VE Measurement: Centre of Rim to Wheel Arch

[Wonky]

With the proviso that I suspect they will bottom out more easily (according to some), I'd definitely go with the short bodies on a significantly lowered car like mine as the car feels much more settled and safer on the road with them. However, as well as the $400 or so outlay for them there is the labour to fit and wheel alignment check (around $200 - $250), so it does start getting a bit expensive.

Definitely worth doing IMHO if you are getting springs done too as then you don't get hit with extra labour and wheel alignment costs.

[Brandonsdad]

Hey SSV8TE, Ive had the short shocks and Kings in for a couple of months now and they are definately better than when I just had it lowered with springs only. It used to bottom out over every little bump, whereas now it takes much bigger bumps for it to happen. I really thought it would be a huge improvement on the FE2's, but it wasnt, but having said that it is still the better option Ive gone for and will leave it as is. If you dont have a wife and young kid to consider, then maybe go coilovers. I had coilovers for a couple of months and changed back. Handling was greatest of all options, but quite a harsh ride. Not very family friendly.

[Wonky]

I finally got around to taking pics of my car with the newer design King SSLs in it……. For those who don’t know the sequence of events, the original King SSL springs started at 345mm centre of rim to wheel arch and over time dropped maybe another 5 to 10mm (never measured it again). Unfortunately with the change from 20x8 rims with 245 tyres to 20x10 running 275s and going from FE2 to Monroe GT shocks it came right down to 330mm! That meant the rear tyres (275/30/20) scraped on any bump bigger than a piece of ant shit. Very annoying. :vpo:

I know changing shocks shouldn’t affect ride height but the Monroes definitely did – surprised me and was commented on by several people the very first day they went in!! I suspect this was due to the fact that at around 60mm lower than stock the FE2 shocks were significantly compressed and were resisting letting the springs settle to where they wanted to.

Around mid 07 there seems to have been a batch or two of incorrectly made King SSLs as I know of a few guys who all had measurements like mine of around 345mm as soon as installed, instead of eventually settling at 360mm. Through the place I bought mine from I complained when they came right down to 330mm and caused lots of scraping so Kings sent me down another set under warranty (I had to return the originals).

Chev measured them for me and with the new design SSLs it's now at 350mm (driver's side and a few mm higher on passenger side) with the Monroes after a few weeks - the Monroes still seem to allow it to come down lower than FE2. The good news is that it handles choppy stuff much better than with FE2 and even better I have only scraped once in weeks now! :yahoo:

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o274/gcovo/SSV/Newsprings1sm.jpg
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o274/gcovo/SSV/Newsprings2sm.jpg

PS Can you tell we now live on a dirt road? :bawl:

[Tyre biter]

Wonky,

Time to run for the local council at the next elections then...

Cheers, TB

[Wonky]

Wonky,

Time to run for the local council at the next elections then...

Cheers, TB

I could be the silent minority! :lmao:

[SSV8TE]

If you ring the council you talk to a computer anyway.:rofl::rofl::rofl:

[arronm]

Hi Wonky

Kings said 370 and drop to around 365. SSSL's should sit the same as the SSL's on your V8. Not to many people seem to be putting SSSL's in the V6's
Do you think Standard bump stops might effect height, though I wouldnt think so as they effect the travel. I left standard stops in as they seemed to fit better

I seem to scrap over the higher speed humps but its not to bad but I want to evenually fit a towbar which might make things worse

Yeah have be considering changing rears around. Dad has the hoist so makes it easy. Might give it a go soon when it gets the better of me

http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/oo106/gen4ss/aaaaa.jpg

http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/oo106/gen4ss/front.jpg

Iam about to do the same thing and fit the monroe shocks, do you think kings have a problem with there spring heights. How can sssl sit heigher than a ssl?

[Wonky]

Iam about to do the same thing and fit the monroe shocks, do you think kings have a problem with there spring heights. How can sssl sit heigher than a ssl?

He was talking front springs and V8 vs V6, so the difference in engine weight explains the difference. You have no ride info in your profile, so is yours V8 or V6? It would seem King's heights are about right now within normal variations. The Monroes do seem to let them drop a bit further than (compressed) FE2 once you get into the lower springs, especially at the rear.

[arronm]

Hi all,

I have lowered my VE LPG 60th Anniversary Commodore

Orginal heights were 410mm in front and 420mm in the rear

I fitted King Spring KHFL-150SSSL in the front and have a HTG of 375mm after being told I should get close to 365mm and KHRL-152SSLHD in the rear and got left hand 355mm htg and right hand 345mm. I used all Monroe GT short shocks with springs with 1/4 tank of petrol and full tank of LPG

Has anyone else found out what could cause a 10mm difference in the rear and what heights are people getting with SSSL's in their V6 fronts

Cheers Graham

I have just done the same as you. I started with 7/8 tank of fuel DF-405 DR- 390 PF-410 PR-400 Now I have Front 375 rear 360. Its ok but I wish the front was 10 mm lower. I dont understand how a V8 with SSL= 360 and a V6 with SSSL=375, i cant see the engine could weigh that much more.

