Rear end too low

[ZillaGTO]

Our Goat is pretty flat in back. I wonder how it might look with a small lift so it doesn't sag so bad. Has anyone tried to "fix" this?

[Old Goat]

Our Goat is pretty flat in back. I wonder how it might look with a small lift so it doesn't sag so bad. Has anyone tried to "fix" this?
You mean 'rake' it?

[FLORIT]

I rake in the fall, when needed. :D

Seriously, though, isn't the suspension "tuned"? Wouldn't raking the back end affect the ABS, alignment, maybe even the traction control (which just about everyone turns off anyway?)

I'm sure handling would be affected somehow.

[ZillaGTO]

That is my concern. But do you see what I mean about it sort of "squatting" too much in the back. it might look better with a small lift. Of course not worth it if it screws up the handling too much.

[Old Goat]

That is my concern. But do you see what I mean about it sort of "squatting" too much in the back. it might look better with a small lift. Of course not worth it if it screws up the handling too much.
Florit's right. I see issues with the IRS, handling and roll worsening from heightening the CG (the tank is vertical), and certainly a geometry issue with the halfshafts that might or might not worsen wheel tramp, and driveline alignment issues perhaps.

[ZillaGTO]

Not worth it then. I think that 18's might do the trick then.

[Old Goat]

Not worth it then. I think that 18's might do the trick then.
The perfect match for our 17 inchers already exists in OZ. Remember, this car was built around their 18's. Neither GM nor Pontaic played with the suspension when they specced the 17's for added rim protection for our potholes and our roads. The other smooth move would be to de-junk the trunk and be patient. The aftermarket will catch up... ;)

[JCMGTO]

Could be why Eibach springs lower the front 1" and the rear by .8"

[Rocket]

Could be why Eibach springs lower the front 1" and the rear by .8"


EXACTELY! Just drop the front to achieve the look wanted. Don't jack the rear end up.

[Warren]

LOL. I used to pump pressure in the air shocks on my elCamino for that desired effect. I loved the look, hated the handleing. You cant always have both.

[GTOWILL]

Could be why Eibach springs lower the front 1" and the rear by .8"

Speaking of the Eibach springs, anyone tried them on the GTO? Previous experience with them? I'm considering getting the kit and would like to hear what everyone thinks.

[Rockos GTO]

Changing the springs to a 600 lb spring would the the best Idea the 200 lb stock causes too much squatting on launch and too much roll when cornering. My suggestion is to put the bigger springs in. They will lower it about an 1" all around but I think the handling will be worth it.

[phobos512]

How will that effect potential for wheel rub, tho?

[White Rider]

How will that effect potential for wheel rub, tho?

I don't know the answer but I'll say this: I've seen many Monaros lowered- just a little bit, they look HEAPS better, but my point is I guess that so many people would'nt do it unless it was relativly drivable.

[mistermike]

Anyone remember Air Lifts. I used to love their decals. It was a rubber bladder that went inside the coil spring. When deflated, no residual effects. Have your cake and eat it too. My dad had a set for towing.

[dmonty]

Speaking of the Eibach springs, anyone tried them on the GTO? Previous experience with them? I'm considering getting the kit and would like to hear what everyone thinks.

I had the Eibachs put on my 02 Monte Carlo SS. TOTAL DIFFERENCE in handling! Made it feel like a real sports car. I had many passengers tell me they were amazed how well it handled for a car that size.

I cant see my getting them after mine was put on a flatbed. There was only a 1/4 inch or less for BOTH bumpers. If you do get these make sure you carry something to place under the wheels in case you have to be towed to make the transition to the flatbed.

Of course I have only had mine for a month and maybe a year down the road I will desire better handling. The Eibachs are the way to go though!!!

_DM

[goatee]

Bah, most flatbeds carry transition planks. If my TT can get up on one with the lowered Intrax springs and front lip extension, any car can get up. Put em on and let us know what you think!!

[Stormin'Norman]

I had the Eibachs put on my 02 Monte Carlo SS. TOTAL DIFFERENCE in handling! Made it feel like a real sports car. I had many passengers tell me they were amazed how well it handled for a car that size.

