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Advice on lowering my DA LTD 

 

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 Post subject: Advice on lowering my DA LTD
Posted: Wed Jan 14, 2009 12:31 pm 
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Hey, I've wanted to lower my LTD for a while now (ever since I got the new rims it looks like a 4X4), but cost is a bit of an issue..

I got a quote from Pedders for new springs and shocks all round, lowering it about 2.5" at a cost of $1400.

I was told that the stock air shocks were too soft to just upgrade the springs, which I can believe, but I've seen other people lowering their Fairlanes/LTDs with King SL's and such with no mention of replacing the air shock..

So I'm basically asking if there is a cheaper way to sufficiently lower my vehicle without it costing too much.
I have 18" rims with low profile tyres (of course), I'd like the rear end to sit at around the level in the pic below:
Image
Of course the front end lower than what it is in the photo.

I'll post some pictures of my actual car if needed.

So I'd really like the know off people who have lowered their Fairlanes with King SL's etc (if they've not replaced the stock air shocks) how it handles especially on the front end while turning into a driveway (I'd prefer the wheels didn't come into contact with the body :p).


Cheers Luke.

 

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Posted: Wed Jan 14, 2009 2:41 pm 
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your shocks probably won't last 5000km, depending on what they are like atm.

You can get shortened rears for $100 a pair. I know I paid this for Boge shortened shocks at trade price, however the durashock shortened versions (which had exact same part number and came from the same place) were retailing at just under $100 a pair.

Dunno about the front shocks as I only have lows/xr shocks fitted. Fitting rears is quite easy to do yourself, the front is a little more tricky and you will need spring compressors however.

 

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Posted: Wed Jan 14, 2009 10:00 pm 
Getting Side Ways
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Thanks for that skidder.

Can you recommend what springs I'll require for the front and back?
As I said i have 18" rims and I'd like to drop it down as much as possible on the front and have the rear tyres just under the body, I reckon.

Can you also tell me what a good shock would be?
All I know is it has to be a rather stiff one (no laughing).. Some nice cheap, but good, shocks would be awesome.

As you have probably figured, I don't have much knowledge about suspension..

 

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Posted: Thu Jan 15, 2009 1:40 pm 
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Hi.

One point to be cautious of is going too low in a long wheelbase falcon. It may not seem like much extra length but it sure makes a difference over larger radius crests.

If you are prepared to live with the scraping, then that is cool.

For rear shocks, I would recommend the Ultima Short Heavy Duty shocks as a good budget option. They are available on EBay. If they don't list the NA as an option, send them an email for availability.

For Springs, Superlows Front and Rear, or Superlows Rear and Lows Front. It will be personal preference in the end. Have a look for NC11Lanes thread

BenJ

 

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Posted: Thu Jan 15, 2009 2:22 pm 
Getting Side Ways
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Thanks for your help BenJ.

I had a look on Ebay and this was the closest match to what I want:
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Ford-NA-NC-Fairl ... 240%3A1318

However apparently it only "Lowers the car approx 50-60mm".

I was looking to drop it down a but more than that, mainly at the rear though.

Maybe it would help if I post a picture, that should better illustrate things.
As the pic below indicates, lowering it about 4.5" at the rear would be sweet.
Image

As for the front, I think about 3" is the most it can go, right?
Image

This is the car side-on, looks terrible so high up.
Image


Also the height between the ground and lowest point (exhaust) is currently 18CM, so that isn't really a worry.

 

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Last edited by lukey1990 on Thu Jan 15, 2009 2:55 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Posted: Thu Jan 15, 2009 2:41 pm 
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Hey, you'll find a 50-60mm drop will be a fair bit, you might be surprised how much actually.

Get some pics up of how your car sits.

Out of curiousity, does your car still have the DA LTD premium sound?

 

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Posted: Thu Jan 15, 2009 3:02 pm 
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NAfairlane... wrote:
Hey, you'll find a 50-60mm drop will be a fair bit, you might be surprised how much actually.
Get some pics up of how your car sits.


