Laborsmith Pedderised

[m.rsonic]

Using lowering coils would, in my mind, improve handling on the roads you describe. In the seventies I always had a Jeep, either a Cherokee or J-10, and always ordered the heavy duty suspension. BUT I would not carry four adult sized passengers in a Sonic, lowered with drop springs or OEM.

As for total weight, I off the top of my head would suggest subtracting at least a hundred pounds from the Gross Vehicle Weight.

On the other hand, if you used coilovers (admittedly more expensive than lowering coils) you could be ok, depending on what coilover makers advises.

I have experienced the results of four adult passengers plus me as the driver in a lowered car: the following day three of the four shocks were bleeding which meant shocks replaced at a cost of $500+ 15 years ago.

Laborsmith

Looks like I will be looking for some coilovers then, I love the lowered look on your car and the thought of a bit more sporty suspension, partially becasue im used to some pretty sporty/hard stock setups, but I dont want to really take away from what the car is for me and that includes carrying some weight in the back now and again and using it everyday in normal and slightly rough conditions. So does pedders (did I spell that correctly) make coilovers as well?

 

[laborsmith]

Yep, the Stratton Sonic has them and JusticePete does also. They are both in the Build section.

Based on your description of what you want, I would think coilovers would be a sound decision.

Laborsmith