand can be useful and sometimes necessary. The only things you will NEED are the relocation brackets to get the LCAs back to level at ride height, and depending on your rim/tire combo, and just plain the car itself (seems as though there all different), you might need an adjustable PHB to center the rear end.

DAVE00

iTrader: (10)

+1 - I agree with you (as above - lol). Thanks for the translation.

AChotrod

iTrader: (17)

What your intended use for the car? Heres my Formulas suspension


Car also has Strange DA front shocks and 300# springs, AFCO rear shocks, and I still got to get off my *** and install the UMI front upper and lower a-arms.

SpeedFreak123

iTrader: (17)

Its my DD... But i have touble catching traction...

I want it to look good (Reason for springs), and have an easier time catching traction (LCA's with relocation brackets)

Should i purchase a Panhard bar?

Does it matter if the relocation brackets are weld in, or bolt it? Will the traction gain be any different?

AChotrod

iTrader: (17)

PHB and LCAs are the first thing I do to the suspension and if you drop it relocation brackets correct the geometry and help you hook better. Mine are bolt in but you can weld them if you want. As for shocks It depends on your budget.

MasterTomos

iTrader: (15)

I geuss you guys are right, theres no reason that oem lca's couldn't work with relocation brackets. I geuss I always just put the two things together (relocation brackets and aftermarket LCA's) in my mind because they arent that expensive and you might as well upgrade those as well as long as you're trying to eliminate wheel spin.

I was tired and it was poorly said, my bad. These guys above are right. Relocation brackets are really what you need for a lowered vehicle. Panhard bar is a good idea too.

AChotrod

iTrader: (17)

My NON ADJ LCAs didnt work with relocation brackets. I had to get new adj lcas since the tires were not centered right.

MasterTomos

iTrader: (15)

^ Yea, that's what I've always thought would happen with a lowered car...always figured aftermarket LCA's would be a good idea for a lowered car.

squee

iTrader: (16)

That can happen, like I think I mentioned, but isn't very common. The main point I was making was that having non-adjustable LCAs won't affect traction, the only benefit to them is to be able to center the wheel, which usually isn't gonna be a problem, but like AChotrod said, it can be for some cars depending on the setup, etc.

My car for instance didn't NEED them, but I got such a good deal I figure what the hell. I just set them to the same length as stock for a starting point and they were perfect. My setup is as follows:

Koni DAs front (need to get some rears still but will be swapped for KW Variant 3s soon enough anyway)
Strano springs
Stock SS sway bars (soon to be Stranos)
Moser 12 bolt (again, soon to go with MWC 9" which is why I haven't bothered with relocation brackets)
Aluminum adjustable rod/rod LCAs and PHB (PHB will be replaced with Fays2 watts link at the same time as rear)
BMR adjustable full length torque arm
BMR torque arm relocation M6 tranny crossmember
and a few more things I'm sure I'm forgetting.

The car handles like its on rails, but since I haven't installed relocation brackets yet, doesn't hook like it should, but the way it handles is unbelievable, and the way I have it setup, its actually really controllable sideways too.

MasterTomos

iTrader: (15)

^But do you need adjustable LCA's if you get the relocation brackets?

99Bluz28

iTrader: (35)

IMO, if you've got the stock 10 bolt rear you shouldn't need adj.LCA's, but if you have a 12bolt, 9", or dana60 go ahead and get adj.LCA's, unless you know for a fact non adj.'s will keep it centered.

SpeedFreak123

iTrader: (17)

I think what has been said is, you can use stock LCA's with relocation brackets, so, no... You don't NEED Adjustable LCA's, but they are recommended.

I think after reading this, I am going to go with Lowering springs, Relocation brackets, Adjustable LCA's, and Panhard bar...

Later down the road when money allows, I will purchase some nice shocks....