So today, I fitted my ABC lowering links.. two front two rear.
I did read somewhere that there is only one link at the rear, which is wrong.. there are most definitely two at the rear.
The fronts can be fitted without removing the wheels.. just put the car in its highest suspension setting and you can see the link-bar. I decided to use the jack that came with the car to raise it a few more inches to get better access... After carefully removing the front drivers side link, I measured it and found the centres of the ball joint are 80mm apart. I did some research and found information about where to go next.
More or less before fitting the lowering links the car sat all round at 70mm, with the 18inch wheels which I think looks a little high on a sporting car.
I wanted to go for a small drop so as not to affect the ride too much.. So by Lengthening the links by 5mm, it should in theory lower the car by about 26-28mm
(1 inch)
The original Bar links are attached to a ball joint at either end, one end is attached to the suspension with a metal bracket, the other end to the ride height sensor which has a plastic arm.
A lot of care has to be taken when removing the bar from the plastic arm ball joint for obvious reasons.
The links were then measured and 5mm added to the length of the adjustable lowering links.
I then used copper-slip on the threads of the adjustable links to stop them seizing, and grease in the ball joints...
On these links the locking nuts can be loosened and the link lengthened or shortened by rotating the long hex centre, one end has a left hand thread to allow this.
The rear links were a little more involved... jack up the car and remove the wheel.. then remove the lower wishbone plastic covers and you will see the bolt for the lower ball joint, and the rod attached to the ride height sensor (both sides) these links have to be shortened to lower the car, so 5mm less was set on the rear adjustable links from the standard length.
The rear links have a slight dog leg design, so to counter this I finessed the bracket slightly.. which I found reduced the height a little more than intended (half an inch more at the rear) I will tune this out tomorrow with the adjustable links so the car sits completely square.
Wheels replaced... and a quick drive showed the car sat lower than before... felt a little firmer ride wise, which can be adjusted with the OEM ride height buttons.
This is now its lowest setting.
I think the stance is much better a little lower... with just 5mm difference in link rod!
I took it for a spin along some fast roads and it felt very nice... no warning lights, or odd sounds...
I still have two higher settings with the centre console buttons.
A worthwhile endeavour!
I am undecided whether to lower the front a little bit more, (to achieve level ride height) or raise the rear a little bit.. its almost there... it just a little more finessing required.
