405 lowering springs ....

Neil34 · Unread post by **Neil34** » 21 Jan 2009, 18:23

Hi all. I'm thinking about lowering my peugeot 405 (1993 SRDT) by about 30mm. I've read that I should be ok keeping the existing shocks and just fitting the new springs... is this correct?

Also, how easy is it to change the springs front and back?

Cheers, Neil.

jgra1 · Unread post by **jgra1** » 21 Jan 2009, 21:11

no springs at the back Neil

Neil34 · Unread post by **Neil34** » 21 Jan 2009, 21:18

oops sorry i bit of a beginner at this. i assumed there was 4 springs because i've seen lowering kits with 4 springs in them.

so how does the back get lowered then?

jgra1 · Unread post by **jgra1** » 21 Jan 2009, 22:51

from memory you turn the torshion bars a click or two

I have never done it.. but it's a relatively easy way of lwering a car I think..
well, its free...

i say relatively, meaning a few hours , jack axle stands wheels off to begin with

john

Neil34 · Unread post by **Neil34** » 21 Jan 2009, 23:09

hi. thanx for your help.

i put the same question up on another forum and had a reply warning me about "drive shafts falling apart due to mis-alignment & the gear box diff bearings failing due to the extra stress of running at a different angle"

does this sound tangible? i only want to drop it 30mm!

i was thinking of just changing the springs on the front at first. i've been told that up to 30mm is ok with the original shocks...

i'd be interested to know what you think. neil.

504GLD · Unread post by **504GLD** » 22 Jan 2009, 09:04

I always thought the 405 sat in a rather elegant ride position. Not sure lowering it would do it any favours in the looks or handling. It always seems to suggest the passengers are in need of a calorie controlled diet!
405's have fantasic suspension, one of the reasons they still make them so perhaps a new set of alloys with very low profile tyres would be a more suitable option.

jgra1 · Unread post by **jgra1** » 22 Jan 2009, 09:38

yep, they do seem to sit quite low at the back...

Neil34 · Unread post by **Neil34** » 22 Jan 2009, 13:20

504GLD wrote: perhaps a new set of alloys with very low profile tyres would be a more suitable option.

i have just fitted new alloys with low prof tyres and it looks too high now - which is exactly why i was thinking about lowering it!!

but by only 30mm - do you think that would really have such a bad effect on the ride?

neil.

evilally · Unread post by **evilally** » 23 Jan 2009, 17:02

Would it be possible to fit springs and dampers from an Mi16? I assume that would lower and stiffen things a bit. I do find the 405 TD a bit rolly polly and would like to sharpen it up a bit.

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 23 Jan 2009, 18:48

evilally wrote:Would it be possible to fit springs and dampers from an Mi16? I assume that would lower and stiffen things a bit. I do find the 405 TD a bit rolly polly and would like to sharpen it up a bit.

Mi16 torsion bars and ARB should help and maybe, even, a set of estate bars would cut the mustard too. Note that the rear set-up on a Mi16x4 is totally different. It's hydropneumatic ah la Citroen. In fact the only Pug ever to be so equipped. Actually, if you could use the rear end of an Mi16x4, all your problems are sorted in one fell swoop; have whatever height you want and with suitable sphere selection, any stiffness you want too

I've owned two 405s and yes, comfy but the back-end was like jelly and absolutely hopeless for towing - one reason I crossed over to Citroen!

The rear axle is much like a 205's axle and whilst it's quite possible to strip it to change bars and lower on the splines, in practice you'll find the whole job a complete nightmare as everything will be all nicely corroded together and not at all willing to come apart

Last one I did required much Plus Gas and lots of brute force and ignorance meted out from a sledge hammer to assist in disassembly!

evilally · Unread post by **evilally** » 23 Jan 2009, 22:57

Thanks Jim, by the sounds of it I think I'll leave it as it is. I'll just have to accept it's an a to b machine and not a b-road warrior!

Xaccers · Unread post by **Xaccers** » 23 Jan 2009, 23:30

evilally wrote:Thanks Jim, by the sounds of it I think I'll leave it as it is. I'll just have to accept it's an a to b machine and not a b-road warrior!

Well, you could always sell it and buy a 1.9TD VSX Xantia, or even an Activa