Could someone with a SS/SC measure the length of your rear spring from the top of the upper pocket to the flat spot on the bottom of the lower spring pocket.

Mine is 9 1/2" (SS/NA). I am trying to lower my car a little, and I can get SS/SC springs for half the price of Eibach pros. I need to know if the drop will be comparable.
Thanks,
Dennis

 

The height of the spring does not determine the height of the vehicle. Lowering springs can be the same length of a stock spring yet lower the vehicle 2 inches because of the spring rates.

Plus switching over will at most get you 1/2" (on a good day) Pawn up the money and get actually lowering springs

 

Most lowering springs are also stiffer.... or they are complete CRAP springs.

that being said, they are shorter AND compress less.

I am putting my stock RL springs on a ION QC, to lower it .25", but more importanatly stiffen it up to handel better. the ride hiegt differanceis only .25, but the springs are much shorter

 

I understand what you are saying, but all I really want is a measurment. Thanks for your responses though.
Dennis

 

Denniss, are you looking for the measurement on the car compressed? or off the car uncompressed?

 

denniss, if your just trying to get a good picture in your head of how it will come out, just goto your dealership and look at a ss/sc, thats exactly what the ride hieght will be. other then shocks+springs (wheels+tires), the 2.4 and 2.0 have the same suspention.

what you will get with the eibachs are a firmer ride and the rear end will be .5" lower.

Not measurements, but what im getting at is just get the ss/sc springs...

 

I am looking for the compressed length. I would love to look at a SS/SC, but no dealers around me have one, not even the one I work at. Go figure. I guess I am trying to cheap out an use SS/SC springs, but near as I can tell I will only see roughly 1/2". probably not worth it. I like JohnyNFullEffect's car with the Eibach pro kit which isn't supposed to drop the front at all, so I am thinking the SS/SC springs should be similar. His car looks like it dropped about an inch, thus my confusion. I will probably by the pro springs, but I would still like a measurement.
Thanks guys,
Dennis

 

If you want, I can measure from the center of the hub to the wheel opening. That should give you a decent view on where you'd stand with yours.

 

That would be great, thats a much easier measurment than I was looking for. Maybe the front too? Thanks.
You seem to have a real good handle on suspension and handling, are you a racer or did you just stay at a Holliday Inn Express?
Dennis

 

Haha....it was the holiday inn express!!!

Actually i got into suspension with my GTI when I realized that I couldn't afford the repairs of adding a turbo and I had to be quick somehow...might as well be the twisties. I went through a couple iterations of suspension setups and decided that the last time I did it was going to be my last time EVER on that car. A TON of research went into it and I got some good knowledge.

I am by far not an expert but I know what I like and what doesn't work. I am also sick of wasting money on parts that don't perform which I'm sure most can relate to.

I'll get those measurements first thing when I get home this evening. Check this post around 7 pm unless someone posts it first.

 

Ok, top of the tire to the wheel arch is 2 1/8 in the front and 3 1/4 in the rear.

Hope that helps!

 

Center of the hub to the wheel opening would be better. I think you are right, Eibach is a better way to go, but now I am curious to know if there is a difference. According to GM specs there are 4 different suspensions (with different spring lengths) on Cobalts. I think as soon as my boss releases some money to me I will order Eibach's. She seems to think paying my daughters college loans is more important!
Thanks,
Dennis

 

I'm pretty sure that the 4 springs refer to

- base cobalt 4 door
- cobalt ss 4 door
- base cobalt coupe
- cobalt ss

I will go get the measurements for you this evening again. I really should have thought about the center of the hub, it's been a long week.

 

14.5 up front and 15.5 out back, center of hub to wheel arch.

