1985 442 lowering rear height

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motorheadmike

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Nov 18, 2009
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81cutlass

Comic Book Super Hero
Feb 16, 2009
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Do you want me to jump into the Matrix springs I used in the wagon?

That sounds like a rabbit hole, and not sure if that's a good type of rabbit hole...
 
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64nailhead

Goat Herder
Dec 1, 2014
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Yes, lower than the 5409.

moog-5409PigtailPigtail
13.44​
7.5​
5.52​
0.55​
143​
847​
Constant Rate
moog-5401PigtailPigtail
13.15​
7.5​
5.58​
0.53​
129​
727​
Constant Rate
I installed the 5409's that I had previously purchased, before this thread appeared, and it lowered the rear maybe a 1/2". I would prefer to get down another full inch, but I'm willing to settle. Has it been your experience that a 5401 is 1/2" lower than a 5409 or is the defference between the two minimal?

Some of my increased height that I'm trying to ovecome is due to I have an 8.8 Exploder housing installed that has larger diameter axle tube than the factory one. And 275/60R15 tires.

I can get a set of 5401's for less than $60 off Amazon, but at some point if I can keep this car straightish, I'll be throwing in a set of coil overs that will resolve all ride height issues. But that's not in the budget for quite a while.

Open to any opinions.
 

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Mac442

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Apr 25, 2020
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I think it should be noted that when using other Moog rear springs to lower, you will need to remember to jack up the car using the rear axle or get shorter shocks ... the springs may fall out depending on their height.
 
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Macguyver

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Mar 21, 2017
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I installed the 5409's that I had previously purchased, before this thread appeared, and it lowered the rear maybe a 1/2". I would prefer to get down another full inch, but I'm willing to settle. Has it been your experience that a 5401 is 1/2" lower than a 5409 or is the defference between the two minimal?

Some of my increased height that I'm trying to ovecome is due to I have an 8.8 Exploder housing installed that has larger diameter axle tube than the factory one. And 275/60R15 tires.

I can get a set of 5401's for less than $60 off Amazon, but at some point if I can keep this car straightish, I'll be throwing in a set of coil overs that will resolve all ride height issues. But that's not in the budget for quite a while.

Open to any opinions.
Place 120# on the rear end and you will see the drop the 5401 will provide over the 5409 (ish).
 
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Macguyver

SOUTHSIDE MACHINE PERFORMANCE
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Mar 21, 2017
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I installed the 5409's that I had previously purchased, before this thread appeared, and it lowered the rear maybe a 1/2". I would prefer to get down another full inch, but I'm willing to settle. Has it been your experience that a 5401 is 1/2" lower than a 5409 or is the defference between the two minimal?

Some of my increased height that I'm trying to ovecome is due to I have an 8.8 Exploder housing installed that has larger diameter axle tube than the factory one. And 275/60R15 tires.

I can get a set of 5401's for less than $60 off Amazon, but at some point if I can keep this car straightish, I'll be throwing in a set of coil overs that will resolve all ride height issues. But that's not in the budget for quite a while.

Open to any opinions.
Place 120# on the rear end and you will see the drop the 5401 will provide over the 5409.
Side note... Just because the box has a certain part number that doesn't mean that's what is inside. Confirm dimensions from the Moog catalog.
 
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melloelky

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Oct 22, 2017
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I think it should be noted that when using other Moog rear springs to lower, you will need to remember to jack up the car using the rear axle or get shorter shocks ... the springs may fall out depending on their height.
i experienced this myself(it happens to a lot of guys,it's completely normal) i wound up using a shorter pair of bilstein's.if any one wants the part number for it I'll glady post it.
 
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64nailhead

Goat Herder
Dec 1, 2014
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Keep the body in the trunk until the smell goes away.
I was thinking of having her keep dancing on the trunk lid until driving season is back. I'll have the most popular shop in the neighborhood.
 
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