Hi, this is my first ever post so I apologise if this is in the wrong thread. I’m in the market for a new car and I’ve just come across a 2008 Ute with 19 inch rims lowered on Front SSL and Rear Triple SSSL springs according to the ad. Could someone please tell me the pros(if there are any) and the cons of having it lowered this much. My concerns are that 1; it’s surpassed the legal limit and becomes a cop magnet. 2; the negative impact on performance, etc. I’m not very car savvy and it’ll be my first ever car so if anyone has any answers or honest opinions for me that’ll be much appreciated. Edit;; I’m located in Victoria.
1. Reduced ground clearance, may scrape on speed humps, going onto ramps in car parks, front against gutters when parking 2. Reduced suspension travel means ride will likely be harsh 3. Shocks may not be tuned to springs. Most off the shelf sport shocks will be tuned to FE2 or similar springs, since that is what makers envisaged owners using them for - to replace 100,000 km old SV6 and SS shocks. If you use them with lower and likely higher rate springs then the shock may not have enough rebound damping to control the spring as it extends after hitting a bump - so car will want to 'float' up a bit. Although I think Monroe GT short shocks might be designed for shorter and stiffer springs...
Just buy it and try tbh. If you don't like the ride it'll be less than 2k to do shocks and springs, so ask for 1k off the price.
4. may reduce load carrying capacity within the tray 4b. I think some models have load proportioning valve under the tray which some may not correctly adjust when lowering 5. if it looks low it probably is too low and becomes a cop magnet as you say... It all comes down to what sort of license you have (P’s and lowed utes don’t play well together), what you want from your car and how much hassle from police you can put up with. Such can only be answered by you
That’s really helpful, thank you. I’m a P plater and plan to load up the tray frequently so unfortunately I don’t think this is the right car for me.
Minimum 100mm ground clearance from the lowest point on the undercarriage Also, should add that the vehicle needs to be fully laden... ie 2 occupants, full tank of juice and what would usually otherwise be found in the rear of a ute Generally speaking, if you were unlucky enough to attract the attention of the police, you’d be very unlucky to have the vehicle clearance measured fully laden - usually, they’d just measure it ‘as is’