[LowriderS10]

My 1.8" lowering springs got here today...sooo I'm going to lower my '93 wagon in a couple of days.

However, I was wondering if anyone had any tips or tricks to make my life easier? (I have the Haynes manual and I have lowered cars/trucks in the past, so I don't need a step by step, I'm just looking for stuff that might be helpful to someone who's never done suspension work on an Escort).

Also, how well do the stock struts hold up to a 1.8" drop? Any suggestions as to affordable aftermarket struts that would drop in WITHOUT modifications (ie: no S/R stuff).

Basically I'm going to lower it on stock struts for 2 months, then put the stock springs back in, take it for a 2-3 month roadtrip then re-lower it when I come back, but this time with aftermarket struts.

Cheers!
T.

 

[Jeffescortlx]

The escorts are easy.
I've done saab's, xb, & a Explorer. I'd rather do the escort again over any of those.

 

[LowriderS10]

just undo the top strut mounts then the bottom ones and slide it out? then undo the top nut, slide the spring off and reverse to put it back?

Also, when we lowered my friend's Honda Fit, we left the wheels on to help bring the struts out...is that recommended for the Escorts too?

 

[racethisescort89]

yea cuz just like any other car the springs are compressed and will take your head off in a split second. let the wheels droop over night then do it.

 

[madmatt2024]

The stock struts don't like lowering springs. They tend to bottom out and blow.

 

[LOWETGT]

Just remember, the center nut in the top mount is the dangerous one. Do not unfasten it without proper tools and precaution.

 

[LowriderS10]

And what would those proper tools and precaution be? I don't have a spring compressor, but might be able to get my hands on one. With my friend's Fit we just used hand tools

 

[LariRudi]

Spring Compressors

And what would those proper tools and precaution be? I don't have a spring compressor, but might be able to get my hands on one. With my friend's Fit we just used hand tools

If my memory serves me right, we borrowed one for FREE from AutoZone or Checker Auto Parts; other's prob do the same thing.

But like they say BE CAREFUL

FOR SURE.............. even with the Compressor, make sure they're gripping WELL, and NO DROPPING, POUNDING, TOSSING, ETC..... pretend ya gotta handle the assembly like a baby.

[Edit; spellig]

Good luck,

LarryR : )

 

[LOWETGT]

Yeah, I was referring to a spring compressor and air tools; you don't want to hold the shaft with vice-grips to get center nut off. It will gouge the shaft and then cut the seal, causing a leak. With a 1.8" drop, you probably won't need the compressor to install the new springs. And yes, you will most likely blow the stock struts. Have you checked the condition of the bellows, spring seats, and bump stops? They tend to deteriorate.

 

[juggalo]

if this helps, someone had done some modifications to the mounting block to keep the strut from bottoming out. basically making the shock sit close the stock position on a lowered escort. but i can not remember how it was done.

 

[LowriderS10]

LOWET: No, I haven't checked the condition, but since I'm only going to lower it for a month or two then go back to stock I'll just check it while I'm doing it and make a note of what has to be replaced for when I re-lower. (This damn roadtrip is throwing a wrench in the works...it's either lower/raise/lower or lower it just once, but wait 'till October...)

Can it be done alone? And how long should I expect it to take? (No rust, have all the proper tools, no air, average backyard mechanic skills)

juggalo: Thanks, I'll look into that or let me know if you bump into wherever you saw it

 

[94turtlewagon]

coilovers

I have a 94 wagon thats been sitting around im workin on for my everyday driver.i want to slam it so the ground on some fat wheels like the xxr 002's.Does anyone know of a decent priced decent set of coilovers for the wagon that will work?

 

[LowriderS10]

That'd look hot

I've put my lowering on hold for this year...I have the springs, they're not going anywhere, my stock struts are on their way out, so I'm just going to wait 'till they're done, drive the car as is through the winter, then lower next spring