A link which may be of some interest:
www.sema.org For anyone not "in the know" SEMA (Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association) plays a
HUGE role in the enthusiast's ability to enjoy old or special interest vehicles, be they stock, modified, racecars, etc.
"Big Brother" would gladly take away our right to own/enjoy old vehicles in a second given half the chance.
SEMA also encourages member companies (i.e. aftermarket parts manufacturers) to build the best quality products possible, while also engineering them to specific applications and uses. Typical good quality brand name suspension parts for lowering or raising a truck will have a good deal of engineering involved in their design and construction to ensure a durable, safe to use product which doesn't increase the danger of operating the vehicle.
Boyo, it's funny you mention the dropped "ricer cars." I remember cruising downtown Oshawa one Saturday night in my younger days with a couple of buddies (in a lowered Civic, matter of fact
). We passed this beat-down late seventie's Malibu 2-door-three different colours of primer, 4" tall cowl-induction hood scoop, 14" wheels with
really small low-profile tires and loud dual exhaust. This car was, quite obviously lowered with the old "heat the springs" trick and it was so low that the slightest road dip caused sparks to fly from
the entire undercarriage! 
Whoa, WTF!?! Unsafe definately isn't cool. Properly redesigned and engineered "low"
is, in my opinion.
John and Peg-second the motion. For a minute, this post looked like it might turn into a "p***ing contest," but it's turned into an interesting debate of a topic. This is truly what I come here for-an open exchange of information and honest real world opinions. Thanks to all for your inputs here.
Regards,
Wannabe
