RT4WD lowering question geared towards springs not coilovers

ccareyccarey New Wagonist
in Suspension, Braking & Wheels
Ok everyone I've skimmed through just about all of the posts in the Suspension index and I am having a little bit of trouble and I was hoping some of you can just give me a straight forward answer. Is there a company meaning tein or skunk2 or anyone that makes a lowering spring for the rt4wd. I really do not want a coilover nor do I want to get a crx spring or da or any of these other combinations and cut the rear coil just to level out the drop. if there is nothing out there then thats fine but I just want to exhaust all of my options. This is my daily driver and I have 2 kids in car seats and I dont want a bouncy stiff ride at all. Ive seen a couple of wagons use the kyb struts with various spring combinations but most have them have had to cut one coil in the rear. If ANYONE knows a good spring setup can you please share it with me. I am looking for at least a 1.5 inch drop

Comments

  • ccareyccarey New Wagonist
    all im seeing and understanding is that i am to use EF shocks since the rears different design will allow me to use spring setups from the DA's but that I'd have to cut 2 to 3 coils if i were to use stock da springs so would that mean I could use a lowering spring for a DA and be ok and not have to cut a thing
  • SiWagonSiWagon Council Member
    Have you rode in any cars with Eibach Sportline or ProKit Springs?
  • ccareyccarey New Wagonist
    SiWagon wrote:
    Have you rode in any cars with Eibach Sportline or ProKit Springs?

    no I have not. I've mainly been in cars with ground control setups and skunk 2 setups
  • woodiwoodi Wagonist
    Now this may or may not be perfect information but it's a place to start looking. From my experiences playing with shocks I think if you were to get DC rear shocks and 1.5" lowering springs and DA front shocks with 1.5" lower springs you would end up with your 1.5" drop like you want. Those shock/spring assemblies seem to be the same length as stock RT4WD stuff. I know the DC was exactly the same ride height in the rear as my stock RT4WD shocks and I haven't put the DA on yet to confirm it but side by side comparison on the ground shows them to be the same length. Not sure if you want to start mixing and matching that much but it's an option.
  • ccareyccarey New Wagonist
    woodi wrote:
    Now this may or may not be perfect information but it's a place to start looking. From my experiences playing with shocks I think if you were to get DC rear shocks and 1.5" lowering springs and DA front shocks with 1.5" lower springs you would end up with your 1.5" drop like you want. Those shock/spring assemblies seem to be the same length as stock RT4WD stuff. I know the DC was exactly the same ride height in the rear as my stock RT4WD shocks and I haven't put the DA on yet to confirm it but side by side comparison on the ground shows them to be the same length. Not sure if you want to start mixing and matching that much but it's an option.


    i dont mind mixing and matching I just dont want to start cutting and hacking. This is good info so I really appreciate it
  • jpciiijpciii familEE
    This guy used DC stock struts and DC lowering springs and got a decent result. In my opinion, the rear could come down more, but it's pretty good. viewtopic.php?f=8&t=5191

    As for cutting/hacking springs, removing a section of "dead coil" from the top of a rear spring isn't the worst thing in the world. If you could cut the spring with a large cutting wheel that swings on an arm (like exhaust shops use to cut pipe), it could come out nice and level/flat at the top so the spring makes proper contact with the "top hat" bushing.

    If you're 100% opposed to cutting, another option would be Koni "Yellows" struts ($$$$$) with their adjustable spring perches.
  • ccareyccarey New Wagonist
    jpciii wrote:
    This guy used DC stock struts and DC lowering springs and got a decent result. In my opinion, the rear could come down more, but it's pretty good. viewtopic.php?f=8&t=5191

    As for cutting/hacking springs, removing a section of "dead coil" from the top of a rear spring isn't the worst thing in the world. If you could cut the spring with a large cutting wheel that swings on an arm (like exhaust shops use to cut pipe), it could come out nice and level/flat at the top so the spring makes proper contact with the "top hat" bushing.

    If you're 100% opposed to cutting, another option would be Koni "Yellows" struts ($$$$$) with their adjustable spring perches.

    Well I am not opposed to cutting but like you said if it's not done correctly then it has a horrible ride in itself.

    Yeah if I could afford the Koni "yellows" I'd be all about a much nicer suspension setup. I may just have to suck it up and save for a very good coilover setup
  • jloehleinjloehlein Band Wagon
    If you don't want to spend the money on a "very good" coilover setup, you could always just get some eBay coilovers. The shell of my EG hatch had a Drop Zone coilover setup on KYB GR2s when I bought it. It handled alright and I'm pretty sure cost next to nothing. With 2.5" coilovers, it's really easy to swap the springs out for softer ones if you don't want a harsh/bouncy ride.

