Here's the brief story. A few months ago I got the sportlines installed on my car. I was told that my stock dampers were in good shape and that I didn't need to replace them yet. So I went with the suspension guys advice. I have had no issues at all and I have been a proponent of spreading the word that it's not required to have your dampers replaced when you go with the sportlines. Well, since I've had the sportlines on, I've been a little unhappy with the ride height.(rear a little too high) Calls to Eibach and a couple different shops and this forum led me to believe that the resulting drop from a spring install could vary from car to car. Never would I have ever thought that the stock dampers were not allowing my car to realize it's full drop with the sportlines. Apparently that's exactly what it was. For the heck of it and because I had a few extra dollars I went ahead and bought the Pro dampers and had them installed yesterday. I picked up my car and the mechanic says the car dropped about 3/4 inch more(rear) with the Eibach dampers. He tells me how the dampeneing effect is better suited to the springs and how the Eibachs are less stiff than the oem shocks allowing the car to settle in lower or should I say properly for the springs. So here I sit now, finally, with the ride and stance I've wanted all along. So, do you need to replace the dampers when you get sportlines? Ans. - Yes and No. No - if you want the rear a little higher. Yes - if you want to realize the full drop of your sportlines. Overall, I'm a little embarrassed and apologetic for my insistancy on the issue of dampers. Well, live and learn.
By the way here are a few pictures. All pictures are with sportline springs. Before and after pertain to before and after Eibach pro dampers.
Update: Having had the pro dampers on for 4 days now and driving a lot I must say that having the dampers is well worth it. The ride is much better as is the handling.
BEFORE
AFTER
BEFORE
AFTER
Last edited by Fireman2118 : 07-07-2008 at 06:27 AM.
Having done just springs myself I too now agree thats its best to do all at once, if for nothing else to save on double labor! Mine ended up having the drop setting in quite nicely over a few months, but the ride is now poo poo.
it is way worth it to do both at the same time not only will it be cheaper in the long run it will handle allot better since they are made to work together.... enjoy the new setup
Yeah... that made a BIG difference!!! Looks great Fireman!!! Hey, like you said.... you live and you learn.... and in this case you're able to spread what you've learned to other people, like myself, who one day will be doing the same! THANKS!