Help me with my susp. overhaul.

[Jall]

Alrighty guys, just got my car back from the mechanics after a service along with a report of what needs replacing.

I'm typing this straight from the mechanics write up:

• D/S inner rack end & outer tie-rod ends.
• High pressure power steering line leaking.
• Rear shocks starting to leak.
• 2 bottom ball joints (Replace).
• Front D-Rubbers worn.
• Front link pins cracking.
• Extension housing bush leaking.

So I was already planning a suspension overhaul, but it seems even more essential now.
It seems I can get parts much cheaper than my mechanic if I buy them myself from the US. What I'm asking for is a little help with part numbers and the like and suggestions as to what bushings etc. I should replace while I'm at it.

I'm planning to go with Bilstein HD's and H&R sports, what are your opinions on this?

I will of course be taking my list to the mechanic for him to make sure I'm buying the right bits before I purchase.

Parts I've got figured:

I figure the outer tie rod ends are these?

Cheers for any help!
Jack

[E30_fiend]

I can figure out part numbers when I get home tonight but as far as your spring and shock choice, just say no!

The HD shocks are meant for cars that drive at stock ride height. If you put those shock in with the H&R springs, they would be blown out in no time at all. Hey billstein sports. They are meant for what you are wanting to do.

I'll get some part numbers together tonight.



Taylor

[Jall]

Cool beans, bilstein sports it is.
Should I go with a stiffer spring? maybe races?
or is there a better combo...

Cheers mate.

[dandingo]

I did a TON of research before I got my setup and was in the same boat as you. I wanted the ride height of H&R Races but the spring rate of H&R Sports. Needless to say, it was quite the dilemma.

I obsessed about it for weeks and finally decided on Vogtland Sport springs and Bilstein Sports. I'm absolutely satisfied with this setup for daily driving. I'd like it about an inch lower in the front but then I'd be driving like a ricer. Not my forte. I saw a car or two at the meet with H&R Sport springs and they sat noticeably higher in the front than mine. Here's a before and after for your...




It took a good 2+ weeks to fully settle. As soon as I took the car off jack stands and took pics of it, I was super bummed. It looked like I'd lowered it about a quarter inch. After a few weeks it settled and, well, you be the judge.

Edit: Also, Vogtlands are great people to deal with and are only $175 for the set!
Double Edit: Taylor, WHEN CAN I TRY THE ETHOS??

[NOMAD]

Looks good. Glad you posted pics.
I'll have Vogtlands on billy sports soon as well. Also, Cabrio 21mm front sway and M3 14mm rear sway, new M3 offset bushings and ball joints etc. I'll definitely post pics.

The next project is installing Sable sideskirts and Volvo front lip and electric radiator fan. (I don't care about manufacturers, whatever works!)

[Jall]

That's a nice height Dan, and it looks like it's just high enough to get up my driveway.
I was looking at Vogtland springs as I saw a couple of combos, but read some things on here saying that they were soft? I quite like the way the car handles at the moment (even with shagged rear shocks) but would like to get rid of the initial understeer and body roll. I suppose body roll's not such a bad thing, as long as it doesn't let go. :p

What do you guys think of the stage 3 suspension kit from pelican parts, Billy sports and Eibach springs.

[dandingo]

If this is your daily driver, Vogtlands are great. I don't think they're too soft at all. They're actually a little stiffer in the front than H&R Sports and the same in the rear.

Ireland Stage III is pretty much the exact same setup as H&R Races. They're quite stiff from what I've heard. Eibach Springs are pretty soft so I'd steer clear.

[NOMAD]

I plan to use it for a little bit and see how I like it and may go coilover in the future. I won't slam it with the coilovers, but want them for stiffness even at higher ride heights.

[Jall]

The Vogtland kit seems like a good deal, comes with Koni yellows I think.
Says they're externally adjustable; I read somewhere that either koni reds or yellows needed to be taken out to be adjusted, being externally adjustable does this mean I can adjust them on the shock tower or something...sort of similar to a coilover?

It would be awesome to be able to stiffen up or soften the ride, being a daily driver with the regular twisties fang.

[justin_l_]

If this is your daily driver, Vogtlands are great. I don't think they're too soft at all. They're actually a little stiffer in the front than H&R Sports and the same in the rear.

Ireland Stage III is pretty much the exact same setup as H&R Races. They're quite stiff from what I've heard. Eibach Springs are pretty soft so I'd steer clear.

Eibach makes the IE stage III springs....and yes they are very similar to H&R race springs

[Jall]

Hey guys, I've been slowly gathering parts for this and I'm nearing completion.

So far I have:

• C-arms with ball joints and poly bushings
• Complete tie-rod assemblies
• Sway bar links
• Whiteline front and rear swaybars and poly bushings
• Eibach pro-kit springs (I know some people here don't like them but we'll leave that argument for elsewhere)

But I don't really know what my mechanic was reffering to with these:

• Front D-Rubbers worn.
• Front link pins cracking.
• Extension housing bush leaking.

Any insight?

I also have new rtab's, rsm's, and bilstein sports on order; is there anything else I should be replacing while I'm at it?

Cheers for any help
Jack