[pauley]

any chance of a ride ? looking at lowering my calais v
Pauley mt pleasant.... paul_b@iinet.net.au

[GEN4SS]

I have just done the same as you. I started with 7/8 tank of fuel DF-405 DR- 390 PF-410 PR-400 Now I have Front 375 rear 360. Its ok but I wish the front was 10 mm lower. I dont understand how a V8 with SSL= 360 and a V6 with SSSL=375, i cant see the engine could weigh that much more.

I was told SSL's on a V8 give around the same HTG as a V6 with SSSL's, that being 370mm or a bit lower. A forum user I have talked to got 375mm with SSL's and his is a V6 like mine. I got 375mm with SSSL's

[L98-SSV]

Got some Kings SL put in the rear the other day.
Seems to sit much better now.

Did have SSL in front and rear but the rear dropped too far. So changed the rears to SL and left the front with SSL. I dont reckon it looks too bad.
Measurements front:365mm
rear:363mm

SSL front and rear
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h272/trunstahungie/DSC01990.jpg


SSL front and SL rear
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h272/trunstahungie/DSC02386.jpg

[Wonky]

Looks good! The King SSLs do seem to drop the rear much further than Kings say, especially with Monroe GT short body shocks. Kings replaced my original SSLs which came from an early batch and were far lower than they should be (330mm with Monroes, whereas they used to say 360mm and now according to a recent ad I was shown it's now 370mm).

Mine are now 340 and 345 rear (didn't come up as much as I'd hoped and way below 370mm and even 360mm!) but hardly ever scrapes now even with the 20"x10" rims and 275 tyres and that's the main thing I was after. I do like the look though! :)

[L98-SSV]

Id love mine to sit as low as yours Wonky. But I travel long distances in mine and load it right up so it is just a little too low.
With mine at 365ish all round, its perfect for me!
Also i havent touched the bump stops with it setup like this. :)

[Wonky]

We definitely need more ute guys to put pics (hopefully) and measurements in please! :)

[Number55]

front is 355mm and rear is 340mm.

It has Settled more but havent measured it.
These measurements were also before the hardlid went on which weighs a bit!

Before Hard Top

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/vessvute/lowerwittintfront.jpg
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/vessvute/Lower1.jpg
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/vessvute/lowerwittintback.jpg

After Settle in and Hardtop
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/vessvute/P6030517.jpg
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/vessvute/P6030518.jpg

[Wonky]

front is 355mm and rear is 340mm.

It has Settled more but havent measured it.
These measurements were also before the hardlid went on which weighs a bit!


Looks great, though I prefer the height they started at before settling. It's possibly almost too low now. Do you have problems with scraping on the tyres or is it OK given they're only 8" rims? Which springs did you use please?

[brock05]

Looks great, though I prefer the height they started at before settling. It's possibly almost too low now. Do you have problems with scraping on the tyres or is it OK given they're only 8" rims? Which springs did you use please?

Wonky, i think number55 has got teins from memory. i guess the beauty with them is he can put them back to the original height before settlement if he wants.

[Wonky]

Wonky, i think number55 has got teins from memory. i guess the beauty with them is he can put them back to the original height before settlement if he wants.

Ah, OK thanks, in that case he's laughing! Just assumed from the reference to settling that he had Kings/Lovells etc..

[Number55]

Looks great, though I prefer the height they started at before settling. It's possibly almost too low now. Do you have problems with scraping on the tyres or is it OK given they're only 8" rims? Which springs did you use please?

No problems at all Wonky, No such thing as too low. I would love to go lower!!!! Like the height of NOYES's ute but its too impractacle for me!!
Tein Coilovers.
Theres a nice Voodoo ute on here thast has a nice height dropped on coils only. Could be what your chasing


Wonky, i think number55 has got teins from memory. i guess the beauty with them is he can put them back to the original height before settlement if he wants.

All over it Brocky !

Cheers

[Steve'sR8]

Looks great without the badges Number55. After seeing a few utes without them on here I removed mine last weekend.

Cheers, Steve.

[fatboyslim]

We definitely need more ute guys to put pics (hopefully) and measurements in please! :)

I have an Omega ute with kings SSL front and SL rear,
the height has settled to 375mm front and rear.
Can't post pics but

[Wonky]

I have an Omega ute with kings SSL front and SL rear,
the height has settled to 375mm front and rear.
Can't post pics but

I can post them for you if you have some pics you'd like posted. Just send them to wonky_1 @ hotmail.com (remove spaces around @) if you do and I'll post them for you.

[Number55]

Looks great without the badges Number55. After seeing a few utes without them on here I removed mine last weekend.

Cheers, Steve.

Its the go mate. so much cleaner look i reckon.

Some people think its an SV6 untill i put the foot down!!!

