09 Suspension made my 04S2K sit higher.
10-20-2010, 05:12 PM
#1
Thread Starter
09 Suspension made my 04S2K sit higher.
Few months back fellow S2Ki member and I installed 2009 suspension on my 110k mile 2004 AP2. I instantly noticed it seemed higher especially in the rear, 4 finger gap instead of previous 3. I then noticed constant squeaking coming from the front and got concerned.
Week later the ride is still noticeably higher, even my GF pointed it out. I then had some guy in a Civic complement my rims, but told me my ride height seems to be off.
Next weekend buddy of mine and I went at it again, he took the suspension apart and made sure the springs are in the right place and sitting properly in the top hat and the bottom part. Rubber gaskets reused.
Same Story, squeaking and higher ride hight.
Shocks/Springs were installed the way you see them in this picture.
Here is the current ride height. Look at the rear, looks high to me.
This is how it looked with stock 2004 suspension...
Week later the ride is still noticeably higher, even my GF pointed it out. I then had some guy in a Civic complement my rims, but told me my ride height seems to be off.
Next weekend buddy of mine and I went at it again, he took the suspension apart and made sure the springs are in the right place and sitting properly in the top hat and the bottom part. Rubber gaskets reused.
Same Story, squeaking and higher ride hight.
Shocks/Springs were installed the way you see them in this picture.
Here is the current ride height. Look at the rear, looks high to me.
This is how it looked with stock 2004 suspension...
10-21-2010, 08:17 AM
#5
Thread Starter
It's been almost 3 or so months And 4000 miles since second install. So I think settling should be done especially with Boston roads.
What varies year to year btw? The spring rate? I know my 09 springs one of the stiffest from what I recall. O4s felt mushy.
What varies year to year btw? The spring rate? I know my 09 springs one of the stiffest from what I recall. O4s felt mushy.
10-21-2010, 09:30 AM
#6
Spring differences, including free length:
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=818884
Installed height, new-for-new, shouldn't vary much. However, shocks and springs do settle, and eventually wear out. After a few thousand track miles, my '00 suspension was worn out to the point that I was down to less than a 2-finger gap.
I literally had to buy a lower-profile jack since my older one no longer fit under the car! So you might have just been used to seeing your car on the old, settled suspension.
Car does look maybe a *smidge* high in the pics, though...and they certainly shouldn't squeak. Triple-check your install: Have you looked carefully at how the top hats are seated? Swaybar links? Anything binding? Installed "backwards"? The lower A-arm bolts on all shocks should "point" toward the center of the car; that is, the welded nut on the damper should be toward the center of the car. In itself, that wouldn't affect ride height, but if they're backward then maybe they're binding on something?
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=818884
Installed height, new-for-new, shouldn't vary much. However, shocks and springs do settle, and eventually wear out. After a few thousand track miles, my '00 suspension was worn out to the point that I was down to less than a 2-finger gap.
I literally had to buy a lower-profile jack since my older one no longer fit under the car! So you might have just been used to seeing your car on the old, settled suspension.Car does look maybe a *smidge* high in the pics, though...and they certainly shouldn't squeak. Triple-check your install: Have you looked carefully at how the top hats are seated? Swaybar links? Anything binding? Installed "backwards"? The lower A-arm bolts on all shocks should "point" toward the center of the car; that is, the welded nut on the damper should be toward the center of the car. In itself, that wouldn't affect ride height, but if they're backward then maybe they're binding on something?
