It's Lowered [Archive] - Mazda Forums

benben01

05-11-2009, 05:51 PM

sorry it's camera phone pic.. will post a before and after later tonight. why lowered??? i just felt the cx-9 would look better and handle better if the center of gravity was a bit lower. just from hustling around the twisties in my area, i can tell you it was worth the 6 hours of install time. braking is improved as nose dive is reduced significantly compared to the OE right height. any how, gotta run, will post more later tonight.

benben01

05-11-2009, 07:55 PM

Here are the pics of the install with before and after..

Before:

http://i43.tinypic.com/be8110.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/15ot3me.jpg

After:

http://i40.tinypic.com/ege841.jpg

The lowering springs I used was H&R for a Ford Edge: 1.75", 1.7" R

http://i39.tinypic.com/k01sg2.jpg

OE. Front Spring vs. H&R Front:

http://i42.tinypic.com/if387t.jpg

Tools Needed:

1. I am not gonna stress this enough. You gotta use an impact gun and breaker bar. If not, you are gonna be cursing all day.

2. Sockets. Both deep and regular length: 12mm - 21mm

3. Screw drivers and pilers

Remove plastic cover at base of windshield for access to front strut bolts. Driver's side wiper must be removed. It's very easy.. Don't sweat it.

Driver's side:
http://i42.tinypic.com/125g6f7.jpg

Passenger side:
http://i41.tinypic.com/ztfxqg.jpg

Get car on jacks stands. Put the jack stands on the car's side rail where you would use the scissor jack found in trunk. Lift front of car on the center crossmember with floor jack.

Cross member:
http://i43.tinypic.com/2556zco.jpg

http://i43.tinypic.com/6i3zgy.jpg

have to stop for now.. will add more pics later.

CX9 SportOwner

05-11-2009, 09:03 PM

did it actually lower it?

Mx5+Cx9

05-11-2009, 09:08 PM

Probably looks good but why lower a cx-9? Its designed to ride high thats part of the goodness of having an suv.

This has been debated on another thread. My opinion is it's a crossover... based on a car platform. It'll probably never be taken off-roading. I don't see why not. :)

Benben01, how does it ride? Does it feel significantly harsher than before? How about with a car full of people?

Thanks!

Drizz-OH!

05-11-2009, 09:26 PM

Looks way better now! How's it ride?

SeCX-9

05-11-2009, 09:30 PM

Dude,

I must have lucked out with my GT CX-9. I guess my Mazda dealer sold me mine already lowered because it looks pretty much the same as your "after" photos.

Dude, was it worth the effort? What am I missing? an inch?

benben01

05-11-2009, 10:01 PM

Getting Lazy with the DIY and pics.. Let's say the front struts were easy. Just disconnect the sway bar endlinks and 2 bolts at the base of the strut.

http://i39.tinypic.com/2gy4lrl.jpg

http://i42.tinypic.com/2vbx0sl.jpg

The rear suspension is very similar to that of my speed3. There's a catch though. The OE spring is a PITA to get out even with all the endlinks and control arms removed. Use a spring compress to compress the spring and then push down on the trailing arms by standing on the hub and yank out the spring. Much easier if you have another person helping you.

http://i41.tinypic.com/212bs02.jpg

benben01

05-11-2009, 10:19 PM

To answer everyone's questions:

How much lower?

Right now, it's little over 2" lowered than stock. We will see how much it will settle after some miles.

Ride Quality:

The spring rates on these Ford Edge springs are a good match for the CX-9. It's not harsh at all. The ride is just like stock at low speeds and over bumps. At speed, it feels more planted and connected than stock. When hustling thru the twisties, there's less body roll and significantly less nose dive under hard braking.

Overall, it's a good mod. I got the springs from Tire Rack for about 250ish shipped. I wasted a lot of time trying to get the rear springs out during the install. If I were to do it all over again, I would probably say about 2-3 hours with air tools.

One thing I learned during the install was how heavy these 20" wheels are. I will definitely be looking into a set of lighter 20" rims and tires. Enkei has a pretty nice RE30 looking rim in 20x9 @ 25 lbs. These new Enkeis with 274/45 Toyo ST-II will come in under 60lbs per wheel. Didn't get a chance to weight the stock wheels. But it's a safe say that the stock wheels with tires are over 70lbs.

CX9 SportOwner

05-11-2009, 11:37 PM

Bottomed it out yet? Scraped any curbs?

benben01

05-11-2009, 11:47 PM

Funny Sporty! Maybe when I get some low rider rims I will worry about scraping and bottoming out (hah)

CX9 SportOwner

05-11-2009, 11:48 PM

It was a serious question. We have these low doors, and the air dam on the front.

benben01

05-12-2009, 12:03 AM

It's not that low... The doors, I gotta watch out for when I am in the city. For some reason, parts of downtown DC have like 1ft curbs.

