Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Suspension Alignment Issues When Lowered???

I know this has been posted a million times, but bear with me......I'm ready to put Eibach lowering springs on my '99 SE. However, two separate dealers today have tried to disuade me from putting any type of lowering springs on the car due to the non-adjustable camber on the front suspension. However, all the searching on this board that I did prior to calling the dealers indicated the camber issue to rather be a non-issue because of the minimal drop (about 1.2") in the Eibach's. Yes, anything over about 1.5" to 2" would present problems and the need for a camber kit, and yes I would need a four-wheel alignment . However, I'm just hoping to get minimal drop and to get rid of much of the wheel gap.

I need your advise, please......"to drop" or not "to drop", and your reasons for your answer.

Many thanx! Nathan

Drop it...it looks better and most inportantly it'll handle much better. Then put a big sway bar on it and you'll be smiling ear to ear

drop it and never ever go to the stealer for alignments !

Drop it w/ a front camber kit! The camber kit only costs $150 tops! I have the Eibachs and thought the same thing, it will be fine....well, I went through the front tires in a matter of a month or two. They are completely bald on the inside. Got a camber kit, now it's fine. If you're going to do it, do it right.

Alignment issues seem to rarely be a problem, but there have been instances when people needed camber kits to rectify problems. Even if you're within spec after the drop, a four-wheel alignment is still highly recommended to adjust toe so that it's optimum.

I'm running H&Rs, and caster & camber are still within spec. Eibachs shouldn't be any worse.

Camber/Caster kits are cheaper than a new pair of tires....cheap insurance.

Read the discussion about how lower increases negative camber in the BAT catalog www.batinc.net

I would definitely recommend adding the camber kits now. You need to remove the front struts to install them and you will have the front struts out to install the lowering springs anyway.

I have roush lowering springs (almost as much drop as eibachs) with great alignment. I drove about a 1/8 mile one day perfectly straight without touching the wheel.... And never go to a dealer, for anything,, even just to say hi,, avoid dealers.