I know that when you lower a mini using lowering springs, it is necessary to install rear adjustable lower control arms to keep tire wear even. Is this the same when using coilovers since they function differently and are not just simply a shorter springs?

 

Yes you'll need rear lower control arms. Get a set of the Hsport rear camber links, they are the best. That way you'll be able to get your alignment straight.

 

It's dependent on how much you're lowering. The further you go, the more messed up the alignment and the more adjustability needed. The 05-06 cars have limited camber adjustability in the rear to begin with.

 

The change to the rear geomerty is still the same from what I know...as Way said...yes... Or spend$$$$ on lots of tires and get sub-optmal handling.

 

Im slammed on coils and I dont have adjustable control arms. Most people here will disagree, but I like the camber. The only reason I want to get the control arms is so I can add more camber.

You can kinda see the camber here. I estimate it to be about -5º but I dont know for sure.



The fronts are an entire different story. I ended up with positive camber up front when I lowered my car (someone explain how thats even possible lol) so I NEED camber plates.

 

I'd say your rear camber looks more like -3.5 to -4.

 

I thought so too until my buddy (who's camber looked about the same as mine) got an alignment and he had -5º

I need an alignment lol

 

Haha have you not gotten one since you put the vmaxx on?

Think about it though, that means your 1 degree off from Rally when he's aired out. But, who really knows until you get the alignment done.

 

id recommend getting the control arms so you can adjust your camber. you dont NEED to have them, but it will help conserve your tires

 

lol no I havent got one yet. The car doesnt pull much and I like the camber. I'll get around to it eventually. Im sure my toe is probably pretty far out and Im gonna destro my tires. Not that I really care cause I want smaller tires anyway lol.

 

You don't really need control arms (as has already been said). Negative camber isn't really going to mess with your treadwear. It's the toe-in/toe-out that'll screw your tires up. If you're going super low and plan on tucking some tire, negative camber is your friend. I've probably got about -2.5 degrees or so (perhaps a little more) and without it my rear wouldn't be nearly as low (i.e., not tucked). I just did a rotation (after about 8k - 10k on my tires with the camber the way it is) and the tread looks completely normal.

 

WOW -2.5 and -5 degrees. You all crazy, that is way too much camber. On the racecar we don't run anywhere near that. Remember as the suspension travels if that is what you had at the alignment, you'll have even more when the spring compresses. Get the control arms and a good alignment, they will be cheaper than a set of tires.

 

Yeah, for performance needs, it might a bit much. I'm only rockin' that much camber so I don't rub any more than necessary on my DD wheels/tires. Still, I haven't seen any abnormal wear on the tires with my toe aligned properly.

 

Are you running 0 or 1/16" toe all around?