H&R Lowering Springs Questions

[DaleNixon]

I am seriously considering getting some H&R lowering springs as I can't stand the stock monster truck look. I have a few questions I wasn't able to find answers to with a search, so I decided to post them here. These are my questions, concerns:

1. To those who have H&R springs installed, do you bottom out on bumps and driveways frequently, or is the drop and short wheelbase mild enough to avoid this?

2. How are those stock struts handling the H&R's for the long run?

3. When you get an alignment after installing these on stock struts, did you stick to factory alignment specs?

4. If you get an alignment after installing these, would you need to get another alignment if/when you upgrade to a different wheel width?

I drive on pretty bad roads, but I can avoid most huge inclines and bumps. There are a few wicked driveways I have to deal with once or twice a year though Thanks!

 

[MazdaTwo]

I am seriously considering getting some H&R lowering springs as I can't stand the stock monster truck look. I have a few questions I wasn't able to find answers to with a search, so I decided to post them here. These are my questions, concerns:

1. To those who have H&R springs installed, do you bottom out on bumps and driveways frequently, or is the drop and short wheelbase mild enough to avoid this?

2. How are those stock struts handling the H&R's for the long run?

3. When you get an alignment after installing these on stock struts, did you stick to factory alignment specs?

4. If you get an alignment after installing these, would you need to get another alignment if/when you upgrade to a different wheel width?

I drive on pretty bad roads, but I can avoid most huge inclines and bumps. There are a few wicked driveways I have to deal with once or twice a year though Thanks!

I can't speak to the rest of the questions since I haven't installed them, but as far as #1 goes, I've had the H&Rs on 2 of my previous cars without bottoming out a single time. But I do know that at least 2 of the people on this forum who have gone lower recommend cutting the bump-stops to avoid bottoming out the suspension.

 

[Domii3925]

I have never had a problem with bottoming out at all and I didn't cut the bump-stops. The stock struts seem to be holding up fine. I haven't heard any type of noise or any difference in ride! The potholes/streets where I am suck sometimes too!

 

[DaleNixon]

Thanks for the replies guys, keep em coming! It seems like the H&R's offer a nice drop but it's not SLAMMED. Domii, did you get an alignment after installing the springs?

 

[XCLR8TN]

1. To those who have H&R springs installed, do you bottom out on bumps and driveways frequently, or is the drop and short wheelbase mild enough to avoid this?
Do you mean bottom the suspension out or actually hit the chassis on pavement? I have done neither yet.

2. How are those stock struts handling the H&R's for the long run?
I can't really comment as I only have probably 1,000 miles on them so far including a track day

3. When you get an alignment after installing these on stock struts, did you stick to factory alignment specs?
No. I slotted the upper strut hole in the front and put -1* of camber on the fronts. Zero toe all around (I was told there's no camber or toe adjustment in the rear)

4. If you get an alignment after installing these, would you need to get another alignment if/when you upgrade to a different wheel width?
I don't *think* so. Unless maybe you went from 15x6 to 15x10 but who knows. I've never thought about that, hopefully someone with experience will post up.

 

[XCLR8TN]

Also, they ride semi rough if you add weight to the car (luggage/people). And are bouncy over certain roads. But not too bad really! (better than I expected)

 

[DaleNixon]

Neat! Yeah, I was referring to hitting the chassis on the pavement. I don't want my car to be DUMPED. It's just not practical for me.

Slotted the upper strut hole? That's probably beyond what a basic tire shop can do. Can you post the alignment specs you used anyway? Thanks XLR8TN!

 

[XCLR8TN]

Neat! Yeah, I was referring to hitting the chassis on the pavement. I don't want my car to be DUMPED. It's just not practical for me.

Slotted the upper strut hole? That's probably beyond what a basic tire shop can do. Can you post the alignment specs you used anyway? Thanks XLR8TN!

I'd have to look/measure but I don't think anything is low enough really to hit... I did measure the lowest part of the front, which on the outside was the little airdam below the bumper, 4.5" off the ground.

When you install the springs you have to take the oem springs off the struts anyways. At that point I put the strut into a vice and used a round file and calipers to open up that top hole to allow for a negative camber adjustment (push the top of the knuckle inwards so slot the hole inwards towards the middle of the car).

So....
Front: -1* of camber, zero toe.
Rear: zero camber, zero toe (well, right rear had SLIGHT toe but it's not adjustable)

I sat in the car when they aligned it.

 

[DaleNixon]

I probably won't modify my stock struts. I'll just rock zero zero zero zero lol.

 

[Domii3925]

Yeah! I failed at the alignment... I still haven't gotten one, in which I should have. I planned too when I switch over to the stock wheels for winter.

 

[Redkills]

Here's what the H&Rs look like with no extra weight inside and no spare tire.