UMI lowering springs; still suck? UMI or another brand?

[Northernregal]

That's a great question; would a professional shop make a mistake like that?

Professional Shop? did they install the springs in the upper pockets squarely, did they accidentally double up the isolator rubbers, are the bottoms in the pocket squarely, did they over torque the control arm bolts, did they replace the shocks with high pressure gas at the same time. There are a lot of factors that a guy working for an a$$hole, having a bad time at home or any of a million reasons might overlook and have someone who isn't aware of all these things might assume parts are the issue. Conversely, UMI does reccomend that you cut coils to get desired stance if its not exactly to your expectations. You think you have a heavy front end, maybe its not? Did you order big block springs by accident? an SBC with 2 batteries isn't as heavy as you might think.

There are a LOT of factors in the ride height equation.

 

[dgmeadows]

I looked at both UMI and BMR. I called both to ask questions. I was worried 2" drop would be too much, but did want it a bit lower. UMI's answers were unclear at best, said there was variation from application to application, you might need to cut springs to get the exact height you want. BMR was more clear, assured their kit was designed to give 1.5" drop over stock. They did advise my stock springs could have weakened in 40+ years.

 

[64nailhead]

Not being a smart *ss but you think they are going to settle 1-2 inches?

I don’t think that , I’m sure that can happen. How far have you driven it with these springs?At least 5-10 miles?

Definitely won't argue that they make junk; I don't believe they do.
And support has been great except they just told me to cut them; that's their answer is to cut springs you buy from them.

Did you put lowering springs in the front and rear? Asking because I can’t tell from reading through the thread.

 

[arlowf]

I don’t think that , I’m sure that can happen. How far have you driven it with these springs?At least 5-10 miles?




Did you put lowering springs in the front and rear? Asking because I can’t tell from reading through the thread.

Yes sir I did.
I've driven it 12 miles so far. I understand settle, and it'd be great if they do/did; but I expected "some" drop right after install all things considered.

UMI is advising me to remove them and cut them now.

 

[arlowf]

Professional Shop? did they install the springs in the upper pockets squarely, did they accidentally double up the isolator rubbers, are the bottoms in the pocket squarely, did they over torque the control arm bolts, did they replace the shocks with high pressure gas at the same time. There are a lot of factors that a guy working for an a$$hole, having a bad time at home or any of a million reasons might overlook and have someone who isn't aware of all these things might assume parts are the issue. Conversely, UMI does reccomend that you cut coils to get desired stance if its not exactly to your expectations. You think you have a heavy front end, maybe its not? Did you order big block springs by accident? an SBC with 2 batteries isn't as heavy as you might think.

There are a LOT of factors in the ride height equation.

I talked to UMI and definitely ordered the right springs. I've been in constant communication with Ramey, which is honestly the only good thing about UMI to me right now. He's basically saying cut them though.

My front is heavier than stock because my car was stock when I got it, and I added in AC and went from v6 to v8.

 

[Dayzedandkonfuzed]

No. I just said my stock springs weren't that worn; they literally were about half inch lower than stock.
I checked them.

How did you check them? How could you possibly make this statement? The front springs I took out of my cutlass with over 100k miles looked like brand new, and still had the tag on them.

Free height and installed height is not a linear change. I have my doubts that you measured installed height on the front of these cars, at least not accurately. Measuring free height doesn't mean a thing on a used spring.

Sorry to be blunt, but it is in bad taste to come on here and slam a supporting vendors' parts. Instead of saying "these parts are sh*t," you could have simply asked for opinions on what could have gone wrong, or if the springs are to blame. No need to throw anyone under the bus.

There are so many things that could be done wrong by this 'professional' shop. I no longer assume any shop to be 'professional,' as it all comes down to the one guy working on your car. All the control arm bushings need to be backed off, then lower the car to the ground, then tightened up. On the front of a lowered car, this is a daunting task without a pit or 4 post hoist. I can almost guarantee it wasn't done on the rear, because it is possible to replace the springs without touching the control arms. Not correct, but possible.

Also try and remember that a lot of the people on this forum have and continue to do this stuff themselves. They have first hand experience with doing this specific job on this specific car.

 

[Texas82GP]

That's a great question; would a professional shop make a mistake like that?

