FYI. I just got an email from www.tirerack.com and they are now selling the KYB shocks. However they are an OEM replacement for all non SS HHR's according to the KYB web site.

 

I wonder if they are a little shorter? I believe that the SS is factory lowered, so their shocks must be shorter too. So all we need to do is get SS replacement shocks from the dealer and they should solve the problem.

 

I doubt the kyb shock are different since they're an oem replacement.

The ss is only lowered about 3/4''.

 

I think the levelling springs are 1 1/2 lower, so then the factory SS would not be short enough. To put the limiting straps on, you have to remove the factory shock bolts anyhow, so there is not any more work involved in just replacing the whole shock with a shorter one. Plus, you have to allow for the limiting straps to stretch and nobody knows exactly how long they would have to be.

All I know is that something has to be done for everybody that lowered their HHR's-either just the rear or all around. Aside from it being a pain in the a$$ everytime the car is on a lift, it represents a real hazard if you ever hit a bump and the back of the car lifts off the ground. Can you imagine landing and having the springs not properly seated? It would not look anything like you see on Dukes of Hazard!

 

Here is a link to the Cobalt SS FE-5 shocks which are the same as the HHR SS ones plus some other suspension parts for the FE-5 suspension.

http://www.crateenginedepot.com/stor..._ID=188&Page=1

Here are the part numbers. FE-5 Front LH 15247245 & Front RH 15247246 $102.60 each, FE5 Rear Shock 22728821 $52.73 each.

 

Those are old prices.The rear shocks now list for $83.34 each,the struts are $153.23 each.

 

If you click on the link I provided you will see those are crateengines current price. That is what I was going buy to list the price. If there is an increase than they don't list it on there web site.

Fronts are $79.68 and rears $43.34 TODAY at GMpartsdirect.com

 

You don't really want to have a shock that reaches its extension limit in normal use. A situation where you're cresting a bump and the shock bottoms out (extends out?) will destroy it in short order. I have a KW coilover suspension on my other car, and due to the adjustable spring perches, they specifically exclude overextension from their lifetime warranty.

What KW and other high end suspension outfits usually do is either specify a progressive spring, or have a setup where you have a second lower rate spring that compresses completely when loaded at rest, thus preventing the shorter, higher rate spring from popping out when the suspension is unloaded.

 

Guess what the stock shocks do.

 

My Eibach Pro springs are progressive ones, are the Gold Line leveling springs progressive? I know when I installed the rears that I could tell there is now way they can fall out without assistance.