[indyeve]

i have a r8 tourer coming and have king ssl for the rears and sl for the fronts can any one give some advice on this combo , i also have 22 s to go on so im thinking it wont sit to low.. cheers steve

[Wonky]

i have a r8 tourer coming and have king ssl for the rears and sl for the fronts can any one give some advice on this combo , i also have 22 s to go on so im thinking it wont sit to low.. cheers steve

Are you fitting the Monroe GT shocks all round too? Even though a few people have 22s on their VEs they are technically illegal (see recent thread on here) and if you have an accident you may find your insurance company uses it as a way to try to get out of paying up.

[fatboyslim]

I can post them for you if you have some pics you'd like posted. Just send them to wonky_1 @ hotmail.com (remove spaces around @) if you do and I'll post them for you.

pics sent.

[Wonky]

pics sent.

PM sent with alternate email address as they're not in my Inbox or Junk folders.

[fatboyslim]

PM sent with alternate email address as they're not in my Inbox or Junk folders.

Have forwarded them on, thanks

[indyeve]

Are you fitting the Monroe GT shocks all round too? Even though a few people have 22s on their VEs they are technically illegal (see recent thread on here) and if you have an accident you may find your insurance company uses it as a way to try to get out of paying up.

yes i think i will after reading back in this thread. Why are they illlegal? I saw a ve ute with this combo in it and it sat perfecly flat would it be the same for a wagon.. cheers steve...

[Wonky]

Fatboyslim's pics:

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o274/gcovo/FatboySlim/27-10-08006.jpg
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o274/gcovo/FatboySlim/27-10-08007.jpg
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o274/gcovo/FatboySlim/16-11-08002.jpg
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o274/gcovo/FatboySlim/16-11-08003.jpg
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o274/gcovo/FatboySlim/16-11-08008.jpg

Without trying to sound elitist or anything it looks bloody good for an Omega! :goodjob:


yes i think i will after reading back in this thread. Why are they illlegal? I saw a ve ute with this combo in it and it sat perfecly flat would it be the same for a wagon.. cheers steve...

Steve - see Australian LS1 and Holden Forums (http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=108439). He PMd me later to say he had spoken to a few engineers about having his car certified for 22" rims and it seems nobody was interested.

[vinjade]

Hi guys

Im looking at getting my ve sv6 lowered on superlows. Havent decided what brand to go with yet but this thread is helping a lot with the decision.

One of the places I rang said they wont lower my car unless I get the shocks done also. Did all you guys get your shocks done.

[fatboyslim]

Factory shocks in mine.

[vinjade]

Factory shocks in mine.

Your ute looks awesome

Where did you get it done

[fatboyslim]

Mermaid suspension on the Gold coast cost $625
with rear bumpstops and alignment.

[Red-SSV]

I'm hoping to get Teins on mine.

[Gorty]

We definitely need more ute guys to put pics (hopefully) and measurements in please! :)

This is standard height with 20" DTM Shines. Measurements = Front 388mm and Rear 415mm. I would like to get down to no lower than 370mm @ the front and no lower than around 380mm @ the rear.

Any recommendations on springs etc to achieve this?

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i222/Gortz/Copy2ofDTMShines009.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i222/Gortz/CopyofDTMShines017.jpg

[Wonky]

I'm not up with springs for the utes yet but those rims are :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: Hopefully some of the others can help you with relevant info.

[Gorty]

I'm not up with springs for the utes yet but those rims are :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: Hopefully some of the others can help you with relevant info.

Thanx Wonks......The DTM Shines do look mighty fine don't they? :) :) :)

[fatboyslim]

I think Kings KHFL-150 SL front and KHRL-152 SL rears
would get you 375-380mm all round (see pic in post #281)
if you wanted a further 10mm drop in the front I'd use
KHFL-150 SSL, but could settle in a tad lower than your
370mm limit.

[Gorty]

I think Kings KHFL-150 SL front and KHRL-152 SL rears
would get you 375-380mm all round (see pic in post #281)
if you wanted a further 10mm drop in the front I'd use
KHFL-150 SSL, but could settle in a tad lower than your
370mm limit.

Thanx fatboyslim, those springs sound pretty close to what I'm after....375 all round would be sweet I reckon!

Thanx fbs! :)

[ajet85]

How is the ride with king spring sl ?
At the moment i have SSL 's in my ve berlina and when ever i have ppl in the back they tend to complain about the ride. The front isn't the most comfy at times either.

Is it just the king springs, would i get a better ride from another brand or benefit from lifting it to SL.

[Wonky]

Have you still got the FE2 shocks? If so with SSLs they're already compressed well into their stroke so haven't got much give. I've now got the Monroe short body shocks. No real difference over things like ridges (joins) across the road but less harsh on bigger dips and bumps (unless you bottom out of course).

[DioXidE]

VE SSV M6 - 3 months old - 6500k's

Low fuel warning on and no load in the car.

Front 400mm
Rear 400mm

Car goes in for Superlows + shocks all round on Monday so I'll post up the results then!

[DioXidE]

Ok, so SSL's & Monroe GT Sport's all round with 2 hours and 10k's of "settle time"

Front 380mm
Rear 365mm

Funny thing is, it looks level...

Will update in a weeks time!

[BEARWOOD]

380mm at the front seems to be a little high, it should settle a bit though. I'm trying to work out what springs to put in my VE and with so many conflicting measurements it's making it hard to decide.

