Lowering-DIY Guide

[jono]

I gave my mate at IMPARTSmy shopping list today. I've decided to go with the standard SA springs with SA Swift struts, and use a 1.5 inch lowering blocks for the rear with some new shockies for the rear too. I got quoted $110 from Pedder's for the blocks There is no Autopro in Tassie, so anywhere else I should look?

[Brayden]

$110 is about on the money, unless there has been a substantial drop in the price of these things that I haven't heard about.

[evilgidget]

I've decided to go with the standard SA springs with SA Swift struts, and use a 1.5 inch lowering blocks for the rear with some new shockies for the rear too.

Be aware that not all SA swift struts are made equal. My MB looks like a monster truck at the moment after I fitted up SA GTI struts onto it

[jono]

OK - cool thanks for that Brayden.

A monster truck, hey! Um, I don't think I am getting GTI struts though - they are from an older swift 1985-1988

So, I'm guessing King Springs won't work with these struts then?

[Brayden]

I used SA ( 1986-88 ) struts on my MB with standard MB springs and it sat 1" lower than standard. GTi or not, they're the same strut unit.

Throw lowered springs into the mix and you drop closer enough to 3", which might look cool but does nothing for the handling.

[jono]

OK, cool. I thought it was standard SWIFT springs, not Mighty Boy! So, I guess I should order MB springs, not swift??

[Brayden]

You should already have a pair of MB springs in your ute.

[jono]

Smart a##

They are a bit old though, so I want new ones - will Swift ones fit?

Also, um, what are hubs

Can I use the following combination:

SA struts+MB Hubs+SA springs = yes/no?

Thanks!

[jono]

Anyone?? Can I use Swift Springs? Need to order them today!

[Brayden]

Swift springs have a higher pound rating compared to MB units, although I've only ever used lowered Swift springs so I can't comment on what difference it will make to your ride height if you use standard height springs.

Adam mentioned that his ride height increased with Swift struts, so I can only assume he has used standard height Swift springs.

Bear in mind that Swift struts aren't a direct fit either. You need to modify the bottom hub bracket and brake line/bracket.

[jono]

OK, I can get hold of 30mm lowered King Springs for a Swift - what do you think about these?

Thanks A LOT for your help!

[jono]

AHH!! What to do! I got inch and a half lowring blocks so what front springs would best match with this - I'm guessing the standard SA springs?

Any input greatly appreciated because I have

[fritz]

I've got the old style king spring lowered front springs in my white boy. They are from a ga swift, but I'm not sure of the exact amount they are lowered? - For me they are close to perfect. Naturally I like my boy nice and low and would perhaps like the front wheels level with the arches at rest (another half inch or so).

My 5c worth on the rear situation is that I really dont like lowering blocks. They do nothing for the lateral stability of the ute. Lowered leaf springs would tighten it up in terms of lateral movement which would make a decent difference IMO.
- I have 2" lowered blocks which match the front spriiings fairly well in terms of appearance, but they're not fitted.

[Brayden]

Check my quick-fire table in the following thread:

viewtopic.php?t=1438&highlight=springs

(In the table, GTi and SA Swift parts are considered the same.)

[jono]

Yeah, I found that table It is good!

I've decided to go with the following set up now:

SA struts (Gabriel) ~ $170
SA standard springs (King) ~ $150
Gabriel Rear Shockies ~ $90
HR inch and a half lowering blocks on the rear $110 (saw them on ebay today for $65 )

It will do me fine me thinks.

Thanks for your help Brayden (and Fritz!) If I am ever in Canberra I will be sure to buy you a beer or two

Cheers,

Jono