Don't lower your Intrigue

It has come to my sad attention that after lowering my "02" 3.5 Intrigue and going against geometry and engineering laws the vehicle has more issues. One in particular is my passenger side CV axle. It went out twice and is due to the way it is tweaked in the tranny side inner casing. Grease is coming out as I drive and vibrations are noticable at all speeds. Does anyone know of any aftermarket CV axles I can install to alleviate this issue? Ideas please. .
THX

Out of curiosity how much did you lower it? What lowering kit was used? How does alignment check out?

I know ZZPPerformance has improved passenger side half shafts for certain GM "W" body cars but I'm not sure of they are the same for an Intrigue. ZZP installed improved CV accordian covers and clamps.

I lowered my Intrigue using Eibach Gen II springs Pro Kit mated with KYB GR2 struts. The alignment checked out ok using the supplied camber kit. No issues there. The only issue I have is the passenger side CV axle. It is just tweaked in a uncomfortable position and is just a matter of time before all the grease leaks out. By the way the boot never breaks, however there is 1/8'' gap at the 7 "o" clock position from the tweak which is where the grease copmes out as I accelerate.

Is your axle shaft stock or a reman. aftermarket? Hard to believe lowering approx 1.5" would put that much difference on the axle shaft geometry but I guess it does in your case. I've seen it is more of a problem on L67 GM "W" body cars.

You might check with ZZP tech support and see if their HD axle shafts will fit. Here is the one I was referring to.

http://www.zzperformance.com/grand_prix/products1.php?id=596

My passenger side axle is reman from Advanced Auto Parts. I already spoke to ZZ Performance too and they were not sure this application would work for me since it has not been tested on Intrigues as of yet. I would be the guinea pig and don't really want to be in that situation. If worse comes to worse the car will have to go back to OEM height. My frustration level is growing.. Any advice is appreciated. THX

Honestly I see no reason why the ZZP kit meant for the GP etc with the regular 4T65-E transmission wouldnt work.

The suspension of the cars are identical in almost every aspect, the Intrigue is slightly shorter than the other W bodies, but I believe the frame was shorter, and the suspension components remained unchanged.

what is your tire profile (size) on your lowered Intrigue.

Well...turns out the Intrigue doesnt always use the same Drive Axle as the other W-bodies, I stand corrected.

If you search the GM Parts Direct Catalog, you can see what other years/types of cars the particular part you need can be found on and there may be an aftermarket solution.

I dont have the part # you need, because it varies by engine and gear ratio.

You can determine your gear ratio by looking at the RPO codes on your trunklid.

code FR9- Ratio, Transaxle Final Drive, 3.29

code F83- Ratio, Transaxle Final Drive, 3.05

what is your tire profile (size) on your lowered Intrigue.
I have 245/45 18's all the way around. You seriously think a new axle shaft from ZZP will work huh...Hmm

http://http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Spec.jsp?make=BFGoodrich&model=g-Force+T%2FA+KDW+2&partnum=445YR8GFTAKDW2&vehicleSearch=true&fromCompare1=yes&place=0 (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Spec.jsp?make=BFGoodrich&model=g-Force+T%2FA+KDW+2&partnum=445YR8GFTAKDW2&vehicleSearch=true&fromCompare1=yes&place=0)

check the outer diameters on these tires. When you switch from 16" to and 18" the overall tire diameter goes up when you look at the chart. If the overall diameter is going up your tire center is going up 1/2 of the increase.

check the outer diameters on these tires. When you switch from 16" to and 18" the overall tire diameter goes up when you look at the chart. If the overall diameter is going up your tire center is going up 1/2 of the increase.[/QUOTE]

I understand it affects the entire tire diameter, but don't see how that will help me here. Others have the same exact set up as me, but don't have the issues I am having.. How do I post a pic on here so everyone can see what is up?
THX