I thought I would pose this question to those who did things, then wishes they could re-do them.

I am buying lowering springs....while the car is in the air and things are apart, what other items could/should be done. Bushings that have to come out? things like that.

 

If I was pulling apart the suspension on a 15 year old car, I'd check virtually every part for excessive wear. I'd definitely get new front upper spring/shock seats. You'll probably find them badly cracked, or damage them trying to unbolt the upper shock nut. Check upper and lower A-arm bushings, consider replacing the upper and lower ball joints.

 

By the time my car was 11 years old, I had replaced the sway bar bushings and the rear lower control arm bushings [the sway bars too, but that was a upgrade]. Right now I have upper and lower control arm bushings and ball joints ready to install. The problem is not wear but squeak. With non-greasable ones, I think 12 years is about the limit.

 

If you have not replaced the sway bar end links pick up a set before you begin working, front and rear. I had the original stock ones on when I bought my car and they were so rusted it wasn't even worth the effort to try and remove them. I said F-it and cut them off with a sawzall. Secondly, are you going to replace the shocks at the same time? The factory decarbons will not be able to handle the new spring rate. Now is the time to add (at least) new front shocks. You don't want to take this apart twice. Other then that you should be good. As Injuneer said just make sure to inspect everything.

 

I would never consider running any stiffer springs with OEM shocks if you still have them. They can't control the stiffer lowering springs. Do shocks at the same time, especially considering how big of a project the fronts can be.

You may find you need an adjustable panhard bar. As the car lowers, the rear axle moves sideways (toward the driver's side). It may not be enough to be a problem.

 

This is all great feedback I appreciate it guys! Yes, the springs and shocks are both stock. Sooooo it looks like I am saving for a little longer to do this right.

 

what springs/shocks are you going with

 

I am open to suggestions. I like the idea of Eibachs Prokit. 1.3". Sportlines would be too much.

 

I was just curious. I'm going to be changing my suspension soon. I may go back with the stock Bilstein Level II suspension my car

 

im on strano springs and koni 4/4's. Granted my my setup is one of the most expensive you can go with it handles and ride like a dream. I really think the koni's made the single biggest improvement that one mod could do. It was a night and day difference the first ride i took after installing them.

 

^ Yup, if you can afford it, that's the hot setup.

 

I really like my Hotchkis springs with revalved Bilsteins.

 

Are you talking about the shock insulator or the shock mount? I assume you're talking about the insulator. Part #'s per shoebox's website.

1993-2002 front lower coil spring seat (not on GMpartsdirect)
22099275
1993-2002 front upper shock mount ($119.82)
22146933 LH
22146934 RH
1993-2002 upper shock insulator ($7.45)
17999212

 

No, he is probably talking about the mount. They tend to rust.

 

part #53? Where would I go about finding one? Just the parts dept. at the local GM dealership?