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> '02 Trans Am Street Build
Zeppelin
post Jan 24 2010, 05:17 PM
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Lowered the rear today. My first attempt was to see what the heater hose mod would accomplish. This entails replacing the spring perches with a 1 1/2' length of heater hose. I used 5/8" heater hose for the project.

Here is my starting height from the ground to the top of the fender wells. About 28 1/2"
(IMG:http://www.zeppelinsreef.com/images/war_eagle/loweringrear1.jpg)

Got the car up on jackstands, removed the lower shock bolts, and let the rearend down all the way. Pulled the springs out. Here is the spring with the spring perch.
(IMG:http://www.zeppelinsreef.com/images/war_eagle/loweringrear2.jpg)

Next I removed the spring perch and replaced it with the length of heater hose.
(IMG:http://www.zeppelinsreef.com/images/war_eagle/loweringrear3.jpg)

Reinstalled the springs, re-attached the shocks, and let the car down. That got me here. About a 1/2" drop.
(IMG:http://www.zeppelinsreef.com/images/war_eagle/loweringrear4.jpg)
(IMG:http://www.zeppelinsreef.com/images/war_eagle/loweringrear5.jpg)

While allot better, I still wanted to go a bit further. So back up on jackstands the car went. I pulled the springs back out, removed the heater hose mod, and proceeded to cut a coil out of the rear springs with a Dremel and diamond wheel. Once cut, I re-installed the heater hose mod. I got another 1" drop cutting the coil out.
(IMG:http://www.zeppelinsreef.com/images/war_eagle/loweringrear6.jpg)
(IMG:http://www.zeppelinsreef.com/images/war_eagle/loweringrear7.jpg)
(IMG:http://www.zeppelinsreef.com/images/war_eagle/loweringrear8.jpg)

So, with a total of about a 1 1/2" drop this is what I got. I'll leave the car settle a bit, and after driving it will take another measurement. Total cost: $3.79 (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Currently the passenger side sits about 1/4" higher than the driver. After settling I will re-measure and may end up taking a little more coil out of the passenger side. Here's the car after the drop.
(IMG:http://www.zeppelinsreef.com/images/war_eagle/loweringrear9.jpg)
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wannafbody
post Jan 26 2010, 04:14 AM
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The wheels look good
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00 SS
post Jan 26 2010, 04:56 PM
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If the two sides are uneven, Try re-indexing the coils before you cut it again. Rotating the coils on the perches can change the ride height slightly. If you get the right combination on each side, you may be able to level the car without ending up with different spring rates on each side. Maybe even try swaping sides to see what the result is. Cutting coils will change the rate of the spring.

BTW, the car looks great and seems to be coming along well.

This post has been edited by 00 SS: Jan 26 2010, 04:57 PM
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Zeppelin
post Jan 27 2010, 11:20 PM
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Took a few pics of the stance with the springs cut. Re-measured and both sides are the same after settling. I think I need to lower the front a little now though. Need to wait until I see if the new front brakes clear the rims without spacers first. If I have to space the rims out much, lowering it allot will lead to tire/fender contact on bumpy roads I am afraid. We'll see. The caliper adapter brackets finally shipped. Due here Friday, so I may get the brakes on this weekend. Ordered a set of Hellwig swaybars too. 35mm hollow front and 22mm hollow rear. Car currently has NO rear swaybar at all and the stock WS6 front bar.

(IMG:http://www.zeppelinsreef.com/images/war_eagle/new_rims2.jpg)

(IMG:http://www.zeppelinsreef.com/images/war_eagle/new_rims3.jpg)

(IMG:http://www.zeppelinsreef.com/images/war_eagle/new_rims4.jpg)

Also got some nice black lugnuts in from Jegs. They are Gorilla brand. Nice heavy coating. Wrench didn't scratch them a bit. I grabbed a set of matching locks also.

(IMG:http://www.zeppelinsreef.com/images/war_eagle/stockbrakes.jpg)
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dailydriver
post Jan 28 2010, 01:08 AM
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QUOTE (Zeppelin @ Jan 27 2010, 06:20 PM) *
Took a few pics of the stance with the springs cut. Re-measured and both sides are the same after settling. I think I need to lower the front a little now though. Need to wait until I see if the new front brakes clear the rims without spacers first. If I have to space the rims out much, lowering it allot will lead to tire/fender contact on bumpy roads I am afraid. We'll see. The caliper adapter brackets finally shipped. Due here Friday, so I may get the brakes on this weekend. Ordered a set of Hellwig swaybars too. 35mm hollow front and 22mm hollow rear. Car currently has NO rear swaybar at all and the stock WS6 front bar.