[BLACKVE]

Just bought some kings ultralow springs and monroe short shocks for ute so interesting to see how she looks and rides, my sedan has pedders springs and standard shocks/struts so interesting comparison.

Interestingly ute shockers package is around $100 cheaper than sedan?????? Paid $349 for shocks and $269 for springs.

[Steve'sR8]

Hi guys,

Some more ute measurements for the data base. Kings Super Lows, fuel light on & nothing in the back, 30km after fitting.

Before: LF-393 RF-400 LR-425 RR-425

After: LF-367 RF-370 LR-375 RR-375

So it dropped 30mm front & 50mm rear & might settle another 5mm or so.

Cheers, Steve.

Before
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x299/Steve-G67/070.jpg

After
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x299/Steve-G67/PicsfromStevesphone024.jpg

[Wonky]

Big improvement Steve! :goodjob:

[Steve'sR8]

Thanks Wonky, if anyone was wondering 60lt of fuel drops the back 5mm with super lows.

Cheers, Steve.

[BLACKVE]

Kings SSSL(ultralow) allround with Monroe short shocks

Love the back, hope front drops a little more(only done 10km's)

was 400 front now 385(expecting more like 370)

was 425 back now355

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh170/impluseve/newwheels005.jpg

[Wonky]

Kings SSSL(ultralow) allround with Monroe short shocks

Would you mind redoing your measurements in a month or so please? I can't decide between SSSLs and SSLs for when I get the new ute. That height is currently perfect for me but if it settles over time may end up too low for me with 20x10 rims with 275 tyres on the back - could end up same as my sedan which can scrape the tyres with people in the back.

[Rick]

To add to the database, my month-old MY09 SSV, 1600 km, with 3/4 tank fuel and no humans on board, is 400mm both front and rear.

The concrete parking blocks around here already put the front bar at risk, so not sure I'd want to go lower. There is noticeable body roll however when cornering moderately, so may look at better shocks eg Bilsteins or even roll-bars down the track.

Rick

[BLACKVE]

Would you mind redoing your measurements in a month or so please? I can't decide between SSSLs and SSLs for when I get the new ute. That height is currently perfect for me but if it settles over time may end up too low for me with 20x10 rims with 275 tyres on the back - could end up same as my sedan which can scrape the tyres with people in the back.

No probs Wonky, love the back hope the front drops a bit which i'm sure it will going on 300km drive tommorrow so that should settle things a bit for wheel alignment.

Cheers Paul

[Steve'sR8]

The ute looks great Paul, mine didn't settle much, it's within a couple of mm of 370mm front & rear. My sedan has settled to 370mm front & 355mm rear, i used Kings ssl's on it as well.

Cheers, Steve.

[BLACKVE]

The ute looks great Paul, mine didn't settle much, it's within a couple of mm of 370mm front & rear. My sedan has settled to 370mm front & 355mm rear, i used Kings ssl's on it as well.

Cheers, Steve.


Steve i went SSSL(ultralow) all round

Cheers Paul

[rgmast]

375mm front 355mm back 3/4tank fuel love this ride height havent scraped yet and still rides like it was out of factory. Cant remember:bash: brand but r made in Germany can find out if anyone wants to no(they arent kings or pedders)

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd98/rgmast/IMG_0026.jpg

[WH Captain]

Ive had my SSSL's in the front for 3 months with monroe short bodies and its at 365mm front.. not happy with that at all, will have the springs reset to 350 355 as my ass end sits 335, so it looks a touch uneven

[Wonky]

:eek: 365mm front with SSSLs! My sedan is 360mm (probably even less now) with SSLs, though admittedly that was from a time when Kings SSLs seemed to end up lower than they said they would.

[BLACKVE]

Ive had my SSSL's in the front for 3 months with monroe short bodies and its at 365mm front.. not happy with that at all, will have the springs reset to 350 355 as my ass end sits 335, so it looks a touch uneven

Must agree so far my SSSL's seem to be no lower than SSL's?????

[nutsack]

Hey guys, im new to the forum as i have just bought a VE SS ute with 1700kms on the clock. Im looking at lowering it soon but i cant decide weather to go Kings Springs or Pedders. I havent had any experience with Kings at all, but i loved the Pedders in my other car. Am i splitting hairs and are the two brands similar? Ill still use the standard shocks too. Any advice would be appreciated.

Shaun.

[steve_t]

Ive had my SSSL's in the front for 3 months with monroe short bodies and its at 365mm front.. not happy with that at all, will have the springs reset to 350 355 as my ass end sits 335, so it looks a touch uneven

Hmm.... are you sure they're SSSL's in the front? :confused:

[Wonky]

Hey guys, im new to the forum as i have just bought a VE SS ute with 1700kms on the clock. Im looking at lowering it soon but i cant decide weather to go Kings Springs or Pedders. I havent had any experience with Kings at all, but i loved the Pedders in my other car. Am i splitting hairs and are the two brands similar? Ill still use the standard shocks too. Any advice would be appreciated.