    You could buy some crappy coilover sleeves for $50 and throw them on the stock struts. New, softer Eibach springs would be $250-$300 and I'm sure you could find some cheaper somewhere else.
  • woodiwoodi Wagonist
    ccarey wrote:
    woodi wrote:
    Now this may or may not be perfect information but it's a place to start looking. From my experiences playing with shocks I think if you were to get DC rear shocks and 1.5" lowering springs and DA front shocks with 1.5" lower springs you would end up with your 1.5" drop like you want. Those shock/spring assemblies seem to be the same length as stock RT4WD stuff. I know the DC was exactly the same ride height in the rear as my stock RT4WD shocks and I haven't put the DA on yet to confirm it but side by side comparison on the ground shows them to be the same length. Not sure if you want to start mixing and matching that much but it's an option.


    i dont mind mixing and matching I just dont want to start cutting and hacking. This is good info so I really appreciate it

    One more thing to add my rear shocks came from a 95 4 door sedan integra whether or not that is technically the same as other DC shocks I'm not sure. I'm mainly bringing it up since someone brought up the DC all around post plus 1.5" lower springs which doesn't agree with what I found. With my 89 RT4WD the shocks from the front of the 95 sedan were an inch longer than stock RT4WD.
  • ccareyccarey New Wagonist
    woodi wrote:
    ccarey wrote:
    woodi wrote:
    Now this may or may not be perfect information but it's a place to start looking. From my experiences playing with shocks I think if you were to get DC rear shocks and 1.5" lowering springs and DA front shocks with 1.5" lower springs you would end up with your 1.5" drop like you want. Those shock/spring assemblies seem to be the same length as stock RT4WD stuff. I know the DC was exactly the same ride height in the rear as my stock RT4WD shocks and I haven't put the DA on yet to confirm it but side by side comparison on the ground shows them to be the same length. Not sure if you want to start mixing and matching that much but it's an option.


    i dont mind mixing and matching I just dont want to start cutting and hacking. This is good info so I really appreciate it

    One more thing to add my rear shocks came from a 95 4 door sedan integra whether or not that is technically the same as other DC shocks I'm not sure. I'm mainly bringing it up since someone brought up the DC all around post plus 1.5" lower springs which doesn't agree with what I found. With my 89 RT4WD the shocks from the front of the 95 sedan were an inch longer than stock RT4WD.

    thanks for all of the info. To start I believe I am going to be purchasing the Tokico Illuminas (whites) and going from there. I have pretty much narrowed in on the ones for a crx based on what some of the other members here have told me. If there is any reason these wont work, please let me know. Also can I use factory top hats or are aftermarket going to be required
  • jpciiijpciii familEE
    Illuminas are good. I'm going on 5 years with mine. I keep mine on the softer settings most of the time. Mine are for 89-91 Civic/CRX. Mine included new bumpstops which is good because my originals were toast.

    Aftermarket extended top hats aren't needed unless you lower the car a lot.

    You said you want at least a 1.5 inch drop with a smooth ride... just get a set of moderate/mild lowering springs for 88-91 Civic/CRX (like H&R Sport, Eibach Pro-Kit, Neuspeed Sport,... maybe Illuminas that come with matching springs.). Springs that go lower than that (Skunk2, Neuspeed Race, etc) are very stiff. Also remember that the advertised drop is for a CRX. They should drop your wagon more. I don't think you'll really be disappointed with the ride height difference front to rear... It's pretty subtle, really. Install them, ride them for a month. If it bothers you, cut a dead coil off the rears.
  • ccareyccarey New Wagonist
    jpciii wrote:
    Illuminas are good. I'm going on 5 years with mine. I keep mine on the softer settings most of the time. Mine are for 89-91 Civic/CRX. Mine included new bumpstops which is good because my originals were toast.

    Aftermarket extended top hats aren't needed unless you lower the car a lot.

    You said you want at least a 1.5 inch drop with a smooth ride... just get a set of moderate/mild lowering springs for 88-91 Civic/CRX (like H&R Sport, Eibach Pro-Kit, Neuspeed Sport,... maybe Illuminas that come with matching springs.). Springs that go lower than that (Skunk2, Neuspeed Race, etc) are very stiff. Also remember that the advertised drop is for a CRX. They should drop your wagon more. I don't think you'll really be disappointed with the ride height difference front to rear... It's pretty subtle, really. Install them, ride them for a month. If it bothers you, cut a dead coil off the rears.

    Great info, thanks so much. I was leaning towards the H&R race springs, but if there really stiff I'll consider some other options. I'd be happy with anywhere from a 1.5 inch to a 2.25 drop and that is still a good bit I know. What I am trying to avoid is that slammed effect. I've had plenty of cars slammed on cheap coilovers and it's just not for me. I want to be able to enjoy the ride and the vehicle still have a good clean lowered look.
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