CX9 SportOwner

05-12-2009, 12:14 AM

Here too. We have curbs from before there were cars.

Mx5+Cx9

05-12-2009, 01:09 AM

very nice. I'd be interested to see how much it sags and if you have any issues w/ bottoming out (I doubt it though). Keep us updated! Thanks.

nazgul350r

05-12-2009, 05:54 AM

Looks good!, I need to convince the boss we need these.

badself

05-12-2009, 08:34 AM

Props to you for the effort. Yet, I don't see the drop as 2", I'm hard pressed to see it at all. It would have been nice to take objective measures before and after. For that kind of money and labor, I'd be looking for a more aggressive drop. At the end of the day, it's your ride, and if you're satisfied, then you've done good.

I don't believe any of the big nane kits (RSR, Tanabe, Eibach Pro) have an application for the CX-9. I guess they don't perceive a demand in this segment, and they're probably right.

Years ago in my '03 Honda Pilot, I stepped off a nominal curve in a foot of snow, and sheared off the entire rear suspension and bent the rear driveshaft. Nearly $4k in damage. Had it been lowered, it would have clipped the underbody and not just the rear suspension. All the vehicles in this segment are to be driven like cars, they have absolutely zero off-road capability.

SeCX-9

05-12-2009, 08:48 AM

Ok.....so maybe my eyes are going in my mid-40's but.....dude...it pretty much looks the same as the stock car I am driving today!

Here is a side-by-side comparison. Perhaps Sentry West Mazda is putting in free lowering kits without me knowing it....

benben01

05-12-2009, 08:56 AM

I don't recall what the original ride height was exactly. I think it was 34" from the ground to the front fender wheel well. Right now, it's @ 31". Can someone take a tape measure to the front and rear wheel wells and see how high it is?

benben01

05-12-2009, 08:57 AM

benben01

05-12-2009, 09:00 AM

Looks good!, I need to convince the boss we need these.

The boss here didn't even notice and it's gonna stay that way (lol2)

Mazda3

05-12-2009, 11:26 AM

I personally don't see the point of this, but I totally respect someone enjoying themselves modding thier vehicle. So Enjoy!!!

CX9 SportOwner

05-12-2009, 01:38 PM

Since theres so little difference, I agree it probably wasn't worth it since he did give up suspension travel.

benben01

05-12-2009, 07:36 PM

I don't know what everyone's expectation were when I lowered the 9. I wasn't trying to go for the slammed look. That would be impractical and ridiculous. However to say that it's not noticable is stretching it too. The pics are not the greatest since I don't have my camera at the moment. However, if you were to see it in person, you will definitely see that it's lowered and sports a much hunkered down stance compare to the original right height.

In terms of mods, the price to function ratio here was definitely worth it. For the price of a CAI, I got something that you can feel and notice while driving. What it's really missing is a nice set of wider wheels and tires to give it that X-5 sports pkg look.

CX9 SportOwner

05-12-2009, 07:41 PM

Lose a lot of utility. But I guess if you never take it anywhere you need that, it doesn't matter.

Mx5+Cx9

05-12-2009, 08:32 PM

For most CX9 owners, the most "utility" they'll need the car for is shuttling kids here and there, and maybe picking up occasional bulky items from IKEA or Home Depot. In that sense, I don't think it has loss much.

I'm trying to get buy in from my boss. I might have to wait a few months though, as she's not too keen on me tinkering with her brand new car. Lol.

benben01

05-12-2009, 09:33 PM

I see both sides of the coin. Sporty is an out rec guy. He needs the ground clearance. My fellow Canucks and I are suburbanites. Our CX9 is the family bus and the occasional transport for big items from Ikea and HD.

Here's better side profile pic taken from yesterday after the install. Looks like a big ballsy wagon don't it?

http://i40.tinypic.com/2zh1fee.jpg

TX Speed 6

05-12-2009, 09:43 PM

Now that looks lower, your original pics didn't, but I think it still needs to settle some too

CX9 SportOwner

05-13-2009, 02:29 AM

No offense, but it looks like your 9 needs to go to the bathroom. I'm just saying...

The 8" was another selling point for us, for sure. We wanted something more refined, performance oriented, and roomy than our CR-V, but could still get us to put-ins, campsites, and trailheads.

Mx5+Cx9

05-13-2009, 03:04 AM

It does looks like it's squatting a bit in that picture. Is it just the picture or does the rear sit a teeny bit lower?

benben01

05-13-2009, 08:47 AM

The rear does sit a tad lower.. Then again, that's normal with most vehicles. When i get it washed, I will take another pic from a level parking surface. Our cul-de-sac is not leveled hence the added effect.

No offense, but it looks like your 9 needs to go to the bathroom.