I don't know anything about this shop but they absolutely could make this mistake. It's a common mistake to make. I don't know what your situation is but you could jack the car up, put it on stands, back off (not completely loosen or remove) the front upper and lower control arm bolts and then set it on the ground and see if there is any change. While the car is up you could inspect the clocking of the bottom of the springs in the pockets in the lower control arm. There are two small holes in the lowest point of the pocket and the tail of the spring should be between them (one covered)

 

[arlowf]

How did you check them? How could you possibly make this statement? The front springs I took out of my cutlass with over 100k miles looked like brand new, and still had the tag on them.

Free height and installed height is not a linear change. I have my doubts that you measured installed height on the front of these cars, at least not accurately. Measuring free height doesn't mean a thing on a used spring.

Sorry to be blunt, but it is in bad taste to come on here and slam a supporting vendors' parts. Instead of saying "these parts are sh*t," you could have simply asked for opinions on what could have gone wrong, or if the springs are to blame. No need to throw anyone under the bus.

There are so many things that could be done wrong by this 'professional' shop. I no longer assume any shop to be 'professional,' as it all comes down to the one guy working on your car. All the control arm bushings need to be backed off, then lower the car to the ground, then tightened up. On the front of a lowered car, this is a daunting task without a pit or 4 post hoist. I can almost guarantee it wasn't done on the rear, because it is possible to replace the springs without touching the control arms. Not correct, but possible.

Also try and remember that a lot of the people on this forum have and continue to do this stuff themselves. They have first hand experience with doing this specific job on this specific car.

I get it, but I started this thread and asked about UMI because of other threads about these exact springs here and elsewhere; and all over facebook groups. I felt good after talking to the rep and took a chance on them, and got burned.
The shop does about 100 cars a week, does everything from body to engine work, and is a multi-million dollar facility. First Class Auto Service. That's why I call them professional; the place has two receptionists at all times and about 10 guys working in the shop. You're right, they could have screwed it up but spring jobs aren't exactly rocket science; and even with doing it the wrong way I don't see it not lowering at all.
Again, I made this thread and had the concerns because another forum literally calls these springs garbage and say they ride like a 4x4. Tons of horror stories. I'm just going to jack it up and check the work.
I'm not backing down from these are a bad design if these are installed correctly though. Because it should have lowered if their reference is a stock gbody as mine is heavier than stock.
UMI took my money and it's not like they are offering to do anything about it if it is a bad product; so I'm not the bad guy here. I'm just screwed.

 

[Rlamas87]

Before & after. Stock to BMR kit with 1.5" lowering springs & 17" Year One wheels. Tire diameter is within about 1/2" from stock, I believeView attachment 209798View attachment 209799

looks good! I have the BMR 1.5 kit with shocks and have been contemplating to sell and get coilovers however your stance looks good

 

[Texas82GP]

I get it, but I started this thread and asked about UMI because of other threads about these exact springs here and elsewhere; and all over facebook groups. I felt good after talking to the rep and took a chance on them, and got burned.

The shop does about 100 cars a week, does everything from body to engine work, and is a multi-million dollar facility. First Class Auto Service. That's why I call them professional; the place has two receptionists at all times and about 10 guys working in the shop. You're right, they could have screwed it up but spring jobs aren't exactly rocket science; and even with doing it the wrong way I don't see it not lowering at all.

Again, I made this thread and had the concerns because another forum literally calls these springs garbage and say they ride like a 4x4. Tons of horror stories. I'm just going to jack it up and check the work.

I'm not backing down from these are a bad design if these are installed correctly though. Because it should have lowered if their reference is a stock gbody as mine is heavier than stock.

UMI took my money and it's not like they are offering to do anything about it if it is a bad product; so I'm not the bad guy here. I'm just screwed.

Sorry to see you have a negative experience. I have seen others complain that they didn't get the drop they expected from these springs. A few things to consider/questions that came to my mind:

The shop you describe sounds nice. What kind of cars do they normally work on? These cars are up there in age and many of the youngsters don't know how to work on them.

We're your stock springs for the V-6? If so, that could explain why the car is at the same height as I'm assuming the new springs are for a small block. These cars set pretty high from the factory by today's standards. The center of the wheel on a stock setup is usually in line with the bottom of the rocker.

At the end of the day, more times than not, you have to trim springs to dial in the desired ride height. That's been my experience. I hope you get it where you want it soon. When you do, please come back and tell us what you did and share some pics.