How to lower a W-Body ( Gen 1, Gen 1.5 )

[19Cutlass94]

Since this is being brought up soo much, Im going to make this a one shot deal with where you can get all the parts you need and all the options to lower your W-Body!

 

This will be for 1st gen W-body's, which include:

 

1988–1996 - Buick Regal

 

1988–1997 - Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme

 

1988–1996 - Pontiac Grand Prix

 

1990–1994 - Chevrolet Lumina

 

First we will start with the Front Suspension of your car. Here you have a few choices.

 

 

1st - Held Motorsports Coilovers (Arraut Motorsports )

You can go with Held (Arraut) Motorsports Coilovers. Yes thats right Coilovers in the front of your W-Body.

 

http://arrautmotorsports.com/grand-prix/

 

 

2nd - Suspension Techniques

 

These are Front Lowering Springs. Part number is 60510

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ST-Suspensions-1-2-Lowering-Springs-for-95-01-Chevy-Lumina-Monte-Carlo-/281055438503?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item417035a6a7

 

Advertised drop on these springs are 1"-1.5". Unfortunately, youll have to buy the whole kit to just use the fronts.

 

 

3rd - Eibach

 

http://www.rksport.com/shop/item.asp?itemid=577

 

These are also Front Lowering Springs. These are advertised at a 1.7" drop. Unfortunately, youll have to buy the whole kit to just use the fronts.

 

 

4th - Intrax

 

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/int-25-1-024

 

Once again Front Lowering Springs. These are advertised at a 1.8" drop. Unfortunately, youll have to buy the whole kit to just use the fronts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now moving to the Rear Suspension

 

 

1st- Birchmount Rear Monoleaf

 

These will replace your stock monoleaf, and nothing else. I have heard about a 2" drop, although I have not known many people to buy these, and as of late, however they are a source to lower the ass end of your W-Body! I have heard that they will make you a mono-leaf to whatever drop you need. This will match your front nicely.

 

Contact Information:

Birchmount Auto Spring Company

458 Birchmount Road

Scarborough, ON

M1K1M6

 

Telephone: (416) 698-3636

Fax: (416) 698-5732

 

 

2nd- Held (Arraut) Motorsports

 

Coilovers for the rear of your car. More information can be found HERE:

 

http://arrautmotorsports.com/grand-prix/

 

 

 

3rd- FAF ( Flex-A-Form ) Monoleaf

 

This is similar to the birchmount in the fact that it replaces your rear monoleaf, nothing else.

 

 

 

 

 

Now for the Gen 1.5 W-body's, which include:

 

1995–2001 Chevrolet Lumina

 

1995–1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

 

Once again, well start with the Front Suspension of your car.

 

 

1st - Held Motorsports Coilovers (Arraut Motorsports )

You can go with Held (Arraut) Motorsports Coilovers. Yes thats right Coilovers in the front of your W-Body.

 

http://arrautmotorsports.com/grand-prix/

 

 

2nd - Suspension Techniques

 

These are Front Lowering Springs. Part number is 60510

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ST-Suspensions-1-2-Lowering-Springs-for-95-01-Chevy-Lumina-Monte-Carlo-/281055438503?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item417035a6a7

 

Advertised drop on these springs are 1"-1.5".

 

 

3rd - Eibach

 

These are also Front Lowering Springs. These are advertised at a 1.3" drop.

 

http://www.rksport.com/shop/item.asp?itemid=577

 

 

4th - Intrax

 

Once again Front Lowering Springs. These are advertised at a 1.8" drop.

 

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/int-25-1-024

 

 

 

 

Now moving to the Rear Suspension

 

1st - Held Motorsports Coilovers (Arraut Motorsports )

You can go with Held (Arraut) Motorsports Coilovers. Yes thats right Coilovers in the front of your W-Body.

 

http://arrautmotorsports.com/grand-prix/

 

2nd - Suspension Techniques

These are Front Lowering Springs. Part number is 60510

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ST-Suspensions-1-2-Lowering-Springs-for-95-01-Chevy-Lumina-Monte-Carlo-/281055438503?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item417035a6a7

 

Advertised drop on these springs are 1"-1.5".

