New suspension: clearance issue - Page 2 - United Bimmer Community

**c1apton** · 10-29-2006, 08:31 PM

Correct me if I'm wrong... you just did the "killer lowering" idea, have issues w/ losing a splitter because it's too low - AND don't you also have a post looking for snow tire recs? Why don't you park it for winter and get yourself a beater and save the ride? You're going to have REAL issues when it snows and acumulates (not counting the "twice a day idiots" who are clueless in winter weather) Get yourself a "sacrificial beater" and sleep better at night knowing all your hard earn bucks, efforts & ideas are safe in your garage.

DEATH2000 · 10-31-2006, 12:48 AM

I have a GMC Blazer sitting in my garage, only problem is the engines busted and i need a new one. So snow tires are cheaper then a new engine. Since im poor i dont have much of a choice. I need a vehicle bad for work and what not.

**///M Power** · 10-31-2006, 10:39 AM

Did I miss something? How did yo lower your car that much with just OEM springs? Why dont you increase the stiffness on the Koni's.

DEATH2000 · 10-31-2006, 04:25 PM

God dammit, all the OEM stuff was removed. Its a full Koni spring and shock kit. so its sitting on full Konis

**V-tecKILLAH** · 11-01-2006, 04:10 PM

Since your tunning on a budget you should be very mechanically inclined. You already have very good struts... Take the old front springs, trim about 5/8ths of one full coil (not a full coil or else youll loose the drop that you want). Remove the front struts yourself. After you take off the wheel, there are two bolts that jam the shocks in the spindle and one that goes through the spindle..(ONLY THREE BOLTS UNDERNEATH)..remove brake lines from brackets on the struts(easiest step, just sounds hard). Then remove the three bolts on top that actually hold the shocks (ONLY THREE BOLTS ON TOP, technically called the strutmount bolts). The whole assembly should then be able to come out..18mm, 13mm and 10mm will be you best friend. With the E36 unlike the E39 you do not need to compress the springs back in unless they're oem. Remove the the Main strut bolt (pointing it towards a wall or something while flat on the ground). Then insert your other springs..You will need a grinder for the trimming. Total cost for this job...$0.00.. Feeling satisfied.... Priceless..Do not let a shop do this it takes only 15-20min per side. At least do it temporaily if you do not the idea of trimmed springs. Just putting back the OEM springs in the front will make you car look like it doesnt have an engine in it, assuming that the car is dropped in the back..the springs will need to be trimmed..I had the same problem years ago in my e36325is(RIP) It had a complete suspension makeover struts and springs but way too low. Worked for me.

nick_318is · 11-01-2006, 06:12 PM

Sorry i have to say it: how to be a ricer 101: Cut your springs to get a drop.

DEATH2000 · 11-01-2006, 09:25 PM

Yea im so not cutting my springs.

And for an update. The car has settled and all is good. The spplitters were the main problem. The gap is nice and what not and i like. Its currently set pretty firm so i feel everysingle bump in the road but the handling is awesome. Ill probably do a review later. Im used to it being softer as my previous shocks were mush.