Shaun.

Welcome Shaun. I can't comment on the Pedders/Kings side of things as have never used Pedders - every time I've had quotes for lowering from Pedders I've come out going "How much???? :shock: You've gotta be kidding me!! :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:".

However, depending on how low you are going (SSL should have short body shocks, SSSL definitely require them) it is potentially dangerous to stick with standard shocks. The Monroe GT short body shocks for ute aren't all that expensive (ute cheaper than sedan) and provide much better handling plus significantly reduce the probability of a spring falling out under certain circumstances.

Assuming you pay to have the work done it will cost you over half the price of the shocks in labour if you later decide to do it, so wiser to do it properly in the first place. IMHO :)

[WH Captain]

Hmm.... are you sure they're SSSL's in the front? :confused:

Yeah mate there def SSSL's ive checked over them a few times now.. i think kings must have issues hey, ive heard of a few more ppl like this..

How many of ya have this prob?? i Think i might email them, but im not sure, should just reset them its easy and i know itll work..

[Wonky]

I had the opposite problem on the rears with mine. Originally they said SSLs should be 360mm on rear (I've since seen one of their ads which says 370mm now if I read it right). Over time and especially after I'd put the Monroe short body shocks in the rears dropped to 330mm!! Looked great but with 20x10 rims with 275 tyres on the rear I kept scraping the tyres on any bump bigger than ant shit. Contacted Kings through the place I bought them from and they exchanged them for me.

[DioXidE]

Ok, so SSL's & Monroe GT Sport's all round with 2 hours and 10k's of "settle time"

Front 380mm
Rear 365mm

Funny thing is, it looks level...

Will update in a weeks time!


380mm at the front seems to be a little high, it should settle a bit though. I'm trying to work out what springs to put in my VE and with so many conflicting measurements it's making it hard to decide.

Ok, so 3500k's done and NO CHANGE

[nutsack]

Welcome Shaun. I can't comment on the Pedders/Kings side of things as have never used Pedders - every time I've had quotes for lowering from Pedders I've come out going "How much???? :shock: You've gotta be kidding me!! :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:".

However, depending on how low you are going (SSL should have short body shocks, SSSL definitely require them) it is potentially dangerous to stick with standard shocks. The Monroe GT short body shocks for ute aren't all that expensive (ute cheaper than sedan) and provide much better handling plus significantly reduce the probability of a spring falling out under certain circumstances.

Assuming you pay to have the work done it will cost you over half the price of the shocks in labour if you later decide to do it, so wiser to do it properly in the first place. IMHO :)


Ok, thanks mate. Guys on here really seem to like the Lovells as they dont seem to significantly reduce ride harshness, and they seem to have fixed the knocking in the front end thing. Ill do a bit more research regarding the shocks. Im looking for a ride height around 390 front and 360 rear.
Ive just discovered the search button!

Cheers,

Shaun.

[BLACKVE]

Would you mind redoing your measurements in a month or so please? I can't decide between SSSLs and SSLs for when I get the new ute. That height is currently perfect for me but if it settles over time may end up too low for me with 20x10 rims with 275 tyres on the back - could end up same as my sedan which can scrape the tyres with people in the back.

Hey wonky done 1800km's now and things have settled abit

Front is 370mm (to be honest not happy as SSSL should be 360 atleast) seems more like a SSL height to me(yes ive checked what springs were supplied). My SS sedan with pedders SL and standard struts is 365mm.

Back is 340mm (sweet very happy)

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh170/impluseve/Justwashed011.jpg

Have heard of people complaning about variation in kings springs products, not sure how but it seems to be true. Every other car i've had pedders springs and always happy with results but there prices seem to have gone up heaps:flipoff: sedan springs were $290 from memory now they want $360 Grr.
Kings were $269.

Think you would prefer SSL alround

Cheers Paul

[EddieVE06]

How long does it take for lowered springs and shocks to fully settle.

Is it a matter of km's driven or road variations that you drive on or just a period of time?
ta

[WH Captain]

How long does it take for lowered springs and shocks to fully settle.

Is it a matter of km's driven or road variations that you drive on or just a period of time?
ta

My guys i get my suspension work done say just wait 2 weeks and re measure but yeah u should do a few kms in a couple weeks..

Well ive had my Kings SSSL's reset to 350mm so im happy now, stupid dumb kings! 335mm rear and 350 front is perfect IMO.

There is no ride quality loss from 365-370 down to 350. I have been driving with the Kings SSSLs and GT short shocks for 3 months, monday just gone i reset em to 350 and cant tell any difference at all!

[BLACKVE]

My guys i get my suspension work done say just wait 2 weeks and re measure but yeah u should do a few kms in a couple weeks..

Well ive had my Kings SSSL's reset to 350mm so im happy now, stupid dumb kings! 335mm rear and 350 front is perfect IMO.

There is no ride quality loss from 365-370 down to 350. I have been driving with the Kings SSSLs and GT short shocks for 3 months, monday just gone i reset em to 350 and cant tell any difference at all!


