If someone has done this, I could use a few tips. I have a '93 del sol that I want to lower 1" so I got some springs that claim they will lower the car 1" from factory height. I'm also replacing the struts because they are worn out. The new lowering springs are considerably shorter in length (non-compressed) than the OEM springs to where I don't even need my spring compressor to install them...in fact, they are rather loose when the spring base/washer/and nut are installed. Does this sound normal?

 

I installed Eibach Pro-Kit lowering springs, the fronts were progressive springs which needed to be compressed, but the rears did not need to be compressed at all, there is about a 3 inch gap , which I though was strange but it's working as expected. If the lowering springs are stiffer then they usually are shorter than the OEM springs so it can drop down. What struts are you getting? I have a 1.5 inch drop all around and OEM shocks are bouncy in the rear and will bottom out the car which is annoying since I cant afford new struts at the moment.

 

Thanks for the information. That is exactly what I've been wondering about! The car presently has STAGG shocks all around and I too don't have the dough to look into replacements. I looked into STAGG and got mixed reviews from people. Some people liked them and others thought they were pure crap. I'm changing the springs because three of the OEM springs were cracked and the 4th is rusty and I found a "good deal" on some Eibach's. I guess my only concern is that when I assemble the rear shock/springs, there will not be enough non-compressed pressure on the spring and if for some reason I fully spread the suspension, I'm thinking the springs will come out of their positions. I had this happen on my toyota 4x4 (although that was because of extreme off roading).

 

They wont come off the perch unless you are going insane speeds on rough roads, speed bump, or a pot hole. I recommend getting extended top hats, OE replacement shocks tend to be a bit bouncy, I dont have money at the moment so I modified my shock, reduced the length of the piston by an inch, which helped greatly reduce bounce. The safe way would be to get extended top hats though.

 

Extended top hats, say what?

1. There are no extended top hats made for use with normal OEM or OE-style lowering springs. Custom made is the only option here.

2. Extended top hats are almost never needed on the rear shocks.

3. Extended top hats are not needed with mild drops with decent quality shocks.

OP don't worry about the springs being loose. They will never come loose as long as all tires are in contact with the ground. They're shorter because they're both stiffer and a bit lower than OEM springs.

 

STAGG are OE replacement, with stiff springs it will be a bit bouncy.