 

 

3rd - Eibach

 

These are also Front Lowering Springs. These are advertised at a 1.3" drop.

 

http://www.rksport.com/shop/item.asp?itemid=577

 

 

4th - Intrax

 

Once again Front Lowering Springs. These are advertised at a 1.8" drop.

 

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/int-25-1-024

 

Air Ride

 

This is also another option for BOTH Gen 1 and Gen1.5 cars.

 

http://www.x2industries.com/pontiac-1988-1996-pontiac-grand-prix-complete-air-suspension-kit-p-5726.html

 

 

 

 

 

*IMPORTANT NOTICE*

 

For all gen 1.5 W-Bodies, you can purchase all four springs in ONE set instead of buying them seperatly. Look for this as well and not just front and/or rear springs.

 

 

 

 

If you want to make your own REAR coilovers:

 

There are many places you can buy these same exact parts. Such as www.Summitracing.com But this is just one place where you can find these parts.

 

Here is a list from www.summitracing.com List includes different spring rates for the 12"x2.5" coil-over springs

You will need to choose your spring rate from these springs. I have 300#/in on my car, but its personal preference. I would stay between 250-350#/in spring rate.

http://www.summitracing.com/search/part-type/coil-over-springs/inside-diameter-in/2-500-in/length-in/12-000-in?keyword=qa1

 

List from www.summitracing.com for sleeves and adjuster nuts

You will need to choose the length of the sleeve. Normally a 7" sleeve will be more than enough for all the raising and lowering that one could do.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/afc-20125a-7/overview/

 

Between the springs, and this kit, you have what you need to make your own custom rear coilovers.

Edited February 7, 2013 by 19Cutlass94

[97loudcut]

Nice

 

Aren't the Eibach front springs discontinued now though?

 

Also take into consideration that manual cars will get less of a drop out of the front with springs. The person who sold me the Eibach springs claimed he recieved little to no drop out of the Eibach's.. where as I am sure I got almost 2 full inches.

 

O yeah...I vote sticky

[5speedz34]

Nice

 

Aren't the Eibach front springs discontinued now though?

 

Also take into consideration that manual cars will get less of a drop out of the front with springs. The person who sold me the Eibach springs claimed he recieved little to no drop out of the Eibach's.. where as I am sure I got almost 2 full inches.

 

O yeah...I vote sticky

 

They've been discontinued for a while.

 

 

[pwmin]

thanks, its about time somebody did this...

<-----yells at self

 

fwiw, my car's stock gap w/ 5spokes and 225/60/16 tires was appx. 28" from the ground. after i lowered it w/ st springs and rear coilovers, it was appx. 25" from the ground on 245/45/16's.

 

FAF monoleaf (search).

quote from (tdaye): http://www.w-body.com/forum/index.php/topic,29355.0.html

"i've got a flex-a-form spring in right now, I started with a 3 leaf steel spring but i didn't like the ride. I have got a total of 4 springs from George also. The trick is with George is to call him on the phone. I had the same problem with him not anwsering my emails. Call him on the phone and he was great with me and sent me another spring within 2 weeks each time.

depending on the height you want on the rear use these numbers.

his spring "300" (300lbs per square inch) gave my car 28" to center of the rear wheel well

his spring "250" gave my can a 27 1/2" (1 and 1/2" total drop)

now he is sent me a "200" and a "185" the "200 should give my car a 2" + drop and I think the "185" might be too low, but i'll let you know because I haven't installed it yet. Use these #'s if you plan to order from him and don't wanna change your spring 4 times...also call him on the phone don't email him!

 

QA1 springs from summitracing can be had for like $80 shipped per pair or $110 for progressive springs. any 12" length spring w/ a 2.5" ID will work with the sleeves and nuts you posted; i have also found a few other companies you can get them from (if youre interested in different colors), including eibach. you can also buy sleeves and nuts from afco, but their sleeves will require slight honing to fit over the shocks.

 

making your own coilovers:

http://www.w-body.com/forum/index.php/topic,55194.0.html

http://www.w-body.com/forum/index.php/topic,51716.0.html

 

[digitaloutsider]

How to lower a W-body

 

Wait a while.

