Height Issues with the Ridetech StreetGrip kit on 17″ wheels
The issues below are completely my fault. I purchased the car as a Restomod, with some upgraded parts installed by the previous owner that I was not able to identify before ordering the Ridetech StreetGrip suspension kit, which drops the car 1 inch.
After installing the kit, the front dropped more than 2 inches, which caused the tires to rub the inner fenders. The outer tie rod ends were rubbing the inside of my wheels. The rears sat higher than stock, which was unusual, it’s like I installed a lift kit. On 17″ wheels, the car should have a 25.1″ height upfront, and 26.4″ rears (Green Camaro photo) vs how mine was…way off!
Solving the rear
I decided to focus on the rear, thinking that the rear-end lift was causing pressure upfront, and leading to that excessive drop. I ordered the Ridetech 1″ Lowering Blocks and Global West 3/8″ Coil Spacers to lift the front end a little. Post install, the rears dropped okay-ish, but the fronts were still rubbing on corners & bumps.
(no rear lowering blocks)
Solving the front
It took me weeks to figure out the issue + a near-death experience after the front-end bottomed out one day, while cruising at 80kmh, and broke-off one of the Sway Bar end-links. While having the SS disassembled (like a Lego) multiple times and inspecting over and over again, I finally found the root cause!
It turns out I had aftermarket spindles, 2″ drop McGaughy. So replace the Spindles back to stock?…nope, not that simple. I had 10.5″ Rotors, and to install stock Spindles, you’d need at least 11″ Rotors. So swap to 11″s?…nope again. With stock rods & steering arms, you will still have the outer tie rod ends rubbing the inner wheels.
Solving the front: Disc Brake Conversion
You would need a full Disc Brake conversion, which means a whole new aftermarket Steering Kit including Steering Arms. For the Brakes, I got the Right Stuff kit (#AFXWK32Z), which includes 11″ drilled/slotted Rotors, forged stock height Spindles, and Wilwood Dual piston Calipers.
Solving the front: Steering kit & Arms
I got the Ridetech Steering Kit (#11169576), which are actually made by Proforged. The kit includes: Billet Tie Rod adjusters, Outer Tie Rod ends (5.5″ long), Inner Tie Rod Ends (8.6″ long), Idler Arm, Pitman Arm, and all the nuts & bolts. For the Steering Arms to fit the 11″ Rotors, I replaced them with the Right Stuff (DBSA02).
Final Results
I finally had the both end heights perfectly adjusted, as it should have. I did keep the 1″ Lowering Blocks & 3/8″ coil spacers, and it sits just right! The handling improved like night & day.
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MAJJ GARAGE 
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