I've seen several people ask what efffect installing lowering springs would have on thier alignment and if they should buy an adjustable panhard bar or camber bolts also so I thought I'd share my results just for the record.

On an otherwise stock 2011 v6, I installed the Steeda "ultralight" sport springs. These springs only drop the front an inch and the rear slightly more.

When I had it aligned my front end was toed out (which will wear the tires) and my camber was negative 1.2 degrees (tire tops are closer together than bottoms) which is slightly more than spec but still in the green according to the alignment computer.

I'm sorry I don't have the printout from the rear, but all the numbers were green, so I didn't pay much attention to that.

I will say, though, that I did measure from the rear wheel faces to a string hung by weights (hex nuts) that I taped to the rear fender arches on the rear-wheel centerline and came up with measurements that were within 1/32 of an inch.

What decided from all this was that, yes, a toe alignment is absolutely a good idea. However with these particular springs on this car, I didn't feel the need for camber bolts or a new panhard bar (the sheetmetal might be out by a 32nd", who knows).

Now if I had used one of the more agressive spring drop kits from FRPP or Eibach then more parts would probably have been needed. But if you can be happy with a slight drop and not have to fool with alot more expense (except $50 for an alignment, a must) then I wholeheartedly endorse the steeda ultralights.

The ride is real nice too. Cheers!

 

It's always a good idea to get the alignment checked at least, no matter what springs you install. Every car is different. My Vogtland springs only lower the front .08" and my left side was out -1.5, which is right on the border of being out of spec, but I chose to leave it after the alignment guy suggested it.