M42 318i Cabriolet Suspension. (ugh)

[collareddrifter]

Ok, long long time forum lurker here.. always searched for my questions to be answered.. but TRUTH BE TOLD one thing wasn't answered. So behold my first post.

What the hell do you do use for suspension on a 91 318ic?
Everywhere i go, their cabrio specific H&R sport springs are only labeled 325.
I really, really don't wanna plunge for these and get some crazy reverse rake. Or do these work fine?
So in theory, could i use front 318i springs and the cabrio specific 325 ones in the rear? Ive heard somebody doing that on this forum.

Also, are the Bilstein sport shocks universal to all E30's? Or are they specific to each model? (The shocks are sometimes only listed for one E30 variation, and out of stock of the other)
OH YAH, and is there a difference between the bilstein shocks, and struts? i seem to have never heard of the fronts only being called struts, instead of shocks.

http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/Susptabl.jsp?autoMake=BMW&autoModel=318i&autoYear=1991&autoModClar=&brand=all

Finally not a question but more of a verification,
The bushings on flying brick are ireland engineering right? does anybody have anything against those?

And could somebody kindly compile a list of HARDWARE that is needed for a complete refresh? i already know things like the bushings, CAB's, and sway bar end links, but i mean the more mundane stuff. Like spring pads, and strut mounts. what exactly is ALL needed, and how many.

Thanks for any help with my ridiculously long question. ;-)

[E30Driv3R]

1. well i am pretty sure it will be fine if you get the 325 suspension, since regualr 318s and 325s run the same.

2. a. I am not sure if all bilstins are universal to e30s?
2. b.The fronts are actually inserts, that get inserted into the struts

3. i would go with akg bushings, high quality, cheap, and many different hardnesses.

4. let me think....
2 strut mounts
2 bumpstops (Front) (unless you go with the bilstein they have built in bumpstops)
2 bumpstops (Rear) (you Dont really have to change out your old ones if they are fine)
2 Subframe Bushings
4 Rear trailing arm bushings
2 Front Control arm bushings
2 spring pads front
2 spring pads rear (if yours arent in good condition)
***If you go w/ new sways***
2 Front sway bar tabs
2 rear swaybar tabs

i might be missing a couple things off the top of my head, but that should get you started.

[collareddrifter]

Thanks man
Was starting to lose hope in the community for a second there. :-|

So anybody else have some insight they would like to share?

(no seriously.. dont all rush in..) :)

[E30Driv3R]

no problem