AWD Vibe w/Hotchkis Springs - Done!

[BlueCrush]

I finished lowering my AWD Vibe today after having the lower rear shock bolts loosened at a goodyear service center.Here is before:Here is During:Here is after:I have noticed a huge difference in handling. Before when driving on the freeway I would get blown all over the place by even a light wind. Now it feels so much more secure and solid. The steering is a little tighter, which I like. the stock suspension was a little bouncy for me now it is much smoother as well. The Hotchkis Springs state 1-1/2" front and 1-1/8" rear. Well both ended up right around 2". Which is fine as long as the rear is even withthe front and not lower like some springs on AWD/4WD Vibe/Matrix. I am very happy. I think it has the perfect amount of drop for me. I love it!

[ArcsVibe]

Wow! That is a nice drop I hope mine looks like yours after I drop it as well Did you do it yourself? How long did it take?BTW once again nice looking Vibe

[BlueCrush]

Thanks! Yup, did it myself. Although a couple times I wish a had someone to help but after thinking out my plan of attack on the fly, I managed to git 'er dun.90 Minutes passengers front.40 Minutes drivers front.20 Minutes drivers front again because I forgot the bumpstop.100 Minutes drivers rear took forever to get the shock out w/the independent rear suspension. Had to end up removing 6 bolts and do a little prying to get it off.30 Minutes passenger rear.4 hours, 40 Minutes total!Now that I know exactly what to do I could probably do all 4 in about 1-1/2 to 2 hours.

[Mr. Poopypants]

That looks really good. I wish I could do that, but since I tow with my Vibe, I can't lower it.

[Mase]

Congrats! I didn't realize you had a AWD. Even better congrats on that. Since you have AWD, those lower bolts should be torqued to 103lbs. Not 59lbs like the 2WD.

[BlueCrush]

Thanks! No wonder why they wouldn't budge! I am going to have them re-torqued when I get an alignment next week.

[drw2514]

That is exactly the look I'm going for. I've got an AWD, and I wanted to see some pictures of springs on an AWD before purchasing anything. Which springs did you use from Hotchkis? tirerack.com only lists one kind of hotchkis spring for the vibe, but I'm not sure if there is more than one kind.

[BlueCrush]

Those are the same ones I bought from Tire Rack. They are the only ones that they offered for the AWD Vibe.

[playbookboy06]

hey bluecrushdid you have to get struts along with springs?When you got your wheels re-alined, did they have to mess with a camber kit?

[BlueCrush]

Nope, just the springs and no camber kit either.

[Merzbow]

Wait, how the hell do you know how much you're torquing the bolts??? I was planning on installing my S-Techs in my garage but I don't wanna scrwe anything up.

[BlueCrush]

You would have to buy, rent or borrow a torque wrench.