What is the best way to ...

[BlueCrush]

loosen the lower bolt on the rear shocks? They are tighter than hell. I already lowered the front w/no problems but the rears are a bear so far cause I couldn't loosen the bolt.

[Mase]

Impact wrench, or a good 1/2" drive or larger socket and a cheater bar. I had to use a 2-foot cheater bar to break mine. I think they're only torqued to 59lbs though

[BlueCrush]

Thanks, Mase. I am able to get a local shop to loosen it if I bring it to them for an alignment after I'm done. To have some one locally to do the springs is not cheap here. It cost just under $100 per spring locally and that is if I supply the spring!Anyway, the are getting loosened tomorrow morning. My Vibe looks kinda funny now cause the front has been lowered 2 inches and the rear is still stock. It looks like I jacked up the rear.

[Mase]

$100 per spring?! Wow!Before you get it done, take a picture of your car. It must look as cool as those pick-ups from back in the 80's where the rear was jacked up really high!

[BlueCrush]

Here is a pic:

[Mase]

HA thanks for the pic. Does it handle better? I would imagine the higher rear end would promote oversteer, which in turn counteracts our inherent understeer.

[BlueCrush]

It does handle better, but when I corner a little hard I can feel the rear wanting to break loose. I had some funny looks from other drivers yesterday. I just laughed.

[JustinVGT]

Yeah, those rear bolts were so tight. I ended up using the pipe handle to the hydrolic jack, it slipped right over the handle of a wrench. That then gave me enough torque to loosen the bolt. Here is a picture of my car after I finished the front, but had not began the rear.