 

Seriously though, thanks for the write-ups!

[19Cutlass94]

Thanks for the info guys, Im gonna try to put all the information into the first post. Just so that everything will be in one spot and wont have to search for it.

[Bake82]

To purchase a birchmount rear spring.

 

Birchmount Auto Spring Co

 

458 Birchmount Rd

Scarborough ON, M1K 1M6

 

Phone: 416-698-3636

 

Also it is a steel leaf that he makes when ordered. I believe they are in the range of $200 + ship. Also you can order with any amount of drop you want, you just need to specify what you want.

[slick]

You should all the part numbers for new strut mounts, and any other parts needed for redo-ing your suspension.

[95aquase]

how much do the S/T front springs lower the car??

[asonofabeach69]

The rear of my car already sits low enough, between my system, convertible top motor and a 14yr old monoleaf spring Its the front I need to lower to make the car look more even. This is great though, Im gonna look into some of these options.

[19Cutlass94]

You should all the part numbers for new strut mounts, and any other parts needed for redo-ing your suspension.

 

I have now started that. Ive some several listed right now, but if theres anything else, LMK

[slick]

You should all the part numbers for new strut mounts, and any other parts needed for redo-ing your suspension.

 

I have now started that. Ive some several listed right now, but if theres anything else, LMK

 

Nice!

[Euro]

wow that's a really good writeup!!!!!! I don't know why I didn't see this until now since it's been up for a little while lol. Too bad I don't have my Lumina anymore

[19Cutlass94]

Write up now includes Gen 1 and Gen 1.5 W-Body's. If there is anything I forgot to add please LMK!!!! Ill leave it at that for now until I get more information.

[Euro]

 

Ok so 1st gen Monte carlo lowering springs work on 93-95 Cutlass Supreme aswell? because if i can just get springs that will be way better.

 

only the front springs will work for your cutlass. The rear you need to choose between the choices Jay listed in the first post.

[GutlassSupreme]

they all seem to be fronts or coilovers...any reccomendation for front and rear lowering springs, ive been looking for a while.

[Euro]

Well, for the rear you can't use lowering springs unless you do coilovers. Since 1st Gen's have a monoleaf rear suspension, you either have to get a custom lowered monoleaf like on the list, or do a coilover setup. Or.....take out your whole rear suspension and install a complete rear suspension from a 1.5 Gen Lumina/Monte Carlo...then you could use lowering springs in the rear.

[RedGTP]

I see on pic .. one guy take a rear suspention of a montecarlo '96 (arm, shock, coil etc .. alll package)

and swap it on his GTP 94 ... and put 4 montecarlo drop coil ..

 

This is a good way to make a drop ??? .. if yes .. I have a montecarlo scrap near to my house

[Euro]

I see on pic .. one guy take a rear suspention of a montecarlo '96 (arm, shock, coil etc .. alll package)

and swap it on his GTP 94 ... and put 4 montecarlo drop coil ..

 

This is a good way to make a drop ??? .. if yes .. I have a montecarlo scrap near to my house

 

It's a good way to make it lower. It's an alternative if you don't want to do a monoleaf or custom coilovers.

[RedGTP]

realy ??

 

cool !

I will go buy this rear suspension of this MC !

 

Thank's !

[19Cutlass94]

What about heating the front springs until your desired drop is obtained?

 

No. heating is worse that cutting and cutting is the most ghetto way to lower a car. Lower the car the right way

[Grand Moff Joseph]

Very good write-up Jay!

 

I vote for moving this to the FAQ section with the rest of the write-ups

[SLAMDIT]

Intresting and good info. I dunno if I am the only one that wonders, but I am suprised that no one on here ever inquires about air suspension. It's intresting to me because I am on several message boards and it seems that on every other board there are all kinds of users where their first post is "HOW DO I BAG MY CAR?" It's usually some 16 year old moron kid who posts once or twice and then is flamed and then never comes back.

i realize that these cars aren't air-ride friendly and while I really don't have the time to do a writeup, I guess if there was enough intrest I would try to put something together. I'm not trying to pat myself on the back or brag or anything, just commenting on what I have observed. I am content with my involvement on this site. Man, if only there were a few more hours in the day.

