Few modifications improve the appearance of a classic Commodore as dramatically as lowering the suspension. Whether it’s a VB sedan, a VC SL/E, a VH Vacationer or a V8-powered street machine, lowering can give these early Commodores a tougher stance, improved handling and a more modern look.
However, lowering a Commodore involves more than simply fitting shorter springs. Ride quality, suspension travel, wheel alignment and tyre clearance all need to be considered to achieve the best results.
Done properly, a lowered Commodore can handle better, look fantastic and remain comfortable enough for regular driving. Done poorly, it can become uncomfortable, difficult to drive and prone to suspension problems.
Why Lower a Commodore?
Owners choose to lower their Commodores for several reasons.
Benefits
- Improved appearance
- Reduced body roll
- Better cornering stability
- More aggressive stance
- Enhanced road presence
For many enthusiasts, lowering is the first suspension modification performed.
Factory Ride Height
When new, VB, VC and VH Commodores sat relatively high compared with modern vehicles.
Factory Design Goals
- Ride comfort
- Ground clearance
- Load carrying capacity
After 40 years, many original springs have sagged unevenly, making ride height difficult to assess accurately.
How Much Should You Lower It?
The ideal ride height depends on intended vehicle use.
Typical Options
Standard Height
- Factory ride quality
- Maximum practicality
Low
- Approximately 25–35 mm reduction
- Popular street option
Super Low
- Approximately 45–60 mm reduction
- Aggressive appearance
Ultra Low
- Primarily show-car use
- Limited practicality
For most street-driven Commodores, low-height springs offer the best compromise.
Best Lowering Springs
Recommended Product: King Springs
King Springs remain one of the most popular choices for Australian Holden enthusiasts.
Benefits
- Excellent ride quality
- Australian designed
- Multiple height options
- Reliable performance
Available Heights
- Standard
- Low
- Super Low
Best Overall Choice
Low King Springs suit most VB, VC and VH Commodores.
Why Not Cut Springs?
Cutting factory springs was once common.
Problems
- Unpredictable ride height
- Reduced safety
- Poor suspension travel
- Increased risk of spring movement
Modern lowering springs are far safer and perform significantly better.
Upgrade Shock Absorbers at the Same Time
Lowering springs place additional demands on shock absorbers.
Common Problem
Owners fit lowering springs but retain worn factory shocks.
This often results in:
- Harsh ride
- Excessive bouncing
- Poor handling
Best Shock Upgrade
Recommended Product: KYB Excel-G Shock Absorbers
Benefits
- Excellent ride control
- Improved comfort
- Suitable for lowered vehicles
Best For
- Daily drivers
- Touring cars
- Mild performance builds
Lowering a V8 Commodore
V8-powered Commodores require additional consideration.
Challenges
- Increased front-end weight
- Reduced suspension travel
- Greater load on springs
Recommended Setup
- V8-rated King Springs
- KYB shocks
- New suspension bushes
This combination provides excellent results.
Wheel and Tyre Clearance
Lowering affects wheel clearance.
Areas to Check
- Front guards
- Rear wheel arches
- Inner guards
- Suspension components
Larger wheels may require additional modifications.
Common Wheel Sizes
Popular Street Combinations
- 15-inch wheels
- 16-inch wheels
- 17-inch wheels
For most classic Commodores, 15-inch and 16-inch combinations provide the best balance.
Alignment After Lowering
A wheel alignment is essential.
Benefits
- Improved handling
- Better tyre life
- Proper steering feel
Skipping alignment often results in uneven tyre wear.
Best Bush Upgrade While Lowering
Lowering is an ideal time to replace ageing bushes.
Recommended Product: Nolathane Bush Kit
Benefits
- Improved steering response
- Better suspension control
- Increased durability
Components
- Control arm bushes
- Sway bar bushes
- Trailing arm bushes
Lowering and Ride Quality
Many owners worry that lowering automatically ruins ride comfort.
Reality
A properly lowered Commodore can remain comfortable.
Key Factors
- Quality springs
- Quality shocks
- Good bushings
- Correct alignment
Cheap suspension components are usually responsible for poor ride quality.
Sway Bar Upgrades
Lowered Commodores benefit from improved sway bars.
Recommended Product: Whiteline Sway Bars
Benefits
- Reduced body roll
- Improved cornering
- Sharper handling
Best For
- Spirited driving
- Touring vehicles
Rear Suspension Considerations
The rear suspension is often overlooked.
Common Issues
- Sagging rear springs
- Worn trailing arm bushes
- Panhard rod movement
Replacing worn rear components improves stability significantly.
Panhard Rod Bush Upgrades
The rear axle relies heavily on the Panhard rod.
Benefits
- Better axle control
- Improved cornering stability
- Reduced rear-end movement
Especially beneficial on lowered vehicles.
Ground Clearance Issues
Lower vehicles naturally have reduced clearance.
Areas at Risk
- Exhaust systems
- Crossmembers
- Front spoilers
Consider local road conditions before selecting spring height.
Best Street Setup
For most Commodore owners:
Recommended Package
- King Springs Low
- KYB Excel-G shocks
- Nolathane bushes
- Wheel alignment
This setup delivers excellent appearance and handling without compromising practicality.
Best Show Car Setup
For owners prioritising appearance:
Recommended Package
- Super Low springs
- Performance shocks
- Larger wheels
Trade-Offs
- Reduced ride quality
- Less ground clearance
- Increased tyre clearance concerns
Common Lowering Mistakes
Going Too Low
Excessive lowering often creates more problems than benefits.
Retaining Worn Shocks
New springs cannot compensate for worn dampers.
Ignoring Bush Wear
Old bushes reduce suspension performance.
Skipping Alignment
One of the most common and costly mistakes.
Recommended Lowering Package
For a street-driven VB, VC or VH Commodore:
Ultimate Street Package
- King Springs Low
- KYB Excel-G shocks
- Nolathane bush kit
- Whiteline sway bars
- Professional wheel alignment
This combination improves appearance, handling and reliability.
Is Lowering Worth It?
For most enthusiasts, absolutely.
A properly lowered Commodore not only looks significantly better but often handles better than a factory-height vehicle with worn suspension. Modern springs and shock absorbers can transform the driving experience while maintaining everyday usability.
The key is selecting quality components and avoiding excessive ride-height reductions.
Related Articles
- VB, VC and VH Commodore Suspension Problems
- Best Suspension Upgrades for VB, VC and VH Commodores
- VB, VC and VH Commodore Suspension Problems
- How to Inspect an Early Commodore Before Buying
- Best Transmission Fluids for Classic Commodores
- Best Rust Prevention Products for Classic Commodores