the rules of lowering

1. nataliecforbes Infrequent Poster Joined: Mar 2011 Kent Posts: 118 Citroën Saxo Forte MK2

   #1 4th July 2011, 19:52

   i use my car to get from a to b for my convenience, and unfortunatley for my friends and family's convenience too it seems. this means i often have extra passengers, bags or luggage in my car.
   
   but i want to get my car lowered.
   
   what would be the safest distance to drop
   so that even at that even at its full capacity (5 persons + luggage in boot) there's no grinding or damage caused to either my car or the road?
   
   help
2. DrewSaxo Frequent Poster Joined: Jun 2010 Rhoose/Barry Posts: 609 Citroen Saxo VTR

   #2 4th July 2011, 20:10

   im pretty sure this is 60mm, but only the front has been lowered
   (hope he doesnt mind me using it as an example)
   
   
   
   so if you have alot off luggage and weight in the car maybe 30 or 40mm
   im pretty sure the back is torsion bar lowering and the front is springs but im not completely sure?
   
   hope i helped a bit aha
3. user_39740 Established Member Joined: Dec 2009 near manchester Posts: 1190 vtr'd FURIO....

   #3 4th July 2011, 20:17

   personaly i wouldnt go any lower than 40mm
   i just noticed your from down south i would recomend krisb to lower it.
4. KrisB Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Aug 2009 Dorking,Surrey,M25 J9 Posts: 2616 Static -80mm Peugeot 405

   #4 4th July 2011, 20:19

   I think, personally that 40mm would be as low as you want to go on the rear, maybe even 30mm, the problem is that you've got smaller torsion bars, the vtr and vts use thicker bars which means 'in your terms' that they can handle that bit more weight on them.
   
   Saxo's can be, and some are stupidly low, they still manage to get around. I dont however think 5 people and luggage is a good idea, regardless of how low it is. All that will happen if you've got 5 people in there is that it'll sit on the bumpstops (these stop the suspension moving too far) but it won't be the most comfortable ride if its on the bumpstops.
   
   For everyday driving, you should be alright though.
5. Morgzc Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Oct 2009 Colchester/Coventry Posts: 2809 92 Mx5

   #5 4th July 2011, 20:30

   40mm is the best bet probably. Saying that, my old one was 60mm and I managed to get over speedbumps with a washing machine in the back!
6. Wvtr Infrequent Poster Joined: Jul 2010 Fife/Aberdeen Posts: 147 '02 Vtr

   #6 4th July 2011, 20:34

   14" rims with a 50mm drop is more than fine, iv had a full car with that and had no problems
7. user_29491 Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Dec 2008 Lancs Posts: 4124 JP4S'd R.

   #7 4th July 2011, 20:36

   I'd say -40mm on a flat arch too.
8. Claki Established Member Joined: Aug 2009 Horsham Posts: 1855 Leon Cupra 200 TDI

   #8 4th July 2011, 20:41

   +1 To 40 - 50 mm MAX
   I have my spax dampers set hard on the back with 50 on the front and 70mm ish on the rear with 15" wheels and a boot build and only get little rubbing with 4 normal size people in the car.
   
   Hope this helps.
9. nataliecforbes Infrequent Poster Joined: Mar 2011 Kent Posts: 118 Citroën Saxo Forte MK2

   #9 7th July 2011, 10:53

   thank you everyone for your help!
   it's just so frustrating, because i do want to get it lowered
   but i do actually use my car to its full purpose
   
   hmmm...
10. Venns Established Member Joined: Jan 2011 Bridgwater, Somerset Posts: 1092 2001 Saxo 1.1

    #10 7th July 2011, 16:00

    Im lowered 40mm all round for the same purpose as I regulary drive 4 people around to away games. Could however go lower at the front, my ideal lowering would be 60mm at the front and 40 at the back, stay on 14" wheels and you will be fine.