Like to see a pic of that:goodjob:

[amckiwi]

VE SS Ute SSV wheels 87k's yes only 87

1/4 tank of fuel

RF 395 LF 407

RR 417 LR 420

It looks stupidly high

Stu

[Wonky]

That's a huge variation in the front Stu! :eek: What springs are you going to lower it with? Monroe short body shocks?

[WH Captain]

Like to see a pic of that:goodjob:

i would but dunno how hahaha.. :)

[amckiwi]

That's a huge variation in the front Stu! :eek: What springs are you going to lower it with? Monroe short body shocks?

I should measure again it was 6.30 am lol

I am leaning towards the Tein setup hopefully that will fix my lean

Will consider the munroe setup but the adjustability of the teins is something I like the sound of

Will probably go to Chev's sat hope to check some other options and hopefully get a few rides

Stu

[Wonky]

I should measure again it was 6.30 am lol

I am leaning towards the Tein setup hopefully that will fix my lean

Will consider the munroe setup but the adjustability of the teins is something I like the sound of

Will probably go to Chev's sat hope to check some other options and hopefully get a few rides

Stu

Yeah, the Teins sound good! One of the guys who is often at Chev's had a set of Pedders coilovers for sale on here for a pretty good price I think. Don't know if they've sold or not.

Get to Chev's around noon or just after if possible to allow him and Big Rob to finish off booked in work and I'll see you there.

[CSP]

With 2/3 tank of fuel I took the following measurements (centre of rim to highest point on guard) and pictures (sorry about the sun).

Front Left: 375mm
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc80/cspbiz/VE_Calais_V_Sportwagon/suspension/FL_resize.jpg

Front Right: 365mm
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc80/cspbiz/VE_Calais_V_Sportwagon/suspension/FR_resize.jpg

Rear Left: 345mm
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc80/cspbiz/VE_Calais_V_Sportwagon/suspension/RL_resize.jpg

Rear Right: 344mm
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc80/cspbiz/VE_Calais_V_Sportwagon/suspension/RR_resize.jpg

Right side 3/4 profile:
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc80/cspbiz/VE_Calais_V_Sportwagon/suspension/RSa_resize.jpg

Left side profile:
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc80/cspbiz/VE_Calais_V_Sportwagon/suspension/LS_resize.jpg

Front Springs: King KHFL-150SSLHD
Front Shocks: Koni Sports K8610-1439SPT
Rear Springs: King KHRL-152SLHD
Rear Shocks: Koni Sports K82-2567SPT
4 replacement bump stops

I'm still not 100% happy with the look. This is how it sat on Pedders springs with factory FE1.5 shocks. You can see the back is about 10mm higher and the front is about 10mm lower. I actually prefer how it looks in this pic...
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc80/cspbiz/VE_Calais_V_Sportwagon/IMG_1805.jpg

If the front settles to 360mm - 365mm and the back doesn't settle below 340mm, I'll be happy with that. At the moment, it's really only the front left that's a seriously let down. I don't know why there's 10mm difference in the two front springs. Maybe I should try driving from the passenger seat for a week? My only guess is that due to me being solo in the car most of the time, that the left may take longer to settle than the right. Time will tell.

Here's a bit of a write up about the package...
Australian LS1 and Holden Forums (http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?p=1464236#post1464236)

[WH Captain]

Nope it wont change.. there is always a diff in Front left and right.. mine is 4mm.. But ive had my SSSLs reset.. when i first got them put in, there was 8mm difference, (370 vs 362) its pathetic i reckon.. should be 2-3mm diff max i think

All fixed, now sitting at 350 front and 335 rear

[CSP]

yeah - I've been thinking I might go to SSSLs in the front... As long as they're the same height as each other once they're in! And not lower than 360mm.

[WH Captain]

yeah - I've been thinking I might go to SSSLs in the front... As long as they're the same height as each other once they're in! And not lower than 360mm.

ill put 50 bucks on the table that theyll never be the same (FR FL)..

Kings Suck.. it said they should settle to 350 355.. they ended up "settling" above 365! 2 sets both were the same.. SO after resetting them and Munroe Short bodies, and nolethane strut top bushes im happy..

[Wonky]

Yes, unfortunately Kings measurements often don't match reality, although in my case my SSLs all round on the sedan were all down on the suggested measurements, especially at the back after the Monroes went in - it was down over an inch on what they said! Looked good but had issues with scrubbing (even with guards rolled to the max) so replaced them with more SSLs under their warranty. A little better but still down on where they should supposedly be and occasionally still scrubs even with me in the car. I do love the look though! :D

Debating whether to go SSL or SSSL in the rear tomorrow when I pick up the new ute. My heart says SSSL on ute but my head says SSL to avoid issues...... :confused: Will have to have a good look at all the utes with Kings in this thread later.

[CSP]

Hmmm... I had previously heard good things about Kings. Maybe I should have left the Pedders springs in - I loved the height they were at and they were the same both sides. Maybe I'll leave the Konis in and swap the springs back out???

[Wonky]

I'm very happy with the ride on mine and the look, just that being lower than they should be means I suffer scraping. The uneven height between sides seems to be just a matter of luck as often even the factory ones vary significantly.