 

Wow. kind of interesting, mine is 15 1/2" rear and 15" front. only 1/2" in front. I would have expected a little more. Oh well, I guess it will be Eiabachs.
I measured a LT, RS(LS with ugly wheels and cheezy emblems) an a SS/SC I found at the local walmart parking lot, LS-LT = 15 /12" rear - 15" front. SS/SC = 15 1/2" rear - 14 1/2" front, same as Sicklyscott's. GM specs show they should all be different.
Thanks Sicklycott,
Dennis

 

what specs say they should all be differant? Just because they are different springs? Longer spring with lower spring constant(rate) will yield the same ride hieght

 

I dont mean to knit pick but a longer spring with a lower spring rate will produce the same results.

Chevy just readjusted the spring rates and kept the pretty much the same suspension travel. They do this in order to maintain ground clearance, suspension travel, stability, and crash standards.

 

typo, my bad, will fix

 

Sorry, i just wanted to make sure the info in this thread was reliable so when people do actually use the search button (ha ha very funny) they get the proper info.

 

Sorry, this is kind of long. These are specs from GM Service Information. Z and D measurements show different spring lengths for the four suspension packages. These are with the suspension loaded. This shows close to an inch difference between FE1 and FE5. This is why I am surprised the actual measurments are all so close between cars. Hope this clears up. where I am comeing from.
Dennis

Document ID# 1540618
2006 Chevrolet Cobalt


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Trim Height Specifications
Suspension
Tire Size
Engine
Z
D
J
K

FE1
P 195/60R15
L61
-21 mm (-0.83 in)
238 mm (9.37 in)
224 mm (8.82 in)
233 mm (9.17 in)

FE1
P 205/50R16
L61
-23 mm (-0.91 in)
228 mm (8.98 in)
224 mm (8.82 in)
233 mm (9.17 in)

FE3
P 205/50R17
LE5
-26 mm (-1.02 in)
224 mm (8.82 in)
224 mm (8.82 in)
233 mm (9.17 in)

FE5
P 215/45R18
LSJ
-34 mm (-1.34 in)
213 mm (8.39 in)
224 mm (8.82 in)
233 mm (9.17 in)



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Document ID# 1540618
2006 Chevrolet Cobalt


Document ID# 1495131
2006 Chevrolet Cobalt


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Trim Height Inspection
Trim Height Measurement
Trim height is a predetermined measurement relating to vehicle ride height. Incorrect trim heights can cause the vehicle to bottom out over bumps, damage to the suspension components and symptoms similar to wheel alignment problems. Check the trim heights when diagnosing suspension concerns and before checking the wheel alignment.

Perform the following before measuring the trim heights:

• Set the tire pressure to the specifications shown on the certification label. Refer to Label - Vehicle Certification, Tire Place Card, Anti-Theft and Service Parts ID .

• Check the fuel level. Add additional weight if necessary to simulate a full tank.

• Make sure the passenger and rear compartments are empty, except tor the spare tire.

• Make sure the vehicle is on a flat and level surface, such as an alignment rack.

• Check that all the vehicle doors are securely closed.

• Check that the vehicle hood and rear deck lids are securely closed.

• Check for installed after market accessories or modifications that could affect trim height measurement.

Important: All dimensions are measured vertical to the ground. Trim height should be within ±10 mm (±0.39 in) to be considered correct.

Measuring the J and K Dimension




Use the following procedure to check the J and K dimensions:

Measuring the J dimension for the left and right side of the vehicle inboard of the pinch-weld flange at 544 mm (21.4 in) from the centerline of the front wheel.
Compare the measurement to the J specification. Refer to Trim Height Specifications .
If the measurement is outside of the specified range, replace the front springs. Refer to Strut, Strut Component and/or Spring Replacement .
Using your hands, lift the rear bumper approximately 38 mm (1.59 in).
Gently remove your hands and allow the vehicle to lower.
Using your hands, jounce the rear of the vehicle downward approximately 38 mm (1.59 in).
Gently remove your hands and allow the vehicle to rise.
Measuring the K dimension for the left and right side of the vehicle inboard of the pinch-weld flange at 560 mm (22 in) from the centerline of the rear wheel.
Compare the measurement to the K specification. Refer to Trim Height Specifications .
If the measurement is outside of the specified range, replace the rear springs. Refer to Coil Spring Replacement .
Measuring the Z Dimension




The Z height dimension measurement determines the proper ride height for the front end of the vehicle. There is no adjustment procedure. Repair may require replacement of suspension components.

