Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Suspension What are my options?

My father installed new stuts on my car a few months ago as a surprise birthday gift. I now have 4" of space above my front tire and only 1/2" above the rears. Everything that I have looked at in this group involves lowering springs that require stiffer than stock struts. I can't replace the struts that my father just purchased and installed for me because that would basically tell him he bought me crap, which would go over like a lead balloon. Also I cannot make my car ride any stiffer because my wife and kid are regularly in the car. If they decide the ride is too stiff, I will begin riding in the passenger side of an Escape.

My question is what type of springs should I put on my car to lower the front end by about 2 inches and possibly raise the rear end about 1/2"? I want to get the factory stance back without the nose in the air, but apparently the factory springs are just a bit too strong with the Gabriel GasRyder struts.

H&Rs.

I looked at the H&Rs because I keep seeing 1.4"F and 1.1"R drop, but those specs are for 98 and earlier models. The H&R '99 and newer springs give an even 1.1" at all 4 points.

I wouldn't be surprised if my springs are on the edge of self-destruction because they have 125000 miles on 'em. I haven't check lately, but 4 months ago none of them were broken. I do have a sub box sitting in my trunk directly over my rear wheels, but it only ways about 70#.

One of the problems that I have currently is what are the stock ride heights of a '99 Contour LX with a 2.0 liter? I figure my rear springs are shot and the front is sticking in the air since all the weight has been shifted aft. Without the stock heights, I cannot judge which aftermarket springs I need to get. I always have the subs in the back and usually have a computer or 2 also (100# to 130#). I occasionally have a passenger, but never have adults in the rear seat.

I am so frustrated that I may end up takinig it to a suspension shop and letting them rape me!

2 comps and a sub box (approx 200lbs) on worn out sprngs in back......sounds like you answered your question there. i put about that much in my csvt (in good shape) coming home from costco and the rear was not happy. only did that once.
less weight and new springs, even stock might help alot imho

Just for laughs I pulled everything out of the trunk and was a little surprised. The front end is still up in the air and the back is only 1/4" higher.

I must have been a little cross-eyed when I first measured the gaps. The front is 1.5" higher than the rear, which is substantially less than originally posted, but it still looks bad. Since lowering springs are stiffer than normal, will they help hold up the ash end while lowering the front?

It's my understanding that if you use lowering springs, you should also replace the struts. Anybody know how it's gonna work with new stock (I guess) struts and lowering springs?

I have discovered that the GasRyder struts my father installed are stiffer than stock (they are high pressure gas), but I don't think they are much stiffer.