You'd hope pairs in a box came out of the same length of metal and oven firing (or whatever they do) so they matched as closely as possible???? Maybe Pedders are better from that point of view or maybe you were just lucky????

Would be very interesting if you could be bothered swapping front springs over from passenger to driver's side and vice versa to see what happened - maybe one side does have more weight on it and swapping sides would significantly even them out? :confused: (total guess and wishful thinking :D)

[CSP]

Yeah not sure... Think I'll just make the trip back to Sydney for a set of SSSL Kings for the front, get the alignment re-done and get them to check measurements all round. I have factory rims that don't scrub so no dramas there. I'll be happy with 350 - 360 mm front and 340 - 350mm rear and a decent alignment.

Like I said in my write up in the Wholesale Suspension section, I couldn't be happier with the ride and performance. I just want to tweak the look so it's as close to what I want as possible.

[WH Captain]

Yeah not sure... Think I'll just make the trip back to Sydney for a set of SSSL Kings for the front, get the alignment re-done and get them to check measurements all round. I have factory rims that don't scrub so no dramas there. I'll be happy with 350 - 360 mm front and 340 - 350mm rear and a decent alignment.

Like I said in my write up in the Wholesale Suspension section, I couldn't be happier with the ride and performance. I just want to tweak the look so it's as close to what I want as possible.

Goodluck getting that measurement from out of the box SSSLs mate.. unless theyve sorted there issues u wont see it.. Put em in, give it a month, not happy get them reset that extra 5 or 10mm u want.. i think i needed 13mm on side 18mm on the other..

Let us know how u go!

[steve_t]

Debating whether to go SSL or SSSL in the rear tomorrow when I pick up the new ute. My heart says SSSL on ute but my head says SSL to avoid issues...... :confused: Will have to have a good look at all the utes with Kings in this thread later.

Wonky's new ute arrives today! :bow: Are u gonna replace the shocks too? Wrong thread but any progress on getting actuators for the hard lid and/or tailgate?

[Wonky]

Wonky's new ute arrives today! :bow: Are u gonna replace the shocks too? Wrong thread but any progress on getting actuators for the hard lid and/or tailgate?

See Australian LS1 and Holden Forums (http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=115960) for the new ute.

Have a hardlid in mind and something lined up with actuators for the hardlid and tailgate if I'm lucky!! :woohoo: May not happen for a week or so yet as the guy is just setting up a new big shop.

Unfortunately as explained in the My Ride thread the guys at Black Diamond's shop were very kindly working back to finish the lowering for me while the boss was sunning himself on the beach in Fiji perving at all the native girls :lol:, so I didn't take extra time to get before measurements.

[aedeau]

got my clubby done at pedders in t'gon 25 mm front, 45 mm back, 4 wheel align
$500 bucks, I go back every 4.000 k's for check up with no charge.

sorry to drag up an old thread, but with a tax returns just around the corner, lowering my ve clubby might be in order.

$500 is a pretty decent price. Is that the standard pedders price? Last time I called my local pedders they reckon $790 to have it lowered :weirdo:

[Wonky]

$500 is a very good price, especially from Pedders who I have often had the same experience with on ridiculous prices. Depending on how low you go you really need to use short body shocks or your handling and safety will go to shit! Do a search on VE Monroe short body shocks. If you don't do it now and decide you need to later it will cost you probably another $200 - $250 for labour.

[aedeau]

$500 is a very good price, especially from Pedders who I have often had the same experience with on ridiculous prices. Depending on how low you go you really need to use short body shocks or your handling and safety will go to shit! Do a search on VE Monroe short body shocks. If you don't do it now and decide you need to later it will cost you probably another $200 - $250 for labour.

I'm only after a slight cosmetic lowering, no more than say 25-30mm as i'm already scraping some concrete parking blocks/driveways.

I did a bit of research last night and I think the WP springs are about as low as I want to go. Cost is $690 installed, with modified bumpstops and wheel alignment.

A question for the pedders gurus out there though; is it possible to use/have a F 2957 (635mm) R 2955 (615mm) combo? I believe 2957 springs are the rears from the pedders sports ryder low range, while the 2955s are the rears off sports ryder sport (lower than low). I quite like the idea of the 2954/2955 combo of springs, but the 2954s in the front at 625mm RTG would be simply too low and impractical for me.

Also, another question. Why is it that the RTG heights for 2956/2957 and 2954/2955 springs are different when comparing the pedders US and AU website?:

Pedders US states:
http://www.peddersusa.com/products/18/148

2954 (640mm) Front Sport
2955 (620mm) Rear Sport
2956 (646mm) Front Close OE Hieght
2957 (650mm) Rear Close OE Hieght

However, the AU site quotes the following:
http://www.pedders.com.au/PS_images/tradeNews/pdf/tn1174190702.pdf
2954 (625mm) Front Sport
2955 (615mm) Rear Sport
2956 (64mm) Front Close OE Hieght
2957 (635mm) Rear Close OE Hieght

As you can see, there is a major difference in quoted height between the US and AU 2957 spring (650mm vs 635mm) :confused:

*note, the measured RTG heights at the top are referenced off the AU springs and based off the assumption that the stock height is F 660mm R 645mm.