Use the following procedure to check the Z height dimension:

Using your hands, lift the front bumper approximately 38 mm (1.59 in).
Gently remove your hands and allow the vehicle to settle .
Repeat this operation a total of 3 times.
Measure from the bottom surface of the cradle, in line with the ball joint, to the bottom of the ball joint in order to obtain the Z height measurement.
Using your hands, jounce the front of the vehicle downward approximately 38 mm (1.59 in).
Gently remove your hands and allow the vehicle to settle .
Repeat the jouncing operation 2 more times.
Measure the Z height dimension.
The true Z height dimension number is the average of the high and the low measurements. Refer to Trim Height Specifications .
D Height Measurement




The D height dimension measurement determines the proper rear end ride height. There is no adjustment procedure. Repair may require replacement of suspension components.

Use the following procedure to check the D dimension:

With the vehicle on a flat level surface, lift upward on the rear bumper 38 mm (1.59 in).
Gently remove your hands and allow the vehicle to settle.
Repeat the jouncing operation 2 more times.
Measure the D height for the left and right side of the vehicle. Measure the vertical distance between the bottom edge of the upper spring seat to the bottom of the notch in the lower spring seat.
Using your hands, jounce the front of the vehicle downward approximately 38 mm (1.59 in).
Gently remove your hands and allow the vehicle to settle .
Repeat the jouncing operation 2 more times.
Measure the D height dimension.
The true D height dimension number is the average of the high and the low measurements. Refer to Trim Height Specifications .
If these measurements are out of specifications, inspect for the following conditions:
• Worn or damaged suspension components

• Collision damage


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Document ID# 1495131
2006 Chevrolet Cobalt

Document ID# 878972
2006 Chevrolet Cobalt


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General Description
This vehicle has a semi-independent twist-beam rear suspension system consisting of the following components:

An axle with integral trailing arms
A V shaped twisting cross beam
Two coil springs
Two standard shock absorbers
An optional integrated stabilizer bar
Axle Assembly




The axle assembly attaches to the underbody through a rubber bushing and bracket located at the front of each integral trailing arm. The brackets are bolted to the underbody side rails. The axle structure itself maintains the geometrical relationship of the wheels relative to the centerline of the body. The optional stabilizer shaft is welded to the inside of the "V" shaped axle beam and is non-serviceable.

Rear axle to vehicle alignment is achieved through alignment holes located in both the left and right axle bracket and underbody. Whenever the rear axle is removed for service, it is important that the rear axle is re-installed in its proper position relative to the centerline of the vehicle. Use two 12 mm rods to achieve this alignment. Insert each rod through the axle bracket into the underbody, then tighten the bracket bolts.

Rear camber and tow are not adjustable. Replace any damaged suspension components as necessary.

Coil Springs




The coil springs support the weight of the vehicle in the rear. Two spring rates exist on this vehicle, base and up-level, depending on the suspension option code. Rubber insulators isolate the coil spring at the upper and lower spring seat.

Shock Absorber




The shock absorbers are bolted to the rear axle and the vehicle underbody. The shock absorbers are non-adjustable and non-refillable. Service of the shocks requires replacement of the shock assembly.

Wheel Bearing/Hub Assembly
A single hub and bearing assembly is bolted to both ends of the rear axle assembly. The hub and bearing assembly is a sealed unit that eliminates the need for wheel bearing adjustment or periodic maintenance. On ABS equipped vehicles, the wheel speed sensors are integrated into the wheel bearing assemblies.

Although the rear suspension components are lubricated for life and require no routine lubrication, they should be inspected periodically for damage and wear.


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Document ID# 878972
2006 Chevrolet Cobalt