Didn't you know that's the new look these days (2thumbs)

cccx9

05-13-2009, 11:09 AM

I think it looks ok but I wouldn't personally do it to my CX-9. Right now I can change the oil without jacking it up. I don't think I could do that if it were 2" lower. Just my 2

CX9 SportOwner

05-13-2009, 12:26 PM

As long as it doesn't poop on my lawn, it doesn't matter to me.

If you only drive it on city streets and had an elderly or mildly disabled person in the family, though, I could see wanting to make it a bit easier to get in and out for them.

I also wouldn't do it because of the ease of changing the oil, like cccx9 said.

benben01

05-13-2009, 12:47 PM

It's not that bad folks.. Yes, it's a little hard to get under there to change the oil, but nothing a couple planks of 2x4's can't fix. Besides, I come from a world of lowered or coilover suspension cars. This is nothing.

CX9 SportOwner

05-13-2009, 12:50 PM

Just messing with you. just don't put a fart can on it. Then I WILL have to come slap you.

benben01

05-13-2009, 01:29 PM

Twin fart cans.. Hmmmmm... Getting Ideas.. HKS maybe? Have to look into that (blowup)

blue06mazda6

05-13-2009, 02:21 PM

Twin fart cans.. Hmmmmm... Getting Ideas.. HKS maybe? Have to look into that (blowup)

The bigger the tip the better.

CX9 SportOwner

05-13-2009, 05:21 PM

(no)

Force-1

05-13-2009, 07:40 PM

Add some ricer stickers to the back too. The more the better--they are good for at least 5HP each! (yes)

wontonjon

05-15-2009, 11:35 AM

It was a serious question. We have these low doors, and the air dam on the front.

i too have noticed this...didn't think i'd have to worry about this anymore and lo and behold i nearly scraped the bottom of my door the other day....

benben01

05-27-2009, 01:02 PM

Just an update.. 1,000 miles since the lowering, it's completely settled now. Front fender to the ground is about 31" and rear fender to the ground about 30.75". Rides just the like OE springs over bumps and rough pavement. Lowered center of gravity and slight increased in spring rates make cornering very stable and more confident inspiring. Everyone who has seen it in person loves the lowered stance.

CX9 SportOwner

05-27-2009, 02:27 PM

This is a serious question, okay? Have you forgotten and scraped the doors, or front air dam?

Does the lower stance make it significantly easier to get onto the vehicle by someone less agile?

Anything you DON'T like about it?

Inquiring minds want to know.

benben01

05-27-2009, 07:48 PM

Nope.. No scrapes of the doors or front air dam. However I am more cautious about the doors than the air dam. Being a few inches lowered makes a huge diffference for getting in and out of the car. The seat bolster will be spared as I am not rashing them on the way out of the car. I am 6ft tall but it made a huge difference for me. Also washing the top of the car is a lot easier and I don't need a stool any more. Overall, I am very happy and have no regrets. All is well. Now, I am hoping the available rear sway bar for the Edge will work on the 9 :D

CnoTataymo

05-27-2009, 07:55 PM

The rear suspension is very similar to that of my speed3. There's a catch though. The OE spring is a PITA to get out even with all the endlinks and control arms removed. Use a spring compress to compress the spring and then push down on the trailing arms by standing on the hub and yank out the spring. Much easier if you have another person helping you.

http://i41.tinypic.com/212bs02.jpg
If it's similar to the MS3, why didn't you just remove the bolt on the lower control arm and endlink? That's how I do my MS3 when I want to adjust my coilovers.

Mx5+Cx9

05-27-2009, 09:02 PM

benben01

05-27-2009, 09:39 PM

If it's similar to the MS3, why didn't you just remove the bolt on the lower control arm and endlink? That's how I do my MS3 when I want to adjust my coilovers.

Did that and more... Spring still won't come out unless it's compressed a little...

how is the ride w/ 4 people inside?

It rides just fine with wife, 4 kids and a trunk full of junk from Costco.

wakblak

05-28-2009, 12:38 AM

Looks good to me.
Get some aftermarket rims and your in there!

benben01

05-28-2009, 08:35 AM

I know.... Waiting on either some Enkei GTC-01 or Volk TE-37 in 20x10 with some 295/40s

vikefan7

05-28-2009, 11:33 AM

Also washing the top of the car is a lot easier and I don't need a stool any more.

