Why do people use Lowering Clamps.
 

so I recently purchased a 1992 subaru svx, the last owner was a teenage kid who owned it for a few months, and traded it to a local dealership because he wanted something easier
To "modify".

at this time I had a 2002 lancer with the same dealership and could not afford another payment, but checked every week as the dealer lowered and lowered the price. it wasn't until I was in an accident and my lancer was wrecked that I purchased the car for the newly lowered price of 2500.

for the most part the car is in good shape, with exception to a faulty lock mechanism on the drivers side, and a poorly done lowering, involving 2 clamps on each of the front springs and what seems to be cut rear springs. Obviously this is causing issues, specifically with the rear wheel steering rubbing when on full lock. And the clamps smashing together on rough roads

I would like to remove the clamps from the front springs and replace the rear ones, but I understand there could be some safety issues with doing this. I will eventually buy new springs all around, so should I just wait till I can do that?

Re: Why do people use Lowering Clamps.
 

You own a JDM Alcyone SVX with rear wheel steering? I think they are pretty rare if you are in the USA. If you are having rubbing/handling issues ,change all 4 springs for stock ones. :)

Re: Why do people use Lowering Clamps.
 

you may be able to save money on the front springs by taking them to a local spring shop and having them "resprung". having them clamped down may have messed them up but should be fixable. you will have to replace the rear springs because they are progressive rate springs taking out a coil from the top or bottom will completely ruin them. you should post some pics of how it looks now, preferably with all 4 wheels turned.

Re: Why do people use Lowering Clamps.
 

According to the profile pic, nope.

Re: Why do people use Lowering Clamps.
 

To be honest I'm assuming it has 4 wheel steering because I hear rubbing from the rear wheels when on full lock, a and my fathers svx had 4 wheel steering. His was when we were in England, I'm now in the usa.

Re: Why do people use Lowering Clamps.
 

"Why do people use Lowering Clamps."



Because they don't know any better?:rolleyes:

Re: Why do people use Lowering Clamps.
 

I thought the 4 wheel steer only worked over 45mph?

Re: Why do people use Lowering Clamps.
 

This thread is so full of fail.

USDM SVXs do NOT have active 4 wheel steering.

Re: Why do people use Lowering Clamps.
 

You sure it's wheels rubbing and not the AWD binding? That would be most noticeable on full lock.

But yea, no USDM SVX came with active 4WS. There are 2 JDM 4WS cars in California though :). The only 4WS ones in the UK are imported JDM ones, btw.

Re: Why do people use Lowering Clamps.
 

As stated, in the USDM the SVX did not come with active rear/4-wheel steering. It apparently has a manner of passive rear steering, which I believe implies that the alignment geometry is calibrated to generate some toe angle as the suspension compresses, effectively "steering" the wheels to a degree. The rear wheels rubbing while steering is probably just because the car is leaning over in the corners. Cut/clamped or not, the stock spring rates aren't exactly conducive to flat cornering.

My car rubbed for a while after lowering it. Then the tires wore through the plastic wheel well trim. All is now groovy.

Re: Why do people use Lowering Clamps.
 

Worth looking into. I assume putting a fuse in the fwd slot and then trying to see if it still does it would be an ample test, correct? Or is there a better way to go about it?

As for the springs, I see a site selling a set for just under 400, not bad at all, so I'll go ahead and order those.

Bad thing is I work at a dorman auto parts warehouse, and we carry no parts for them. I knew that when I purchased her though. :)

Re: Why do people use Lowering Clamps.
 

Re: Why do people use Lowering Clamps.
 

That would be a good start, but it won't be conclusive one way or the other. Give it a try.

Have heard some negative things about those particular springs. If you have the budget for it, get koni/ground control coilovers, they are adjustable height, and just awesome overall. If you just want stock springs, I'm sure you can find some here on the forums for sale.

Re: Why do people use Lowering Clamps.
 

Ground control.
5" front springs
7" rear springs

Re: Why do people use Lowering Clamps.
 

I have the motorsport springs. I'm not satisfied with the ride, and the finish on them has completely flaked off and the springs have begun to rust. They are not a quality product. They do make the car look good, though.

I intend on upgrading to the konis and ground controls.