Because they around 1/2" shorter uncompressed! I'll have to report back on ride height after a few days of driving (and replacing a sheared bolt! ), but initially it looks to be about the same on the road.
Fronts:
Rears:
In both photos, the bottom coils were laid even with perspective focused on the tops.
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Due to multiple PM's asking my opinions on the springs, I wanted to update the OP so it's easier to understand:
The car is clearly more firm and responsive with the D3 springs - which are definitely more stiff. Obviously less "nose dive" on braking (touring mode), which was pretty egregious with the Eibachs (more than stock, IMHO). The Eibachs were slightly more spongy feeling than OEM all around, but I'm a guy that hits "Sport" on the mag ride every time I start the car. The overall ride height is within a 1/8" of the Eibachs as best I can tell.
I'd say D3 Comps in Touring mode is similar to, if not slightly more firm, than Eibachs in Sport mode as a rough comparison.
Along with the increase in stiffness, there is definitely more feedback from the road both good and bad. You feel more bumps (harshness) but also have more confidence and feedback when turning. It's more Corvette-like, which I was after. However 80% of you would hate it. It is veering away from that Caddy Comfort that the Eibachs preserved pretty well - which is why I think so many people love them: a lower car with OEM-like ride quality.
FWIW: D3 "Ride Height Adjustment Rods" are ~4 5/16" long. I did not install these and have had zero issues - perhaps the Wagon just thinks I've gained a few pounds, have a passenger and will compensate.
Comparison Summary:
* D3 says their comp springs are 50% more stiff (progressive rate) than stock. I believe it, but it "feels" more like 30-40% more stiff (in a good way). Eibach says their springs are also progressive and ~10% more stiff than stock - they feel 10% softer than stock; but it may have to due with the progressive nature of the spring rates defying my butt-meter.
* If your goal is to drive excessively fast while maintaining crisp control of your 4400lb luxury vehicle, lower the center of gravity for better performance and occasionally power-slide through on-ramps on your way to Willow Springs, then the D3 Comps (or possibly RED lowering springs) are for you.
* If your goal is to lower the vehicle while retaining that Cadillac Comfort ride, then Eibachs are hands-down the best choice.
* If you don't know, stay with the Eibachs - it's the safe choice for someone who just wants "Oh hey, look! My car is lowered!" You'll still be able to take the Wife out to dinner and she probably won't notice a difference.
* I believe BOTH sets will lower the car approximately the same amount. There are plenty of photos, and plenty of people will cut a few inches of coil off to lower the car further - but I do not recommend this unless you know what you're doing.
IMHO, the D3 are the best choice hands-down for me, but I have a "5DR ZR1" license plate and don't like driving a nicely-equipped waterbed to work. FWIW I have returned to hitting the "Comp Mode" suspension setting button on every key start again now that I've gotten accustom to the ride. I also hate going back to factory 19" wheels because of the slushy ride! But that's me.
Fronts:
Rears:
In both photos, the bottom coils were laid even with perspective focused on the tops.
--------------------------------------------------------
Due to multiple PM's asking my opinions on the springs, I wanted to update the OP so it's easier to understand:
The car is clearly more firm and responsive with the D3 springs - which are definitely more stiff. Obviously less "nose dive" on braking (touring mode), which was pretty egregious with the Eibachs (more than stock, IMHO). The Eibachs were slightly more spongy feeling than OEM all around, but I'm a guy that hits "Sport" on the mag ride every time I start the car. The overall ride height is within a 1/8" of the Eibachs as best I can tell.
I'd say D3 Comps in Touring mode is similar to, if not slightly more firm, than Eibachs in Sport mode as a rough comparison.
Along with the increase in stiffness, there is definitely more feedback from the road both good and bad. You feel more bumps (harshness) but also have more confidence and feedback when turning. It's more Corvette-like, which I was after. However 80% of you would hate it. It is veering away from that Caddy Comfort that the Eibachs preserved pretty well - which is why I think so many people love them: a lower car with OEM-like ride quality.
FWIW: D3 "Ride Height Adjustment Rods" are ~4 5/16" long. I did not install these and have had zero issues - perhaps the Wagon just thinks I've gained a few pounds, have a passenger and will compensate.
Comparison Summary:
* D3 says their comp springs are 50% more stiff (progressive rate) than stock. I believe it, but it "feels" more like 30-40% more stiff (in a good way). Eibach says their springs are also progressive and ~10% more stiff than stock - they feel 10% softer than stock; but it may have to due with the progressive nature of the spring rates defying my butt-meter.
* If your goal is to drive excessively fast while maintaining crisp control of your 4400lb luxury vehicle, lower the center of gravity for better performance and occasionally power-slide through on-ramps on your way to Willow Springs, then the D3 Comps (or possibly RED lowering springs) are for you.
* If your goal is to lower the vehicle while retaining that Cadillac Comfort ride, then Eibachs are hands-down the best choice.
* If you don't know, stay with the Eibachs - it's the safe choice for someone who just wants "Oh hey, look! My car is lowered!" You'll still be able to take the Wife out to dinner and she probably won't notice a difference.
* I believe BOTH sets will lower the car approximately the same amount. There are plenty of photos, and plenty of people will cut a few inches of coil off to lower the car further - but I do not recommend this unless you know what you're doing.
IMHO, the D3 are the best choice hands-down for me, but I have a "5DR ZR1" license plate and don't like driving a nicely-equipped waterbed to work. FWIW I have returned to hitting the "Comp Mode" suspension setting button on every key start again now that I've gotten accustom to the ride. I also hate going back to factory 19" wheels because of the slushy ride! But that's me.