Low front end
10-02-05, 08:45 PM
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Low front end
The front of my conventional-suspension 99 LS400 is way too low, you can hear it scrape when driving (slowly) over speed bumps. I already replaced front springs and shock absorbers with OEM parts. This condition has worsened gradually over the last two years, which is why I replaced the front springs. Is there any additional way to adjust the front suspension, make it maybe 1-2 inches higher?
10-02-05, 11:50 PM
#2
Have any pics?
Usually metalurgy is such that spring sag is not as common as in past days. What may be occuring is the strut/upper spring mount rubber is compressing. That may account for about 1".
What is the measurment taken on level ground from the ground to front of the front spoiler?
Visibly, there is about 3" from top of the tire to the fender well.
Usually metalurgy is such that spring sag is not as common as in past days. What may be occuring is the strut/upper spring mount rubber is compressing. That may account for about 1".
What is the measurment taken on level ground from the ground to front of the front spoiler?
Visibly, there is about 3" from top of the tire to the fender well.
10-03-05, 07:55 PM
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According to the FSM, the height measured from the lower suspension arm should be 10.39", I measured about 8.25" in my car. The lower ball joints have more play than acceptable and will be replaced this weekend. Would this have anything to do with the ride height issue?
10-04-05, 11:33 AM
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it can be costly but try to take it to a dealer and have them tell you what is wrong with it,but if you like the lowered look go with the back lowring springs also.but you said it gets worse over time 
how is the handling 
how is the handling
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10-04-05, 09:38 PM
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Handling is great, but I have to replace the ball joints anyhow. I had the wheels balanced but they will not align the front with bad ball joints. Maybe I will lower the back and wind up lower overall at least avoid the stink bug look.
10-05-05, 11:12 AM
#10
I'm presuming this is a stock car...however is the tire a 225/60-16?
If you had the springs and struts replaced with factory spec parts, it should be at normal ride height. All else, unless a different strut mount was used or a smaller diamater tire/wheel combo exists on it now.
If you had the springs and struts replaced with factory spec parts, it should be at normal ride height. All else, unless a different strut mount was used or a smaller diamater tire/wheel combo exists on it now.
10-06-05, 04:43 AM
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No pics until the weekend - my two youngest are architects and they have preempted all cameras, video and graphics devices in the house. If you think all you have to do is get them through college, think again.
This si as stock a car as they come, OEM struts and springs, 225/60r16. Last night I replaced one of the balljoints and noticed the new OEM parts seemed to be beter built, stronger, of better quality than the old one. The old one was not terribly bad but there was almost no resistance to lateral movement of the joint itself, where the new one was very stiff. Of course, it was a new part. Once I get this completed, I will take the car in for an alignment and take a good look under the front end see if there is anything else looks "broke".
This si as stock a car as they come, OEM struts and springs, 225/60r16. Last night I replaced one of the balljoints and noticed the new OEM parts seemed to be beter built, stronger, of better quality than the old one. The old one was not terribly bad but there was almost no resistance to lateral movement of the joint itself, where the new one was very stiff. Of course, it was a new part. Once I get this completed, I will take the car in for an alignment and take a good look under the front end see if there is anything else looks "broke".
10-08-05, 08:14 AM
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Went by the alignment place this morning and theguys say that with new OEM struts, springs and balljoints it looks low but otherwise fine. Handling is good so they guessed maybe a larger tire or wheel can raise the front some. So I will look into tire&rack to find the largest diamenter tire that fits my 16" OEM wheels and maybe gain the 1" that will sovle the speed bump clearance issue, Will stay in touch
10-08-05, 09:53 AM
#13
Originally Posted by santiagol
they guessed maybe a larger tire or wheel can raise the front some. So I will look into tire&rack to find the largest diamenter tire that fits my 16" OEM wheels and maybe gain the 1" that will sovle the speed bump clearance issue, Will stay in touch
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