Fox Body Shocks/Struts and Lowering Springs thoughts?

1987LX5.0 · Nov 8, 2021

I have a 1987 LX 5.0 Hatch that has the original suspension components with Maximum Motorsports full length subframe connectors added. I'd like to replace the factory shocks/struts and consider swapping out factory springs for lowering springs but really I'm not interested in the slammed look, so lowering an inch would be fine. My overall goal would be to improve on the factory set up with decent quality parts. Considering the KYB GR2 shocks/struts. Any recommendations? I included pic taken recently to show current ride height.

Bsimps · Nov 8, 2021

mine has eibach lowering springs and Kyb shock, struts and it rides/ handles well.

KRUISR · Nov 9, 2021

Stock rear spring with lower control arm mount lowered about 2". Front is an old school Granatelli coil over kit. I have actually moved to the lower hole in the second pic.

Dan02gt · Nov 10, 2021

Here's mine setting on Steeda Sport springs. I have the Koni SRT.T shocks and struts, but I've heard the KYB GR2s are decent for the money. I also have MM adjustable lower control arms so I can raise or lower the rear of the car from where it sets in this picture.

mikeynonos · Nov 11, 2021

If you want the best of both worlds, rather than going with lowering springs and new shocks/struts, I would recommend going with a set of coil-overs. I did an install on a 1990 LX, and it was simple. Plus, you can raise/lower the height in order to fine tune the exact stance you are looking for. Here is a photo of before, the coil-overs, and an after.

Jersey Joe · Nov 11, 2021

I did the Eibach Pro's and Koni orange str.t shocks and struts. I too did not want it slammed and didn't wanna spend a fortune, happy with the combo.

1987LX5.0 · Nov 11, 2021

Bsimps said:
mine has eibach lowering springs and Kyb shock, struts and it rides/ handles well.

How much lower than stock was your eibach lowering springs to drop you? Thanks.

1987LX5.0 · Nov 11, 2021

KRUISR said:
Stock rear spring with lower control arm mount lowered about 2". Front is an old school Granatelli coil over kit. I have actually moved to the lower hole in the second pic.

So in your first pic, was the rear lowered 2" from stock? Front you could adjust to your preferred height?

1987LX5.0 · Nov 11, 2021

mikeynonos said:
If you want the best of both worlds, rather than going with lowering springs and new shocks/struts, I would recommend going with a set of coil-overs. I did an install on a 1990 LX, and it was simple. Plus, you can raise/lower the height in order to fine tune the exact stance you are looking for. Here is a photo of before, the coil-overs, and an after.

From your experience, would you have a preferred brand name for coil overs that is good quality and priced reasonably?

1987LX5.0 · Nov 11, 2021

Jersey Joe said:
I did the Eibach Pro's and Koni orange str.t shocks and struts. I too did not want it slammed and didn't wanna spend a fortune, happy with the combo.

Nice shine on the paint. Would you have a side view showing ride height? How much lower than stock would you say you are to sit with your set up? Thanks.

Jersey Joe · Nov 11, 2021

I wanna say it dropped it about a 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 maybe ? Before and after pic.

Jersey Joe · Nov 11, 2021

Better side shot.

1987LX5.0 · Nov 11, 2021

Jersey Joe said:
Better side shot.

Thanks for your pics. The "better side shot" picture (last pic) looks lower than the picture second last picture. Or maybe the shadow under fender makes it look that way. Our cars are very similar in appearance.

Jersey Joe · Nov 11, 2021

Second to last picture is the factory springs, a before and after. I guess I should of said that haha, I just edited the caption. Yes these cars are definitely very similar.

mikeynonos · Nov 11, 2021

1987LX5.0 said:
From your experience, would you have a preferred brand name for coil overs that is good quality and priced reasonably?

We went with a complete kit from American Muscle. If memory serves me correct, it was not a large name brand. I believe the kit was roughly about $800, compared with the big-name brands going for $1500+. They have been on the car now for over 5 years and not a single problem.

Bsimps · Nov 12, 2021

1987LX5.0 said:
How much lower than stock was your eibach lowering springs to drop you? Thanks.

About 1”inch , 1.5” inches I’ve had the car 6 years and no issue.

1987LX5.0 · Nov 12, 2021

Jersey Joe said:
Second to last picture is the factory springs, a before and after. I guess I should of said that haha, I just edited the caption. Yes these cars are definitely very similar.

No rub issues at all? I have the 275/40/R17's on the rear and 245/45/R17's on the front.

Jersey Joe · Nov 12, 2021

I also have those same size tires, every once and in a while over a big bump on a highway something rubs slightly, but I haven't tried to figure out what it is yet, no obvious marks so far...haha

DudeStang · Nov 16, 2021

Pretty happy with the Koni orange shocks and struts. I have them on both my 2014 GT and 1988 GT. I am still on stock springs in the 88 but might do a slight drop at some point.

aggarcia70 · Jan 10, 2022

Dan02gt said:
Here's mine setting on Steeda Sport springs. I have the Koni SRT.T shocks and struts, but I've heard the KYB GR2s are decent for the money. I also have MM adjustable lower control arms so I can raise or lower the rear of the car from where it sets in this picture.

How do you like those Koni SRT.T struts and shocks? Ordered a set for my 88 LX 5.0 to replace worn out 160K stock units.

Fox Body Shocks/Struts and Lowering Springs thoughts?

Member

Attachments

Member

mazing how much gas smell came from that tiny hole

Member

Attachments

I remember blowing that Monkey's ass

Member

Member

Member

Member

I remember blowing that Monkey's ass

I remember blowing that Monkey's ass

Member

Attachments

I remember blowing that Monkey's ass

Member

Member

Member

I remember blowing that Monkey's ass

Nuts fell off while driving

Member

Similar threads

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency