1985 442 lowering rear height

[motorheadmike]

Bah so many options.

Do you want me to jump into the Matrix springs I used in the wagon?

 

[81cutlass]

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...

 

[motorheadmike]

MOOG 80670, and go!

 

[64nailhead]

Yes, lower than the 5409.

moog-5409	Pigtail	Pigtail	13.44​	7.5​	5.52​	0.55​	143​	847​	Constant Rate
moog-5401	Pigtail	Pigtail	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.

 

[Mac442]

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.

 

[Macguyver]

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).

 

[Macguyver]

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.

 

[69hurstolds]

Place 120# on the rear end and you will see the drop the 5401 will provide over the 5409.

Keep the body in the trunk until the smell goes away.

 

[melloelky]

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.

 

[64nailhead]

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.