Lowering the Ghia

crdave · 26-06-2010, 01:38 PM

I have recently bought an AUII Fairmont Ghia and i am considering lowering it. Nothing too drastic, just wouldn't mind it sitting a bit lower. Also I will be putting wheels on it probably something like the CSA Vanquish in 18 x 8. Is there anything I need to know before going ahead with lowering?

grandpa_spec_F6 · 26-06-2010, 10:31 PM

Hey mate, welcome to the forums.

You could go a couple of ways, I went the cheap route (read: least comfy) and threw monroe gas gt shocks / struts all round, with kings lows in the front and super lows in the rear. Needed to get shortened shocks for the rear to fit the SL's. Handling is 10 fold better than stock, but ride harshness is akin to dragging your butt on the water behind a boat at 60k's an hour with a cross wind blowing up the waves, EVERY bump is felt. If you have the money, koni's (spelling?) seem to be the ducks nuts according to everyone on here.

This however will sit the car almost perfectly level, with about 10mm clearance from the top of your tyre. Not sure how it will go fitting the rims under it but it should be alright. If you just went to lows all round you will maintain a comfy ride, but still have better handling than stock.

sbcb · 27-06-2010, 11:16 AM

Some info here mate.

http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthr...41#post3196341

Mr Hardware · 27-06-2010, 11:43 AM

crdave, that's gonna result in the worst ride in the world
even though grandpa spec's done it the entry-level way, he still runs 16" wheels, and the ride is as he says. If you team that with 18"s, you're gonna need back surgery in a week.

Auturbo6 · 27-06-2010, 09:55 PM

Ive recently spotted fully adjustable coilovers to suit AU on E-bay. Brand new, $990
Was about to purchase, however new (DUCKS NUTS) clutch installed last week, still can't handle the power, so have no option but to go all the way.
P.S. If going the king spring way, DO NOT install super lows.

crdave · 28-06-2010, 09:35 AM

Cheers guys, its good to get helpfull advice here. I figured this would be the place to ask as there was bound to be someone who's already had a go at it. I might end up going the Pedders way as kristo said in the other thread and maybe just a set of 17's but they're not that common in 8's i dont think, so we'll have to see. Got a good contact at Pedders on the weekend so i'll go talk to them and see what we come up with. Thanks for the help.

adumb · 28-06-2010, 05:11 PM

I have KYB shortened shocks and King Spring Lows and the ride isn't too bad, sits around XR6 height. Could be a bit lower but I have a body kit and it dosen't scrape on anything now.

svo supporter · 28-06-2010, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crdave

maybe just a set of 17's but they're not that common in 8's i dont think, so we'll have to see.

I think you've been given a bum steer with this comment. 17 X8's are the most common 17" wheel round. You fit a 235/45X17 on it

crdave · 29-06-2010, 09:54 AM

Yeah that came from a tyre joint trying to sell me on the 18's so they may have been full of it hey. After looking more you're right theres plenty to choose from in 17 x 8's. The same guy didn't know that the Ghia's had IRS. When i asked about it he said " IRS, thas rare but no worries its no different to every other AU. Somehow i dont think i'll be going there.

Mr Hardware · 29-06-2010, 10:05 AM

yeah my opinion is to never go larger than 17"s on an AU unless you really don't view ride comfort as a priority

crdave · 29-06-2010, 10:48 AM

yeah when i first got it I thought this thing feels like riding on a sponge. Then again I have been driving a hilux ute and a fiesta that feels like a go kart on the road.
Now iv'e got used to the luxo comfy factor its not too bad but I would like it a little firmer but not too harsh so 17's def sound like the go.