Lol, I thought I was the only one having to do this. I didn't have this problem on my Montero because it had rails I could stand on....

nazgul350r

05-28-2009, 12:31 PM

I thought the 9 shared parts from the flex not the edge?

hamproof

05-28-2009, 01:33 PM

Actually all of them share the same platform. CX-9 and Flex I presumed it riding on the stretched Edge.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_CD3_platform

CX9 SportOwner

05-28-2009, 02:50 PM

Flex has nothing to do with the CX9 or Edge. I've looked. The Edge and CX9 share floor pans and a few suspension components, and the basic engine. That's it. But, even those have been tweaked by Mazda to get better performance out of them. The CX9 runs smoother and stronger, and rides and handles much better then the Edge. Mazda put everything into the CX9, Ford was lazy with the Edge, as usual.

hamproof

05-28-2009, 03:27 PM

I stand corrected. Different platform bet. Flex and CX-9. Btw, CX-9 and Edge do not compete in the same class which I'm sure you know, obviously.

Edge being 2 row 5 seater competes with the CX-7 among others in that segment, like Nissan Murano and Rouge.

Btw, you talk as if Mazda and Ford operates as 2 different companies. Not sure if you are aware that engineers from both companies work together sometimes on each others product as they do share common parts. I should know. I used to work at Ford WHQ in Dearborn.

I think Edge holds its own very well. A nice exterior look and not too shabby interior for a Ford. They deserve a second chance esp with the re-styled Fusion, all new euro based Focus coming instead of this silly 10 year old Focus with SYNC, and the new small car that is the Fiesta.

If they would bring the Ford Kuga here, it'll beat the pants off the current segment leader - CRV.

But their past products are terrible.

CX9 SportOwner

05-28-2009, 04:59 PM

The fact that the Edge doesn't compete with the CX9 is what's so baffling. same platform, almost the same size, but 2 less seats? And the mystery deepens BECAUSE Mazda and Ford work together. They co-develop an engine, yet the Mazda version is better. And the CX9 has the smooth, adaptive, manual mode Aisin transmission and the Edge has a clunky Ford-GM trans with no manual shift. Ford has it's collective head up it's a**, as far as I'm concerned. Access to better engineering and parts, and they take a pass.
look at the Ranger/B Series. Instead of rebadging the superior Mazda trucks in 94, Ford instead makes Mazda rebadge crappy Rangers for the US market. Then in 99 they shut down Mazda truck production and sold Rangers made in Thailand as Mazdas in the rest of the world. Dumb

And there is a distinct difference in the overall quality between the two. The engineering and manufacturing is mush tighter on the CX9.

hamproof

05-28-2009, 05:18 PM

Almost the same size?? CX-9 is listed as 199.8" whereas Edge is 185.7". More than a foot difference in the two. EPA classifies these two in two difference class.

Perhaps Ford (Edge) is getting the lesser transmission and/or engine is because Ford is like the car for the masses (i.e. meant to be cheap), whereas Mazda, though not rank as high as Honda, Toyota or Nissan, can still command a premium. Perhaps the interior material is not as good, but I've been in a Flex and it is pretty nice compared to Ford product of the past. I remember there's a commercial claiming their interior is quieter than a Lexus RX.

In any case, since Lincoln has more or less given up on competing with Cadillac, it would be interesting to see how buyers will take on the new MKT. Flex is just priced too high IMO and the front end needs to be tweaked to look like the Edge or re-styled Fusion. It'll look much better than that silly looking Mini Clubman.

Under Alan Mulally, you can see Ford is heading in the right direction. Finally!

Competition is good. I'm so sick of buying Hondas and have enough of their higher than thou sales guy attitude.

nazgul350r

05-28-2009, 07:02 PM

Thats for the education.

Let us know how the sway bars go, I would be interested in a set of those more than the springs.

CX9 SportOwner

05-28-2009, 07:25 PM

compared to a Fit, the Edge is almost the same size as the CX9.
Thanks for totally missing my point. Again.

hamproof

05-28-2009, 08:04 PM

compared to a Fit, the Edge is almost the same size as the CX9.
Thanks for totally missing my point. Again.

You are one funny and strange fellow. Engineers and designers constantly fight to get an inch more of interior space and when a new model comes out with an extra inch of space (which is usually achieved via exterior length increase), car reviewers will rave about it like it is the next best thing since slice bread.

For you to say CX-9 14" of length increase over the Edge is insignificant, you are living in your own world, or you are the type who wants to win an argument by all means.

Anyone else in this forum who thinks a Ford Edge competes directly with the CX-9? Like you said, 2 rows versus 3 and 14" less in length among other things (like price), and they are in the same class? If you do have the 07, maybe you can stretch your logic since the 07 V6 is indeed sourced from Ford unlike the 08 onwards.

Not sure what line of work you are doing, but you are probably not aware that in GM and Ford for example, the bean counters fight tooth over nail with the engineering guys just to save 50cents over a part. 50cents savings in a car costing more than $10,000.

1" in any dimension is a significant engineering consideration, let alone 14".

Btw, take a ruler and measure how much space is left from behind the 3 row seatback in the up position to the bumper. No subtract 14" from it. That's how much trunk space Ford Edge will have if it has 3 rows.