I heard that due to weight differences, the 5-speed SE springs are not designed for autos. If they are less stiff, will they lower the front, or just give a crapy ride? I don't mind my rear wheel gap, but my front is an eyesore, and I am on a budget. I want to run SE rears, and was thinking that if SE 5-speed fronts would lower me just a bit w/o screwing up my ride by too much, I might could try that until $ gets better. Thoughts?

 

I'm pretty sure that there isn't a difference in the 5-speed springs for either the GXE or the SE. The only difference is the struts which were quite a bit firmer on the SE. Because the auto tranny is heavier than the 5-speed there may be a difference in the spring rate which could reduce wheelgap a little but it may not be noticeable.

If I were you I would wait until your cash flow gets a little better and buy either H&R or B&G springs which are the softest of the aftermarket springs and a good set of struts. I have H&R's and love them for several reasons. The ride is great, the handling is even better, the quality is second to none and they don't lower the car enough (just about 1.5" on my GLE) to make alignment a problem. I just had my car aligned after installing new wheels and tires and the camber was "within factory limits".

Hope this helps...