Lowering a VS

[Krilnik]

Guys, i wanna drop the ridiculous and insanely high ride height of my VS Series 2 to something a bit more normal, FE2 perhaps.

Questions:

1. How much will FE2 springs cost and where could i find 'em? Wreckers maybe?
2. Will i need new shockers or anything else?

I'm hoping to just obtain some springs and throw 'em in without having to buy anything else. I don't wanna go super low, just wanna drop it to a more acceptable height.

[maldotcom2]

I can't comment on FE2 springs, but i have "super lows" in mine and the tyres sit almost level with the top of the wheel arch. "Lows" are higher than this, but lower than stock, "Ultra lows" would be tucking the tyre inside the guard.

[MADDNE33]

if u want to lower it dont go Fe2, you wont be happy.

go with superalows all round, and u dont need new shocks but its safer and smoother to do so.

[P_plated_V$]

i have ultra low king springs in my vs acclaim with 18 + low profile tyres, it sits just under the top ov the rim so it is rediculusly low bumper bout 4 inches from ground, looks amazing but forget about drivin anywhere lol luckly i have pump up air shocks so i can alter the ride hight atm i sits half way up tyre. it rides good and looks good, good combination i think

[Krilnik]

OK, thanks heaps guys.

Where can i score some FE2 or superlows cheaply? Second hand somewhere?

[STUEY HOLDEN LOVER YEP]

id go superlows man, u can contact king springs the company, or just go ebay... if you go on ebay be careful of a guy called 'online performance' he sent me springs for a live axle when i asked for irs, and the front springs were lows, and the rears were superlows, when i asked for super lows...

so when ur buying also make sure you buy for the right axle set up, i'd imagine yours would be an IRS

[maldotcom2]

I've dealt with online performance auto's numerous times without trouble. If you ever do have issues with any seller just tell the seller and they'll probably fix it up. If that fails tell ebay and you'll get your money back. Buyers really don't have anything to worry about.

[Krilnik]

Thanks guys.

Im a bit of a noob. How would i tell if i have a live axle or IRS? Its a VS Exec Series 2 so IRS would've been optional only i believe.

Do IRS springs taper inwards and live axle springs don't?

Also, i'd love to buy some low springs second hand somewhere cheaply...

[VS 666]

please please please... buy a camber kit.... as you go lower the inside of your tyres chew up....

as for IRS or not ... hop in turn on put it in drive... hold ur foot on the brake and touch the accellerator (not too hard ) ... if the back dips down its IRS if it doesnt move or lifts up... its live axle...

and take a look under the back... if theres a long straight bar (not the diff) itll most likely be live axle but im not the most mech minded... someone will hopefully explain it better for you

[glenn l]

you can by genuine holden fe2 spring pretty cheap from holden, cheaper than aftermarket, but you probably wont be happy with the height(to high) kings low is aprox fe2 heightas for your shocks if they are the original ones it probably a good idea for some new ones because they are probably worn. im in melbourne and can get you shocks and springs if you want a price send us a message.

[GAMBLR]

These are not from a Commodore, but the centre two springs have the same basic definition of a Commodore Live Axle spring. All one width uniformly all the way down.



These are from a Commodore with IRS. As you can see, it is tapered towards the top and bottom, and widest in the middle.

Have a look at what yours is and compare it. Most VS models with IRS have a sticker on the dash under the radio as well.

As a rough guide, not the be all and end all, here are some basic measurements for spring heights:

Low or FE2 - 1.0''-1.5'' drop from standard
Super Low - 1.5''-2.0'' drop from standard
Super Super Low - 2.0''-2.5'' drop from standard
Super Super Super Low/Ultra Low - 2.5''-3.5'' drop from standard

Bear in mind most companies will have different compression rates and spring tensions, so one company's SL may be another company's SSL. Also, a lot depends on your shocks and struts and the rest of your suspension components.
I'd stick SL in there, as the others have said you won't be happy with Low or FE2. It drops the eyebrow height to around 335-360mm.
You don't need shortened shocks with SL, but it is strongly recommended you do at some stage as the lower springs will probably reduce the life of the shock (more strain and pressure on it).

Cheers

[Brett_jjj]

I bought brand new FE2 springs from holden 12 months ago.The front springs were around $30 each,and the rears (solid rear axle)were around $45 each.

[MADDNE33]

I got my full set of springs and shocks from online permformance and was very good, go superlows mate, u wont be disapointed

[Big Dazza91]

yep super lows are the way to go, they look good and still give u a good ride.

[Krilnik]

Thanks for all the help guys!

Will i be able to get away with keeping my current shocks with superlow springs? An above post mentions "go with superalows all round, and u dont need new shocks but its safer and smoother to do so."

Just confirming, i wont need to buy new shocks. What does anyone else think about that??

Also will it still be legal with superlows? it would be, right??

[jokerflingo]

You don't have to but after comparing the ride comfort i definitely would.

Thanks for all the help guys!

Will i be able to get away with keeping my current shocks with superlow springs? An above post mentions "go with superalows all round, and u dont need new shocks but its safer and smoother to do so."

Just confirming, i wont need to buy new shocks. What does anyone else think about that??

Also will it still be legal with superlows? it would be, right??

[Krilnik]

Thanks,

So you saying the ride would be stiff as?

[2SidedVR]

Lowered springs on stock shocks will eventually give way anyway, you gotta usually replace both :P

[jokerflingo]

Thanks,

So you saying the ride would be stiff as?

Ill just say uncomfortable.

[old mate]

it would not be a balanced suspension package. it would be harder when the car hits a bump and rebound too fast. so probably would feel bouncy or choppy in the ride.

[jokerflingo]

it would not be a balanced suspension package. it would be harder when the car hits a bump and rebound too fast. so probably would feel bouncy or choppy in the ride.

Bouncy i reckon would be a great word to describe it.

[old mate]

yeah rebound speed too fast.

[General Xander]

ive got super lows in the front and FE2 in the back as well as a gas tank and it sits just nicely, the back is slightly higher than the front but its just above the wheel arch and the front just touches. also the front is a little bouncy but not bad as the spring is to stiff for the shocks

[Krilnik]

General Xander, do you have stock shocks?

[Krilnik]

Thanks for all your help guys.

Another question.

Ive bought superlow springs that will drop the ride height by about 5cm. Currently the lowest part of my stock standard exhaust sits about 13 cm off the ground. Once i throw the new springs in it'll bring it below the 10cm legal height. What can i do about that? Can i push my exhaust up?