My Front End Refresh: Make Sure I Didn't Forget Something

[brianpgriset]

I need to do control arms on my '89 325i. The car currently has FK 60/40 springs with Bilstien Sports, ESM-002's with 205/50/16 Kuhmo's. I read a bunch of threads and bought that tire size so it wouldn't rub... but it does on one side (it's lower by ~3/8"). I'm thinking the PO that put the springs on left off a spring pad. I wanted to take the oppurtunity to go over all the things that need refreshed on the front end and want you all to make sure I don't forget something. I usually don't like to make posts like this but I want to knock it all out in one day and all the info I need is scattered all over a bunch of threads, so here is the breakdown:

1. Front (L & R) Control Arms - Lemforder PN 31-12-127-726M69 &725M69 - Pelican Parts
2. Lower Front Spring Pad x2 - 31-33-1-124-322-M65 - Pelican Parts
3. Upper Front Spring Pad x2 - 31-33-1-128-523-M69 - Pelican
4. Upper Front Spring Pad 9MM x2 - 31-33-1-128-522-M9 - Pelican
***I'm buying the two different thinkness pads to give myself the ability to level off the car***
5. Offset M3 CAB's x2 - OEM BMW 31-12-9-061-222-M9 - Pelican
6. Front Upper Strut Mount x2 - Sach's Boge - 31-33-1-139-452-M10
7. Strut Cap Cover (32MM) x2 - 31-31-1-139-453-M9

Stuff I'm not working and Why:
Springs - I'm happy with the FK's at the time being... I may upgrade to GC in a few months
Struts - The Bilstiens installed by the PO are new in Sept '08 and should be in great shape
Tie-rods - New Myle rods in Nov. '08 with the E36 rack swap and should be in great shape
Sway bar end-links - New OEM less than 2 years old should be in good shape

***The upper strut mounts and CAB's currently on the car are less than two years old but I figured while everything is out it made sense to change them out, plus the current strut mounts have a bunch of cracks in the rubber and the PO left the caps off***

My "goal" with this car is a fun to drive DD with little body roll and do an occasional autoX. I would like a nice firm ride, but don't want any ultra harsh "race" parts like THR CAB's or aluminum bushings... This may help in your response.

Now my questions:

1. Did I get all the right parts? Any other misc. HW I should order as well?
2. Will the offset CAB's do anything to the width of the front tires? I know they increase caster but after reading a bunch of threads it seemed some thought they would increase track width
3. Should I get an alignment after this (tires are brand new and I'd like to get 35+k miles (400 treadwear)).



Pic for fun


Thanks.

[jlevie]

You should be fine on parts.

There won't be any substantial difference in track width from the offset control arm bushings.

An alignment is needed after replacing the control arms and bushings.

[brianpgriset]

Perfect. Any other tips?

[StereoInstaller1]

screw most of that stuff and do urethane trailing arm bushings.

Especially if you want tire life.

[brianpgriset]

screw most of that stuff and do urethane trailing arm bushings.

Especially if you want tire life.

Rear end refresh will come next in a month or two:). Any recommendations on urethane TAB's while your at it?

[jlevie]

AKG or PowerFlex

[blefevre]

Sway bar bushings and do engine mounts at the same time.

Also, I don't remember which strut caps the sach's take. There are two sizes. I believe they use the smaller one. Not sure if 32mm is the smaller one or not. When I replaced mine, the ones on the car were too big so I had to order the other ones...