Compressing/Decompressing Shocks?

[_ka0s]

Hey I have a '84 honda civic. Pretty shit car really. But I would like to know how to lower it just a little bit. Ive had a nosey around the susspension (which I dont know much about) and Ive found that they dont have springs or anything like that. Its just straight out shock. Ive asked a few people about what to do and Ive been told that there may be some sort of valve to relese the pressure thus lowering the car, but no. As I said it a '84 civic and the chassis series is 'AH'. Any help would be great. Thanks

[curtis73]

Your front suspension is a strut. Should look like a big coil-over shock. To lower it you would need to buy lowering springs and install them. I'm not familiar with the rears on the AH's but its probable they are a strut as well. That would explain why you're only seeing the shock part. The springs are up higher. You have to get down and look up into the wheel wells to see the spring part.

I would suggest buying a Haynes Shop manual for your car. It is something like $15, but it will have good photos of the suspension in various states of disassembly and you'll get a really good feel for how it works.

You could also visit howstuffworks.com and follow links to automotive, then suspension. That will help you out a great deal.

[_ka0s]

hey cheers for the feed back. I was looking at buying a haynes manual but i cant find one anywhere for my car where i live in christchurch. Also you say there are springs but im pretty sure the isnt. I would put photos on but my comp is pretty messed at the mo. Gotta reformat the thing back to 98 cuz i aint got the xp discs anymore ggrrr

[public]

Originally Posted by _ka0s

hey cheers for the feed back. I was looking at buying a haynes manual but i cant find one anywhere for my car where i live in christchurch. Also you say there are springs but im pretty sure the isnt. I would put photos on but my comp is pretty messed at the mo. Gotta reformat the thing back to 98 cuz i aint got the xp discs anymore ggrrr

You can order the Haynes or Chiltons manuals online from places like Autozone or PartsAmerica.com. They usually have a much larger selection than the stores. You can also try ebay. I just got one for a 1976 Dodge Aspen off ebay for $5.00 Good Luck.