Springs, Drop Links and Track Rod End Change. Estate.

[Mission1979]

So after getting all the parts together I tackled the job of lowering the Vectra Estate.

So sick of its arch clearance resembling that of a Range Rover I ordered Eibach Springs(£190), Meyle Drop Links(£35) and TRW track rod ends(£32) as well as new nuts and bolts to hold it all together from the stealers(£26). Its worth ordering track rod end nuts even though they come complete the vaux nuts have flared edges to them.

This was probably biggest job I've done on the car and took near on 7 hours to do. A few silly times when I was struggling to undo things and a bit of wasted time to temporarily refit struts to crack off piston nut. Did not start til 1300 after a shift at work so finished rears off with the aid of a head torch.

forum7.jpgThings specifically obtained for the job plus an angle tightening gauge, 150pc Halfrauds tool kit, cars jack, trolley jack, two axle stands, WD40, Rubber gloves, deep sockets 21/22mm, allen and torx keys and a few other bits and bobs.

springs.jpgOld vs New, they are shorter out of the box. Not as website.

forum1.jpgBefore, Charlie is shocked at the arch clearance.

forum2.jpgNote the pink wire holding the swivel hub in place and overspray of WD40.

forum4.jpgMore turns on the spring.

forum3.jpgNote uprated drop links, feel much more substantial.

forum5.jpgAll reinserted and bolted up.

forum6.jpgThe final result, after a ride last to settle everything in and a wash this morning.

Does not look lowered especially, just sits better. Definitely feels tighter now, not a harsh ride at all. Quite surprised. Does not struggle over bumps. Just right.

Any questions please ask, had to refer to this forum a few times, especially doing rears. I undid a few bolts I did not need to on first side(Haynes manual does not seem to cover estate), second one took less than half an hour and one bolt.

[Sebastian]

Now after settles is time to do four wheel alligment , any pics of the whole car ?
u've had busy day

[Mission1979]

Do I really need to? It feels fine, I have looked at it but looks expensive. Maybe in time.

The suspension ended up costing more than I wanted it to.

Not got any good pictures of the car at the moment. It's pretty standard though, opel grill and boot badge.

Need cheap mods....Suggestions

[chrisvectra]

You need the tracking reset fella as youve disturbed everything and will eat your tyres as well

[Mission1979]

I'll get it in this week. Think Kwik fit do reasonable price online. I might have to keep my eye on them. They tried ccharging me for it once when I got a puncture, I know they didn't do it I was with them all the time.

[rozzer2006]

these are the drop links and the rear ones too

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-x-VAUXHA...item256482fa2d


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VAUXHALL-S...item25675cc9e7

[chrisvectra]

I wouldn't let them kwick fit muppets anywhere near my car fella surely there is a decent tyre place near you that a has a hunter machine that will set it up properly for ya

[antowens]

it looks like 2 different car first picture with charlie in the cars blue and the last one it looks black might just be my eyes like

[CH-VECTRA-ELITE]

Not kwik fit, look for a garage that has the hunters wheel alighnment, yes it costs a little more but after what you've just done you might as well finish the job of properly

http://www.alignmycar.co.uk/

[Mission1979]

it looks like 2 different car first picture with charlie in the cars blue and the last one it looks black might just be my eyes like

It is a very dark (Saturn) blue. You're not the first to think it looks black. Plus it was different times of day.

I wouldn't let them kwick fit muppets anywhere near my car fella surely there is a decent tyre place near you that a has a hunter machine that will set it up properly for ya

Thanks for the advice, thought about calling in on way home, glad I didn't.

Not kwik fit, look for a garage that has the hunters wheel alighnment, yes it costs a little more but after what you've just done you might as well finish the job of properly

http://www.alignmycar.co.uk/

There is one near me will call them for a quote. Cheers