 

see ya,

 

Sean

[19Cutlass94]

your right, I think one of the biggest reasons people dont do this is because of the price tag that comes with it. Not to mention youll need the tank and compressor, and ( I know I dont speak for everyone, but some ) I have absolutly no room for anything like that in my car. So theres the room issue and the price tag issue.

 

Honestly I have no idea how air suspension is for daily driving. I know for a fact there are several people on here who would LOVE to ride on air. Your car is fucking awesome on air, but then again, its also not a car that would be driven like or in conditions that some of the other cars here see. least i hope not!!!

[SLAMDIT]

your right, I think one of the biggest reasons people dont do this is because of the price tag that comes with it. Not to mention youll need the tank and compressor, and ( I know I dont speak for everyone, but some ) I have absolutly no room for anything like that in my car. So theres the room issue and the price tag issue.

 

Honestly I have no idea how air suspension is for daily driving. I know for a fact there are several people on here who would LOVE to ride on air. Your car is fucking awesome on air, but then again, its also not a car that would be driven like or in conditions that some of the other cars here see. least i hope not!!!

 

Being a convertible car, when I say I have absolutely NO trunk left, I can't explain what "NO TRUNK" means. My tank and stuff takes up alot of space.

Air ride can be great or horrid for daily driving depending on the setup you run. I currently have 2 bagged vehicles, the cutlass and my blazer. With gas prices through the roof I am driving both vehicles everyday while my suburban collects dust and they do very well in the daily driving scenario.I get in and turn on the engine, the compressors fill the tank. When the tank is full, they shut off. Both my cars are setup to be able to be driven by people who have never driven a bagged vehicle. If you can read a pressure gauge and put the front bag pressure to 80psi and the rear to 60psi, you can drive either one of my cars. In fact, my wife drives the cutlass and even my mom hits switches on occasion. Case in point, If the car is setup right, they can be driven day to day with no problems. In fact, the only situation where an air ride vehicle is not practical is in cold weather because the valves can stick when the water vapors and stuff freeze.

My car was bagged in April of 2005 and I have had virtually no trouble with my suspension at all. I have put over 10,000 miles on this setup and completely trust it. This summer I have 2 long trips planned for my car, one to Daytona beach and one to Myrtle Beach. My blazer is the same way too, it is done right and because it is done right, it is fine for daily driving.

 

Like u said though, the price is not cheap to bag any vehicle, especially one like ours. Plan on spending $320 on valves, $80 on a tank, $350 on compressors, $40 on switches and wiring, and at least $600 on bags. The bag price is more expensive because of the special type of bag we are forced to use for the front of our cars due to the strut design. This just gets you the parts, then you have the labor and the fab and such. I have invested over $3000 in my suspension alone and while that figure is through the roof, it took a car that was supposedly "impossible" to bag and given me a final product that can go anywhere in the country with no issues. That price tag includes alot of trial and error, including blowing 2 bags at $250 a piece and 1 bag for the rear that cost me $80. I have also tried several compressors and tanks to fit my driving style.

I would love to see more of our cars laid out on bags and would help anyone wanting to do this as much as i could. My biggest problem is I have a house that we are constantly working on, several project vehicles, a job that I am at all the time, and a baby coming in October. All of this combined barely gives me time to do anything.

 

I am sorry for hijacking this thread, I guess I just was in the mood to throw all of this out here tonite. I know I have told several people that I am gonna do a writeup and I really plan on doing it. My plan was to have my wife's car bagged and used for a complete writeup and done for this summer. Speed bumps in my life have put a damper on that but I still have full intentions of completing this project. My plan is to this fall start the process and document everything. If all of that gets even one other bagged w then I will be happy. I am not one of those people who does something and then keeps it a secret from everyone else. I love to chat about stuff.

So in closing, bagging a W is not easy but not impossible. If anyone would like to hear more or whatever, feel free to contact me by email or on here or whatever.

 

see ya,

 

Sean