(IMG:http://www.zeppelinsreef.com/images/war_eagle/new_rims2.jpg)

(IMG:http://www.zeppelinsreef.com/images/war_eagle/new_rims3.jpg)

(IMG:http://www.zeppelinsreef.com/images/war_eagle/new_rims4.jpg)

Also got some nice black lugnuts in from Jegs. They are Gorilla brand. Nice heavy coating. Wrench didn't scratch them a bit. I grabbed a set of matching locks also.

(IMG:http://www.zeppelinsreef.com/images/war_eagle/stockbrakes.jpg)


Did the previous owner take off the rear bar, or did he have a drag race rear bar on there that you deleted??
The 'spider' wheels look GREAT in the comp grey. I really never liked them that much until I spied them on your ride in that color!!
Now Gorilla makes the black chrome lugs as well? (I have them on my ride, but they are McGards, all that was available two years ago.)
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Zeppelin
post Jan 28 2010, 02:16 AM
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Previous owner drag raced the car and took the swaybar off. I ran across the Gorilla lugnuts just doing a web search. Called Jegs to see if they could get them and they had them to me in under a week. Thanks for the compliments.
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Eskimo
post Jan 28 2010, 02:23 AM
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Lookin good! That car is certainly a great find with miles that low..

What's the offset on your wheels?
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Zeppelin
post Jan 28 2010, 10:26 AM
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The low mileage is a definite bonus. Offsets are 58 front, 79 rear(with a spacer).
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Zeppelin
post Jan 30 2010, 08:39 PM
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Just a few more pics I took today in the sun. Trackbracket caliper adapters came yesterday, so I should be able to get on the brakes as soon as it warms up a little. It is a very nice, heavy duty piece. I'll get some pics when I start the brake install.

(IMG:http://www.zeppelinsreef.com/images/war_eagle/new_rims5.jpg)

(IMG:http://www.zeppelinsreef.com/images/war_eagle/new_rims6.jpg)

(IMG:http://www.zeppelinsreef.com/images/war_eagle/new_rims7.jpg)
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Zeppelin
post Feb 12 2010, 11:01 AM
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Got the swaybars in yesterday. Very nice looking product from Hellwig. 35 mm hollow front(thing is huge) and 22 mm adjustable hollow rear.

(IMG:http://www.zeppelinsreef.com/images/war_eagle/swaybars1.jpg)

(IMG:http://www.zeppelinsreef.com/images/war_eagle/swaybars2.jpg)
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dailydriver
post Feb 12 2010, 09:43 PM
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I dig that wild hammertone finish!!
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SlowLS1
post Feb 15 2010, 06:06 AM
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Your car looks great man. I especially like the wheels you've got on there.

I like the 295's on the front too. More contact patch up there is a good thing. What are the weight of those wheels vs. the stock WS6 setup? Same? Heavier?
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Zeppelin
post Feb 15 2010, 12:51 PM
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I didn't weigh the wheels, but they seemed pretty light when taking them out of the box. With the tires though, they definitely have some weight to them. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) Not sure how the combo stacks up to the stock setup.
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Zeppelin
post Mar 10 2010, 01:21 AM
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With the nice weather, I thought I would get started on the brake swap. I took Sunday morning to dis-assemble the current brake system down to bare spindles. Off came the calipers, rotors, hubs, and the old brake lines. I then installed the new steel braided brake lines for the Z06 calipers.

(IMG:http://www.zeppelinsreef.com/images/war_eagle/spindle1.jpg)

Tonight I had to cut off the original caliper mounting ears to make room for the caliper adapter brackets.

(IMG:http://www.zeppelinsreef.com/images/war_eagle/spindle2.jpg)

Here is a pic of the caliper adapter bracket.

(IMG:http://www.zeppelinsreef.com/images/war_eagle/caliper_adapter.jpg)

I then test fitted everything prior to painting the spindle. Here is the caliper adapter bracket test fitted with the hub.

(IMG:http://www.zeppelinsreef.com/images/war_eagle/caliper_adapter2.jpg)

Test fitted the rotor and caliper while I was at it. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

(IMG:http://www.zeppelinsreef.com/images/war_eagle/new_brakes1.jpg)

(IMG:http://www.zeppelinsreef.com/images/war_eagle/new_brakes2.jpg)

When the brake parts shipped initially, they didn't send the pads. I didn't realize that until I opened the small box Sunday that should have had the retainer clips and pads inside and only found the clips. Called them Monday and the pads shipped that day. Should have them in the next day or so. I hope to have the brakes done and the new front swaybar installed by Saturday.
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Zeppelin
post Mar 19 2010, 11:02 PM
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Brakes are done......finally. Took it on a maiden voyage to Jegs a little bit ago to take a set of the spacers back. Stops on a dime for sure. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) Here are a couple new pics.