EDIT: For those that are confused, basically I want the rears out of the silver SS for my fronts and the rears out of the red SS for my rears

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/7934/pedders.jpg

[Wonky]

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o274/gcovo/SSV%20Ute/SSVUte12Aug1509sm.jpg

Finally remembered to get measurements for my ute! :doh: Kings SSSL springs and Monroe GT short body shocks all round.

Measurements centre of rim to wheel arch:
Front left: 368mm
Front right: 367mm
Rear left: 340mm
Rear right:340mm

For those who like measurements from ground to wheel arch:
Front left: 695mm
Front right: 694mm
Rear left: 670mm
Rear right:670mm

Thanks to amckiwi for measuring for me because the rears in particular were not easy to do due to the camber and deep dish.

[brock05]

Looking good Wonky, how good does that hard lid look compared to the factory ones.

[aedeau]

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o274/gcovo/SSV%20Ute/SSVUte12Aug1509sm.jpg

Finally remembered to get measurements for my ute! :doh: Kings SSSL springs and Monroe GT short body shocks all round.

Measurements centre of rim to wheel arch:
Front left: 368mm
Front right: 367mm
Rear left: 340mm
Rear right:340mm

For those who like measurements from ground to wheel arch:
Front left: 695mm
Front right: 694mm
Rear left: 670mm
Rear right:670mm

Thanks to amckiwi for measuring for me because the rears in particular were not easy to do due to the camber and deep dish.

Am I doing something wrong, I just measured mine, it's:

Measurements centre of rim to wheel arch:
Front: 390mm
Rear: 380mm

or those who like measurements from ground to wheel arch:
Front: 635mm
Rear: 630mm

ground to wheel arch seems lower than yours, but in measurements from centre of rim to arch are higher.

looks like this:

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/5754/img5211n.jpg
http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/9689/img5213i.jpg
http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/7730/img5229p.jpg

[brock05]

your measurement figures don't seem right ie not possible to have 635mm ground to wheel arch and 390 mm centre of rim to arch going by your pics the centre of rim to arch measurmements sound right and your ground to arch ones seem incorrect.

[Wonky]

your measurement figures don't seem right ie not possible to have 635mm ground to wheel arch and 390 mm centre of rim to arch going by your pics the centre of rim to arch measurmements sound right and your ground to arch ones seem incorrect.

+1. Your centre of rim to arch figures look OK as 390 - 395 mm is about the typical factory measurement for new cars and they sag a bit over time. However, the rim and tyre combined would have to be only 240mm approx for your other measurement to be correct. 240mm is just under 9.5" i.e. half the diameter of your 19" rim with no tyre at all.

My guess is you've just misread the tape and your 6xx measurements should be 7xx instead. That would make rim and tyre 340mm which is about right. :yup:

[aedeau]

your measurement figures don't seem right ie not possible to have 635mm ground to wheel arch and 390 mm centre of rim to arch going by your pics the centre of rim to arch measurmements sound right and your ground to arch ones seem incorrect.

Yep, i misread the tape measure :)

Ground to arch heights:
Front: 730mm
Rear: 725mm

[amckiwi]

your measurement figures don't seem right ie not possible to have 635mm ground to wheel arch and 390 mm centre of rim to arch going by your pics the centre of rim to arch measurmements sound right and your ground to arch ones seem incorrect.

Lol please be specific when you say things like this thought it was my measurements that were wrong and I did them twice.

Was very dificult to measure Wonky's ute especialy the back

l side of ute tray
__\_ wheel then ground

Is a rough reprresentation of what it looks like so meausrements are on an angle and the roughtly straighened out no science involved at all lol

Stu

[wilsn]

I have Kings SSL Front (part: KHFL 150 SSL) and lovells SL rear (part: HRL-115SL)
It now sits at 377 front and 371 rear but the springs have only been in for a week.
Both companies stated 370mm for those springs which is why I chose the unusual combo but so far only the lovells are the correct height, hope the kimgs will sag 7mm or so over time.

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv283/aidenja/Mycar.jpg

[QUOTE=wilsn;1586352]I have Kings SSL Front (part: KHFL 150 SSL) and lovells SL rear (part: HRL-115SL)
It now sits at 377 front and 371 rear but the springs have only been in for a week.
Both companies stated 370mm for those springs which is why I chose the unusual combo but so far only the lovells are the correct height, hope the kimgs will sag 7mm or so over time.

The original springs were front 400mm and rear 390mm when the car was 1 week old

[masonv0lume]

I have a set of Pedders 2954 & 2955. They have been in for about a year and I pull a large boat around. The measurements are -

Front - 370mm
Rear - 335mm

I am running a set of 22" G8 rims but want to raise the back up a little. Does anyone know out of all the springs on the market, who make the heaviest rating?

[Moderators]

This thread is now closed it has a continuation thread 129886