Can you just change shocks? Or adjust a spring?
Do you have to realign the car afterwards? Can any alignment shop do it?
thanks
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Do you still have the spacers in your stock shocks? If so, you can remove them to lower the car. I would realign the car after this is done. Most shops should be able to align the car if you take them the specs.
Josh
Josh
Check for the black nylon spacers under the shock springs. They're about 3/4 to 1" thick. You'll need a tall press to disassemble the shocks. Removing these will drop the car enough to be noticable. You should have the front end realigned.
If you want to get serious, you need to change the shocks and the upper rear A-arms. Alden and Koni make adjustable shocks and these are available from Pantera parts dealers. The Koni's are much more expensive but may have better ride quality. I have Aldens dropped all the way and the ride quality is...well..."quality" is the wrong term. Maybe it's just the roads around here.
With lowered shocks, your rear wheels will tip in at the top. You need to replace the upper rear A-arms with adjustable ones. Collector's Choice had the best price.
Then you need to have all 4 wheels aligned. In my case, there was enough adjustment in the front upper A-arms to allow for alignment. This could be a problem on some cars. The slots that hold the upper ball carrier might have to be elongated in extreme cases...but mine's pretty low and didn't need any extra work.
This is costly to have done, but if you can do it yourself, you'll save a bundle in labor. It is definately worth it. Of course, while you're at it, you should check out your A-arm bushings (a REAL be-atch of a job to do yourself) and then you're going to need those 17" wheels...and Goodyear F1s...and...and...
Mooso.
If you want to get serious, you need to change the shocks and the upper rear A-arms. Alden and Koni make adjustable shocks and these are available from Pantera parts dealers. The Koni's are much more expensive but may have better ride quality. I have Aldens dropped all the way and the ride quality is...well..."quality" is the wrong term. Maybe it's just the roads around here.
With lowered shocks, your rear wheels will tip in at the top. You need to replace the upper rear A-arms with adjustable ones. Collector's Choice had the best price.
Then you need to have all 4 wheels aligned. In my case, there was enough adjustment in the front upper A-arms to allow for alignment. This could be a problem on some cars. The slots that hold the upper ball carrier might have to be elongated in extreme cases...but mine's pretty low and didn't need any extra work.
This is costly to have done, but if you can do it yourself, you'll save a bundle in labor. It is definately worth it. Of course, while you're at it, you should check out your A-arm bushings (a REAL be-atch of a job to do yourself) and then you're going to need those 17" wheels...and Goodyear F1s...and...and...
Mooso.
...If you still have the stock shocks with the 1/2" to 9/16" thick aluminum spacers, you will be happy, with the improved 'Feel' after You remove them. This will lower the Deck lid (And Nose) exactly 1.0" closer to the ground. Be sure to leave the 1/8" thin Black plastic 'cushions' IN, or you will have to listen to a sqeaks, while you drive! The FRONT shocks were not a hard job, as I was able to remove, disassemble, remove spacers, reassemble and reinstall them without outside help. The REAR shocks were removed, NO problem, you just jack the car up until the 'A' arms sag all the way. But! I had to take the rears to a Tire/Shock Shop so they could diassemble the Shock/Spring on their coil spring compressor...
Thanks for all the great information!
100mph + will lower it for you.
Woops...I'm sure Marlin is right about the shock spacers being aluminum, not nylon. It has been years since I removed them and my memory is not clear.
Come to think of it...I can't clearly remember when my memory was clear...I think.
Mooso.
Come to think of it...I can't clearly remember when my memory was clear...I think.
Mooso.
Best way to lower the Pantera?
Simple, let the air out of the tires!
LOL
George
Simple, let the air out of the tires!
LOL
George
let the air out of all the tires...
(sorry)
(sorry)
quote:Originally posted by hawaii:
Can you just change shocks? Or adjust a spring?
Do you have to realign the car afterwards? Can any alignment shop do it?
thanks
Just buy someones old shock set they are throwing away anyway. The suspension is as low as it will go with totaly worn out springs. Can't get any lower than that.