Gotta send a big THANKS out to trackbird for putting up with all my calls and texts with questions. Thanks man. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
Z06 brake pads(one side)
(IMG:http://www.zeppelinsreef.com/images/war_eagle/brake_pads.jpg)

Brakes on
(IMG:http://www.zeppelinsreef.com/images/war_eagle/new_brakes3.jpg)

(IMG:http://www.zeppelinsreef.com/images/war_eagle/new_brakes4.jpg)
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trackbird
post Mar 20 2010, 04:00 AM
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QUOTE (Zeppelin @ Mar 19 2010, 07:02 PM) *
Gotta send a big THANKS out to trackbird for putting up with all my calls and texts with questions. Thanks man. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)



Larry, drop me a line anytime. If I'm busy, I'll get back to you ASAP.

The car is looking GOOD!
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Zeppelin
post Mar 27 2010, 03:53 PM
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Got the Hellwig rear swaybar on this morning. A couple things I'd suggest with the instructions. First they have in big bold print that the framerails will have to be drilled. But then in the detailed instructions they don't mention at all where the drilling needs to be done, what size bit should be used, or anything. Wasn't hard for me to figure out, but it would have been nice to have better instruction there for someone that may not be as savy. Also, when talking about installing the bolt where you have to drill the framerail, it specifically tells you to install a washer between the adjustable endlink and the new bracket. It does not mention at all that there is a washer provided for the outside also, between the endlink and the bolt. Only looking at the pics real well do you kind of see there is a washer there also. Also in the pics of the swaybar mounting brackets, it shows 2 nuts on each side of the u-bolt(and they do not appear to be locknuts), but only 1 locknut is provide for each side of the u-bolt (4 locknuts total, 2 for each side of the car). Other than those few points, the instructions were pretty straight forward and the parts are stellar. Here are a few pics.

Original endlink mounting bracket
(IMG:http://www.zeppelinsreef.com/images/war_eagle/rear_swaybar1.jpg)

New bracket
(IMG:http://www.zeppelinsreef.com/images/war_eagle/rear_swaybar2.jpg)

Adjustable endlinks assembled(assembly tool pictured also) (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)
(IMG:http://www.zeppelinsreef.com/images/war_eagle/rear_swaybar3.jpg)

Adjustable endlinks mounted
(IMG:http://www.zeppelinsreef.com/images/war_eagle/rear_swaybar4.jpg)

Overall, the Hellwig adjustable rear swaybar is a very stout, quality piece IMO.
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Zeppelin
post Mar 27 2010, 04:14 PM
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I was also not happy with the rear wheel offset, even with the 3/4" spacer. The inside of the tire was very close to the rear inner fender, and the outer tire was tucked way too far inside the rear fender. So I picked up an additional 1" spacer. This new spacer actually bolts to the lugnuts coming off the axle, then has an additional set of lugnuts for the wheel. Its made from aircraft aluminum and IMO looks and feels like a nice quality product. Here is a pic of the spacers mounted.

(IMG:http://www.zeppelinsreef.com/images/war_eagle/spacers.jpg)

Here is a pic of the rear with just the 3/4" spacer in place.
(IMG:http://www.zeppelinsreef.com/images/war_eagle/old_spacing.jpg)

And with the new spacer added.
(IMG:http://www.zeppelinsreef.com/images/war_eagle/new_spacing.jpg)

I'm much happier with the new rear spacing.
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trackbird
post Mar 27 2010, 04:23 PM
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The top bolt on the end links (where you had to drill) needs locktite (preferably "red"). Not sure if it's in the instructions (my bar was a prototype and I had no instructions), but if you didn't do that, you might want to.

I'd also prefer to see a single spacer on the rear and not a pair. As long as the bolts are tight, it's probably fine, but I don't like more than the minimum number of parts stacked on the hub. Just my preference.

The car looks great Larry!
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Zeppelin
post Mar 27 2010, 04:34 PM
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Yep, red locktight is included and mentioned in the instructions.

It would have required me to go to way too long of a stud to use a 1 3/4" spacer, and still have room for the tire and lugnuts. I thought that long of a stud would decrease the strength too much. Sticking to the stud I have(a longer heavy duty drag stud) and locking the spacers down to that stud, then using the new studs for the tire ends up with a much stronger setup IMO. Also, I couldn't find a spacer like the new one in 1 3/4" thickness, or I may have gone that route even though I already had $65 in the original 3/4" spacers. I'll also definitely be pulling the tires off in a week or so and checking the other lugnuts to make sure they are staying tight for sure.

This post has been edited by Zeppelin: Mar 27 2010, 04:36 PM
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