Using 1.5" lowering springs with stock shocks?

**RaceMyLS1** · 02-08-2009, 12:19 AM

I have a 98 TA with 57k miles on it. I am about to have someone install a set of lowering springs on it and I was wondering if I need to have new shocks installed as well.. Any thoughts?

**MYSCZ06** · 02-08-2009, 12:35 AM

plenty have done it on stock shocks but it is highly recommended to swap shocks..strano makes a great set!!

**RaceMyLS1** · 02-08-2009, 12:40 AM

So I should replace the front and rear shocks? Ok. What about an adjustable panhard bar? Do I need that? Everyone says you absolutely need it if you lower an fbody..

**MYSCZ06** · 02-08-2009, 01:07 AM

I swapped all my shocks and springs for best handling and ride..I also added a adj pan hard in the event you need to adjust the rear once you lower it... I didnt have to adjust mine.

**9T8W66** · 02-08-2009, 05:47 AM

Do it all at once, it will save you the hassle of doing the fronts twice when you get new shocks.
For lowewring springs Koni's would be my first choice then billstiens.
And an adj panhard bar is a must.

**side2000** · 02-08-2009, 07:02 AM

you can use stock shocks but they are beat. koni adjustables all the way around. . . .they are expensive but you get what ya pay for

**Eugenio_SS** · 02-08-2009, 02:08 PM

shocks are a must... stock one suck.
By lowering, the rates are most certainely higher, making the stock shocks even worse on that situation... so you'd want shocks regardless.

**third_shift|studios** · 02-08-2009, 05:59 PM

Originally Posted by RaceMyLS1

So I should replace the front and rear shocks? Ok. What about an adjustable panhard bar? Do I need that? Everyone says you absolutely need it if you lower an fbody..

shout out to a fellow Ohio'n. I've been through mansfield a few times enroute to the in'laws.

that said-don't trust everything you're told by internet posts, etc. Talk to suspension specialists like Sam Strano (how about he doesn't even sponsor here, but we all just know lol).

**Mr. Luos** · 02-08-2009, 06:00 PM

Originally Posted by Pewter_LS1

I didnt have to adjust mine.

I find this hard to believe.

**side2000** · 02-08-2009, 06:01 PM

you can trust my posts

**side2000** · 02-08-2009, 06:08 PM

Originally Posted by Mr. Luos

I find this hard to believe.

just 'cuz he "didnt have to adjust it" doesn't mean it's in the right place. although most lowering kits require panhard adjustments, strange enough as it may be, some cars just seem to keep the rear in place. i really dunno why, it must be variance in position of the panhard body mount from factory, 'cuz i've seen more than one car with perfect geometry after lowering.

**9T8W66** · 02-08-2009, 06:16 PM

Originally Posted by side2000

just 'cuz he "didnt have to adjust it" doesn't mean it's in the right place. although most lowering kits require panhard adjustments, strange enough as it may be, some cars just seem to keep the rear in place. i really dunno why, it must be variance in position of the panhard body mount from factory, 'cuz i've seen more than one car with perfect geometry after lowering.

If it's perfect after lowering with the stock PHB my guess would be the bar is bent.
I have yet to see even a stock height car with the rear centered properly.

**side2000** · 02-08-2009, 06:25 PM

so if it's not centered properly from factory, it might just fall into place after lowering.

i'm certainly not saying i would avoid putting an adjustable panhard rod on my car. no matter what, i'd put one on any f-body i owned, and check geometry/adjust accordingly. in fact, i check/adjust between every race.

**9T8W66** · 02-08-2009, 06:42 PM

Originally Posted by side2000

so if it's not centered properly from factory, it might just fall into place after lowering.

Impossible considering the bars need to be shortened after the car is lowered.

Actually the Watts link is a better setup anyway.

**side2000** · 02-08-2009, 06:49 PM

if the rear isn't aligned from factory, either raising the car or lowering the car is gonna put it in place. . .but i wasn't originally saying that for debate sake. it was more a joke than anything else. i was stating my experience with suspension setups, to be heeded however by whoever.

**9T8W66** · 02-08-2009, 07:09 PM

Sorry man I'm not here to argue with anyone.
Most of the Factory F-bodies I have seen have the rears biased towards the Left side. And to properly center them the bars need to be shortened. When I added my staggered wheels I ended up getting an adj PHB even though I was on stock springs.

**Octavain** · 02-08-2009, 07:10 PM

What about non-adjustable rear panhand bars? You can look at signature for mods.

**side2000** · 02-08-2009, 07:19 PM

here's a good way to put it: because of the delicacy of the rear axle position (by design of the components that hold axle in place) it is crucial to constantly check the geometry and adjust accordingly. that means you will have to adjust it constantly due to stress, change in ride height, bushing wear, or you may get away with seldom adjustment/one-time adjustment, or never adjusting it at all.

**RaceMyLS1** · 02-08-2009, 08:21 PM

Ok, so in addition to my lowering springs, I have an adjustable panhard bar and a set of front & rear shocks on the way. How do people adjust the panhard bar? Just like by using their eye or a tape measure, or what? I'm planning to have a shop install all of this, since I really don't trust myself. Or if anyone in my area wants to make some quick $$ + pizza + beer, let me know, haha..

**side2000** · 02-09-2009, 05:20 AM

if you were around me i'd do it for bud light. it's not hard and it comes with instructions. you are gonna pay a shop through your johnson to get it done. yep, to adjust panhard bar you can start by eyin' up the rear on both sides @ fender, then gettin in there with a wrench to adjust. that's usually good enough, but a tape measure is only way to get it 100% perfect in your driveway. need to make sure car is oncompletely flat surface.

By the way, which panhard rod did you get? some panhard rods can't be adjusted on the car, which kinda defeats the purpose of having adjustability.