I cant see my getting them after mine was put on a flatbed. There was only a 1/4 inch or less for BOTH bumpers. If you do get these make sure you carry something to place under the wheels in case you have to be towed to make the transition to the flatbed.

Of course I have only had mine for a month and maybe a year down the road I will desire better handling. The Eibachs are the way to go though!!!

_DM


If a lower/meaner look is what you are after, and just happen to like better handling and minimal body roll as a side-effect, then take a serious look at the stage 1 kit from Jim over at Gravana. Take a look at these photos.

Keep in mind that this is a daily driver, I drive through downtown LA every day of the week, and it's also trackworthy... At least enough to give a Z06 a run for the money. And it's a bit lower than the Eibach kit.

[GTOkid]

Why not do a coilover set-up? Lower as you see fit...

[CSiJason]

Too low for me. The Eibach Pro Kit should be perfect... Anyone have a picture of it on the GTO yet?

I've also read about a kit made by Eibach that another company is about to release that has a 1" drop in the front and 0.5" drop in the rear which would be exactly what the GTO needs to look and perform better without being overkill.

[Stormin'Norman]

Norman's setup from Gravana IS a coilover setup.

I like that look but I wonder what the difference would be for the Stage 2 kit. I can't see doing anything half-assed with this car. Gravana Jim, any comments on that? Does anyone have the S2 kit yet??


The Stage 1 package from Gravana is NOT a coil-over package. They are replacement springs, struts & shocks.

[phobos512]

The Stage 1 package from Gravana is NOT a coil-over package. They are replacement springs, struts & shocks.

My bad

[CMNTMXR57]

Yes, I have noticed this too and don't care for the look.

Thing is though, I don't want to lower the car in front. Personally, I think lowering looks like chit! Yea, I know the handling benefit in many cases, but when the arc of the wheel well looks like it's draping over the wheels, just doesn't do it for me. Instead, I'd like to be able to dial in the rake some from the rear to lift it some, similar to the adjustability of the sawy bars on GM trucks to level the front end and adjust for added weight.

The handling and suspension geometry of the IRS should'nt be affected as all you're doing is lifting the body off of it. Unless you're cotting springs, adding springs, installing adjustable sway bars, ladder bars and such, you aren't physically altering the suspension itself.

[CSiJason]

Raising the rear end alters the angle the drive shafts and everything else in the rear functions at. This is the same as lowering the car, just in the other direction. You can only go so far without making the angles the shafts meet at too extreme which will cause them to wear and/or break at an abnormal rate.

[CMNTMXR57]

There is some degree of adjustability without having to do major suspension geometry reconstruction. I don't want to jack the car up like a 4x4 truck, I simply want to add some rake in the rear.

[mistermike]

There is some degree of adjustability without having to do major suspension geometry reconstruction. I don't want to jack the car up like a 4x4 truck, I simply want to add some rake in the rear.
Air lifts (http://www.airliftcompany.com/), man.
http://www.ls1gto.com/forums/attachment.php?attach mentid=3077
I dont' even care if they work. The logo is way cool.

[CMNTMXR57]

Lol!!

[radkon]

The perfect match for our 17 inchers already exists in OZ. Remember, this car was built around their 18's. Neither GM nor Pontaic played with the suspension when they specced the 17's for added rim protection for our potholes and our roads. The other smooth move would be to de-junk the trunk and be patient. The aftermarket will catch up... ;)

What would happen if I put 2 18"s on the back and kept the stock 17"s on the front? With the same sidewall height? I'm thinking something like this?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ewItem&item=7920069180&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT

[BJG]

Our Goat is pretty flat in back. I wonder how it might look with a small lift so it doesn't sag so bad. Has anyone tried to "fix" this?
I'm from a company here in Australia (King Springs Pty Ltd) who have developed an extensive range of coil spring product to cater for just about all types of suspension preferences for the GTO's.
We are able to offer a tapered wire progressive rate design coil to rectify your 'sagging' issue without ride comprimise. We have a std height heavy duty replacement rear coil that offers comfort ride quality at normal ride increasing in spring rate when under load 'squat' . This gives the vehicle performance handling characteristics.

Please don’t hesitate to drop me a line for any further assistance or questions relating to supply of our product in your area.

brad@kingsprings.com.au
www.kingsprings.com.au