FAQ: Aftermarket Lowering Springs

Could someone measure ground to top of wheel arch front and back on a stock Riv for me? I like my stance now and want to get is as close as possible. Thanks!

I just went out and measured. Mine sits level at 28" from ground to top of arch.

thanks Abaddon. Is that front and rear?

Yep. I adjusted the self level rod in the rear to make it sit level front-to-back. So I guess if you want it "stock" looking, just add about a half inch of height to the rear.

ok so, ive contacted ccs and gave them part numbers for both front and rear.. apparently whthe part numbers on the frontsprings on this topic, doesnt exist?

??

i just reread what i wrote, let me clear it up. i wanted either lowering springs or stiffer springs so i contacted coilsprings and gave them the front and rear spring part numbers and they said that they cant find the oem part that matches the number i gave them, so is there another number or does this guy not know what he is doing

Well...as I pmd you,I have the springs.

got it

I know nothing about this product, but has anyone used something like this to lower or lift their springs?
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/SPR4/181201/N1716.oap?ck=Search_N1716_1022016_3260&pt=N1716&ppt=C0361

I am kind of skeptical.

RidzRiv wrote:

I know nothing about this product, but has anyone used something like this to lower or lift their springs?
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/SPR4/181201/N1716.oap?ck=Search_N1716_1022016_3260&pt=N1716&ppt=C0361

I am kind of skeptical.

garbage hogwash,rip off,aint worth spit,looks cheesy,wont get you laid,tijuana specials.

Ha that's what i thought, and to hell with them if they won't get me laid! I just stumbled across them while looking through suspension parts.

If the STS Eibach springs are a fit for the Riv then the OEM STS springs should fit as well, right?
The '99 Seville's curb weight is 3,970 lbs
The '99 Riviera's curb weight is 3,788 lbs

Because the STS weighs more, is it safe to say the OEM spring would be just a bit stiffer than the Riviera's? Also considering the beefy V8 the springs are supporting. I am thinking about getting a set for the front and seeing how it works out.

Any speculation as to how the OEM STS springs will affect the Riv's ride?

I think it's safe to assume they will fit, and the spring rate is higher, so the ride will be firmer (this is the case right now with your Monroe quick struts, it seems). What we don't know is how these springs will affect ride height, because we don't know how tall the coils are. Since the Cadi is heavier, it's going to compress the springs a little more, so being the Riv is lighter, it may sit higher on them. In other words, there's no way to know without trying, or measuring the height of an STS spring vs. a Riv's. You could end up having the same problem you have right now. But I think they could work, and probably will.

If we knew how high a Riv's coil spring measured uncompressed, we could ask a RockAuto rep to measure the STS and compare.

If nothing else comes up, I am going to order the Riviera Moog springs after work. That way, when they don't work, I can return them easier.

Do we have the Riv's front spring dimensions documented somewhere? I can't find anything. I'd like to know the length, width, and load bearing capabilities in pounds. Please help if you know where this info is! Thank you!

I have a question for Mr. Riviera. I'm looking to upgrade to 18" wheels in the spring, and I'd like to drop the car a couple inches using the STS Eibach lowering springs.

First of all, I drive a 1996 Riviera. I've read through this thread, and apparently the springs only fit the1997-1999 models. How were you able to make the Eibachs work on your 96?

As far as I know, my struts are still original and its probably a good time to replace them too. I'm leaning toward the KYB's, but I'm not going to order anything until I can figure out if the Eibachs will work. Thanks for your help.

Does anyone have the dimensions of the stock OEM Riviera spring for at least the '98 '99 model?

I asked RockAuto for some dimensions on the springs they offer for the front struts. Here is what transpired:

Quote :

Hello. I am a member of the Riviera Performance forum https://rivperformance.editboard.com/forum and was wondering if there is anyway I can get measurements for some front strut springs. The information would benefit over 1,000 registered users. Many of us are regular patrons of Rockauto and we will all greatly appreciate these details.

We would like to know the length, width, and if possible, the weight rating for:

ROCKWELL Part # SC20348
MOOG Part # 60230
ACDELCO Part # 45H0286
RAYBESTOS Part # 5851286

Thank you!
-Zach and everyone at the RP forum.

Quote :

Hi Zachary,

Unfortunately I was not able to contact the Rockwell tech support, their number seems to be unavailable.

The Moogs should have a free height 14.506" and 5.762" ID, bar diameter is 0.609" with a weight rating of 160lbs per inch.

The AC DELCO and Raybestos springs are the same part, just through a different brand name. The specifications seem to be almost identical: 14.51" free height out of the box, ID 5.76" and wire diameter is .61" and the weight rating is also 160lbs per inch.

We appreciate your interest in our products and look forward to receiving your order!

Thank you,

Christopher
RockAuto Customer Service

69GSColorado wrote:

I have a question for Mr. Riviera. I'm looking to upgrade to 18" wheels in the spring, and I'd like to drop the car a couple inches using the STS Eibach lowering springs.

First of all, I drive a 1996 Riviera. I've read through this thread, and apparently the springs only fit the1997-1999 models. How were you able to make the Eibachs work on your 96?

As far as I know, my struts are still original and its probably a good time to replace them too. I'm leaning toward the KYB's, but I'm not going to order anything until I can figure out if the Eibachs will work. Thanks for your help.

I swapped out pretty much the entire front suspension with parts from a 1998 in order to use the STS springs. i was also doing the fbody mod at the same time so it took care of the brake change over. there should be a thread on it somewhere.

What parts need to be changed over? Just the struts? Sorry I'm having a little trouble finding the thread.

so.... anyone have those stock spring dimensions?

So these STS Eibach springs are ultra rare, nearly extinct relics now? That's awesome. If anyone knows of a set for sale, holla.

Safe to assume the 97 spring stats are the same as the 98 and 99?

I am going to do some crazy internet research to see if I can find the Eibachs but if I can't find a decent lead in an hour or two I am going to order the Moogs.

free height 14.506" and 5.762" ID, bar diameter is 0.609" with a weight rating of 160lbs per inch.

Anyone have the details on the stock springs? 97-99 are the same, right?

ewolfe says:

spring info '97

Front
Free height 14.51
Load Height 7.50
ID 5.76
Design load 1121
Rate 160

Rear
Free height 10.93
Load height 7.00
ID 5.57
Design load 763
Rate 194

Robo says:
148 in the front and 195 in the rear.

Hey, it's me again..

I am going to replace the Monroe quick strut springs and 1999 OEM back springs with Moog. I got the Moog upper and lower boots for the front struts just in case the Monroe boots don't play nice.

I will report back once they're installed.

Here are the stats for the Moog rear springs:

The Moog part # 80659 should have a free height 10.93" and 5.572" ID, bar diameter is 0.578" with a weight rating of 194 lbs per inch.