New struts...what a difference!

[electricbluegt]

A while back I installed Euro Blue Line lowering springs on my GT. I didn't replace the struts or shocks at the time. After the spring swap I didn't like the ride quality because the factory shocks couldn't quite control the springs which resulted in bottoming out on the mondo speed "humps" we have at work. The rear, as a few folks mentioned, would get a bit squirrelly in rough surface turns as well. I just installed a set of KYB GR-2 struts and shocks and what a difference! The ride is tighter and more controlled but actually less harsh due to less flutter and spring oscillation. My car feels back up to snuff now and is a joy to drive...the car looks great lowered.

Thanks,

Brian

[JamesP]

Hey Brian,
Glad you finally got the ride and handling you wanted.

James

[ROCKYMAN24]

Brian where did you get the struts? Did you have both front and rear done?

[electricbluegt]

Rocky,

I ordered my struts and shocks from Advance Auto's online store, www.partsamerica.com. I got the KYB GR-2 front struts and the KYB rear Gas-A-Just shocks. Free shipping for the order! I could have gotten the whole set on ebay for ~$210 including shipping but on major purchases like this I wanted to go with a known good business with a local presence. I knew I could return the parts with little hassle if there was a problem. It was only $20 more to go with Advance Auto since the shipping was free and I only had to pay tax on the shocks since they shipped from a supplier that had a NC facility.
I installed them this past weekend and had an alignment done. The car rides great now. Stiffer than stock obviously but more controlled. I'll never do springs without doing struts at the same time again.

Brian

[tomcruz]

I lowered my 2003 GT with Eibach 'Pro Kit' springs.
1.6 inch drop front and 2.0 inch drop on rear.

I was told by several people if I went with this spring I would not have to change anything else and they were correct.
This spring works great with the stock GT shocks and struts......nothing else to replace ;D


It may have to do with how much drop but I'm thinking it mainly has to do with the tension of the Eibach springs that result in them working just fine with factory GT suspension.
Not sure if this would hold true for non GT suspension.

I'm VERY happy with mine!
The alignment was way off and had to be re-set though.

These cars look so much better when lowered

[kzoocruiser]

I'll be lowering mine next week with Eibach pro kit springs. I have a base PT so i'm hoping i don't need different shocks. I'll let ya know how it goes.

[bluecruiser]

Let us know how they worked on the base model . I have a base too and am wanting to lower it as well . Would like to know what all I need to do before I get started . Thanks

[kzoocruiser]

I talked to the man at Belle Tire where i'm having mine lowered Monday he said there is no need for different shocks. He owns a lowered 01 Touring with oringinal shocks , Eibach springs with no problems.

[electricbluegt]

The Eibachs must have a progressive rate or something to allow the factory shocks to work during normal driving. I would like to drive a car with Eibachs and factory dampers. My car wasn't terrible with the factory shocks, so you might say I didn't *need* them but they showed flaws at extremes of travel, like speedbumps and rough onramps. I will say that there is definately an improvment over the factory shocks with the KYBs though. I bet the Eibachs would benefit as well.

Brian

[tomcruz]

Brian,
Yes the Eibachs are designed with, as you say a "progressive" coil design so that must be the answer.
All I know is I don't 'baby' my GT (afterall it is a GT) ;D and when I drive 'aggressively' all I get is a BIG grin on my face.
I LOVE IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

All I had to do was a slight adjustment to my BTG dual exhaust system and we are good to go.