Lowering springs... what do I need to maintain alignement?

[bigdawg86]

Hey guys I think this is my first thread here... I did use the search function to gatso forgive the noob question. I have been researching lowering my car and using some spacers to fill out the wheel well. I will be using the stock wheels / tires. The car is daily driven (2000-2500 miles per month) so I am looking for a nice more aggressive look while trying to keep it as close to OEM as possible.

If I were to buy lowering springs, I know my alignment will need corrected...but can the car be aligned using the OEM hardware or do I have to buy the camber bushings etc? If so which ones are advised?

Basically I don't know what I would need for a 1" drop on an otherwise stock car in order to maintain even tread wear. Thanks!

[MokSpeed]

If a one inch drop is all you're looking for just buy TRD springs and call it a day. You'll get about an inch drop all around and still be under warranty. Honestly, an inch won't affect your alignment or camber that much, but if you'd like just get a one time alignment done to be safe.

[shiumai]

Depends on what people mean by 'that much'. dropping an inch definitely affects the alignment; most noticeably the rear camber. you'll probably see that the rear camber isn't the same from left to right unless you're lucky. so, your rear wheels will have more negative camber than they have right now, with your front ones with very little camber.
there's no camber adjustment with the stock suspension. if you can live with that, then that's fine. to me, it looked a bit weird. YMMV.
i installed whiteline camber bolts in the front and adjustable rear lower control arms, then got the alignment done to my liking.

[bigdawg86]

Originally Posted by shiumai

I installed whiteline camber bolts in the front and adjustable rear lower control arms, then got the alignment done to my liking.

If I am going to lower my car, even if just an inch or so I want it done right. Therefore looks like I need camber bolts and adjustable lower control arms?

Additional thought... if I have to get the bushings / control arms anyways, it doesn't really matter how much I drop it (within reason)?

Also my car is a BRZ, so I assume TRD would not be under my warranty.

[shiumai]

Originally Posted by bigdawg86

Additional thought... if I have to get the bushings / control arms anyways, it doesn't really matter how much I drop it (within reason)?

it does matter if you want to it to still handle decently with the stock shocks.
before i got my new wheels, i pretty much did exactly what you are thinking of. 1" drop on springs, and 20mm spacers in the back with the stock wheels while i was waiting for the new wheels.

here's what it looked like.

[mothespaceman]

Even though I used a full coilover set up, I benefited greatly by Cusco LCA's and a performance alignment.

The before and after was truly night and day.

[teamturbo]

Originally Posted by MokSpeed

If a one inch drop is all you're looking for just buy TRD springs and call it a day. You'll get about an inch drop all around and still be under warranty. Honestly, an inch won't affect your alignment or camber that much, but if you'd like just get a one time alignment done to be safe.

Agreed. I did a 1" drop, no alignment needed. Car drives straight as an arrow.

[bigdawg86]

Originally Posted by teamturbo

Agreed. I did a 1" drop, no alignment needed. Car drives straight as an arrow.

Well I don't question that whether or not the car will drive straight, as toe in or out is not typically affected by lowering. It's the adverse tire wear from the extra negative camber I am concerned about... Especially because I drive so much.

[bfrank1972]

Originally Posted by bigdawg86

Well I don't question that whether or not the car will drive straight, as toe in or out is not typically affected by lowering. It's the adverse tire wear from the extra negative camber I am concerned about... Especially because I drive so much.

Toe does change with lowering. Not huge amounts, but it may be enough to wear your tires and change how your car handles. Camber wear if your camber is <= -2 degrees isn't that big of a deal. Toe wear is a big deal, and probably the more important reason to get your car aligned after lowering.