I have a 99 GT that is already lowered in the rear with bbk springs but was never lowered in the front so it looks like its going to the moon, and I would like to change that. My question is what amount of a drop would I want to go with If I wanted to fit 18 inch wheels w/ 275 in the rear and 245 in front. I have seen some lowering kits on the American Muscle website that looked nice but dont know what to get. If there is anything anyone can help me with it would be greatly appreciated.
Posts: 2222
Joined: 6/8/2006 From: SF Bay Area Status: offline
You do not want to drop your car more than 1.5"s or so. I would recommend a set of Saleen springs, shocks and struts and ride will be solid but work well on everyday streets. Don't be taken in by very stiff springs and shocks! This will make your car handle very poorly on normal roads with small pot holes and bumps and such. It will only handle well on perfect roads, but unless you live in a Deamworld, you don't have perfect roads
I am running 275/35/18"s on 9" rims up front and 295/30/18"s on 10.5's out back (1/2" spacers on rear) with 2" drop. I have a more aggressive drop due to Griggs GR-40 supension, and allows this amount of drop properly as geometry is corrected. You will not have a problem running the tires you have. What is width and series tire are you running in front? This will help me understand your clearance issues.
Jazzer
PS. If you DO live in Dreamworld, are there any homes for sale in your neighborhood?
- i want springs that would slam my front but i've yet to see one. Stangsuspensin.com sells HR springs by themselves, i'd get sportlines in the front. Heres what it will look like
hey jazzer i am not very familiar with spacers and wheel setups so i got a question for ya. do you need the spacers because the wheels would hit the inside before they are all the way on? im thinking about running a setup like yours and want to make sure.
thanks
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2001 GT Current Mods BBK long tube headers & off road H SLP Loudmouth 1's dumped Short Shifter Stage 3 Clutch
Posts: 2222
Joined: 6/8/2006 From: SF Bay Area Status: offline
My wheels fit fine w/o spacers, but like the look of the wheel to the outter edge of fender. I like as much wheel/tire as possible under my cars, so I am strongly considering getting my wheels widened so when I go 315's later this year, they will fill the wheel well as much as possible as well as give me just over 1/2" of contact patch per tire. Depending on the look you want, you will find it VERY difficult to get your rear wheel to the edge w/o spacers. Most whees will come with a consistant off-set, and makes it difficult. I have seen custom wheels made with the off-set you want specifically by Centerline so you can get exactly what you want as far as width and how wheel fits in well. Look up a thread Jbauer started a couple weeks back titled "I am losing sleep, help me choose". You may find some usefull info .
Is there a certain place I can find that saleen setup you speak of or is it more likely and ebay buy here and there type deal? I have not purchased the wheels and tires yet but the wheels are the 18" Y2k cobra wheels offset is 24mm and backspace is 5.95", also I previously stated the tire size wrong as well they are 275 in front and 295 in rear . My buddy is selling them so i know will still get them hehe. To bad I have to wait another week or two to even see or drive it. Also I to like to have my wheels as close to the fender as possible so will I need the wheel spacers as well? Thanks for fast reply by the way.
Posts: 2222
Joined: 6/8/2006 From: SF Bay Area Status: offline
As far as Saleen suspension, recommend you go directly to Saleen.com or you can try Haneymotorsport or several sponsors you will find in the Saleen / Roush section of MF's.
As far as off-set, I don't see a problem with them fitting, but you didn't tell me what size rims they are. I am figuring 9"s and 10"s based on tire sizes but will probably need to be 35 (f) and 30 (r) series to fit with good clearance.
As for spacers, install the tires/wheels and drive it around for a while and confirm no issues. Then post some pics and will give you some ideas how much spacer you may want to go. Keep in mind, that if you go with spacers, you will almost HAVE to install new lug-bolts as studs will be too short to adequately anchor wheels.
Jazzer
Too bad you didn't see my post last year. I sold my entire Saleen suspension system after I purchased my new GR-40 one
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Which lowering kit for good fit of 18's?? - 
Dang 