Yeah I guess, but I really want the rear to sit right on the tyre line. And the front to be as low as possible (and being able to turn of course :p)


NAfairlane... wrote:
Get some pics up of how your car sits.

Out of curiousity, does your car still have the DA LTD premium sound?


Pics are up now.

Sort of. I have all six speakers still. But I've replaced the headunit, disconnected the rear control unit and replaced the stock speaker amplifier (and added a couple of subs + amp :D). I reckon the stock speakers are really very good for being 20yrs old.

 

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Posted: Thu Jan 15, 2009 3:14 pm 
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WOW that really is 4WD territory.

I think you may find you have taller than stock springs, country pack, mabye. Remember that the 50mm is down from STD height.

Low looks great, but can make for uncomfortable scraping of your exhaust. Examine the types of roads and areas you usually drive on before 'how it looks' determines what springs you get, or we may see another 'Please swap my S/Low springs for Lows' thread. LOL

BenJ

 

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Posted: Thu Jan 15, 2009 9:05 pm 
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Wow, that is the highest ive seen in a long time lol. Benj's right the 5-6cm is from standard height, your height looks to be boat-on-a-trailor spec.

Car should look awesome with a lowering job, clear front indicators (like a DC or NC lane) and some polishing.

 

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Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2009 1:09 am 
Getting Side Ways
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NAfairlane... wrote:
Wow, that is the highest ive seen in a long time lol. Car should look awesome with a lowering job, clear front indicators (like a DC or NC lane) and some polishing.


Yeah I plan to get those, plus mod the headlights and indicators. I'll also be painting the bars and side strips body coloured in a week or so.


So can anyone tell me what shocks I should get? Or is there anywhere that can give me advice on it in the Hobart area?

I'm thinking either King Superlows or Ultralows in the rear and Superlows in the front. That's just a guess, is there any way to 'calculate' the final ride height of a spring of shock?

 

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Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2009 1:01 pm 
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I used ED falcon king spring LOWS, but have been told to use S/Lows in the front and lows in the back, something about how the fairlane/LTD is setup in the front or something? but anyway heres how Just Lows look. i want to go lower and stiffer.

 

 

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Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2009 1:05 pm 
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They really need to make a body kit for the lanes and ltd's, i know you can get them custom made but there needs to be something that you can just go and buy. you will find the height above the wheels is fine, but its actually the lower half of the body that still makes it look high, cause they are so box like. money money money

 

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Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2009 4:11 pm 
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I wouldn't go ultralows, with LWB that would be psycho. I would say superlows should get close to tyre tuck on a LWB.

Suspension is weird and sits differently on different cars. My last car sat with tyre almost under the guards with S/L which was what i wanted, but my mates sat slightly higher in the a*** (like 10/20mm) with the same springs.

 

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EVL098 wrote:
Cramping in the hand from having it on your Wang for an excessive period of time is a definate con.
Seriously do people google "f**k up modifications for Fords owned by Jews" and get linked straight to this site nowadays?

AU,factory fitted tickford kit/IRS, t5,Sports ryder/KYB: gone.

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Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2009 4:12 pm 
Getting Side Ways
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As for shocks, Ultima's are good for the price. I think retail on the Boge shocks I had in my rear was around 180 for the pair and in my opinion was worth it.

 

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EVL098 wrote:
Cramping in the hand from having it on your Wang for an excessive period of time is a definate con.
Seriously do people google "f**k up modifications for Fords owned by Jews" and get linked straight to this site nowadays?

AU,factory fitted tickford kit/IRS, t5,Sports ryder/KYB: gone.

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Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2009 7:25 pm 
Getting Side Ways
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Thanks for your advice Skidder.

A mate from work knows a guy who can get stuff below retail price. I'm gunna wait until he gets back to me about it before I do much else.

I went to a few respected suspension places a couple of days ago, for the ride height I want I was recommended Ultra lows, I don't drive anywhere that the car would be too low for.

 

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