New Member - 1989 325ix and Evo

[AWDBOB]

I don't know, supposedly they matched my spring rates, but it feels awful. I mean, it corners like it's on rails, but it oscillates a lot over small bumps and is just really stiff feeling. every little crease or pebble on the road feels like I'm hitting a speed bump at 50mph. it didn't feel like that with Konis and my spring rates are softer now..

thanks for the tip! that's a lot less than I expected.. might have to pull the trigger soon, need to pull apart my LF strut and see what's going on first though.

I was thinking the same thing. For these race struts I expected the damage to be much worse.

They probably valved them too stiff. As you already know (and told me so), the Konis will probably be MUCH better for your setup. I wasn't convinced until I put the rears on. Now I'm sold :o.

[AWDBOB]

My VC works 20% of the time, every time.

[nando]

the seal on the VC probably went bad (overheated) and some of the fluid leaked out.

it looks like it's still partially locking but the fronts don't engage all the way.

[AWDBOB]

the seal on the VC probably went bad (overheated) and some of the fluid leaked out.

it looks like it's still partially locking but the fronts don't engage all the way.

Do you know why they overheat? We just did a VC in my brothers iX and it wasn't too bad, it's just tough finding one that's still good.

[nando]

usually from improper towing, mismatched tires, or no fluid in the transfercase.

[AWDBOB]

usually from improper towing, mismatched tires, or no fluid in the transfercase.

Sounds about right. Didn't know if there was a special seal that went (like the auto trans') that caused the failure or anything.

I'll wait until a manual swap to fix the VC..that is, if I can ever find one.

[nando]

it's a little o-ring thing that can only take like 240f or something before it melts. usually the t-case doesn't get that hot, but when you tow it with one set of wheels on the ground for instance, it will cook that seal, posslibly crack the VC case, and the disks inside often warp. :(

[AWDBOB]

it's a little o-ring thing that can only take like 240f or something before it melts. usually the t-case doesn't get that hot, but when you tow it with one set of wheels on the ground for instance, it will cook that seal, posslibly crack the VC case, and the disks inside often warp. :(

Man, that's annoying. I'm running like 90/10 as of late, but I 'spose I'll be living with it until I come across a 5sp swap.

[AWDBOB]

Front struts ordered! Ended up finding them for $203 a piece with free shipping. Amazon FTW.

Koni P/N: 8610-1436RACE

2.1" shorter than standard iX front Koni strut for use with shortened strut housings.

[AWDBOB]

They're so pretty!

[audiquattrot]

nice!~ leaving the stock springs? That sucks about the tc....btdt =/

[AWDBOB]

nice!~ leaving the stock springs? That sucks about the tc....btdt =/

These are the shortened race Konis! 2.1" shorter while having otherwise the same dimensions as the normal length iX Koni struts (PN: 8610 1436RACE). Thus, for my Ground Control setup, I have to shorten the strut housing 2.1". This way I can go low while still retaining stock suspension travel! Plus these guys are 5 way adj and are valved better than the Bilsteins for running a stiff spring.

My housings are at JMFab at the moment, so hopefully Monday or so I'll get to throw them on!

And yeah, I wasn't terribly happy about the VC. However, I just located a 5sp swap that I'm trying to pull the trigger on here and PA, but the owner is jerking me around and it's quite frustrating, seeing as they are so difficult to come by.

[audiquattrot]

These are the shortened race Konis! 2.1" shorter while having otherwise the same dimensions as the normal length iX Koni struts (PN: 8610 1436RACE). Thus, for my Ground Control setup, I have to shorten the strut housing 2.1". This way I can go low while still retaining stock suspension travel! Plus these guys are 5 way adj and are valved better than the Bilsteins for running a stiff spring.

My housings are at JMFab at the moment, so hopefully Monday or so I'll get to throw them on!

And yeah, I wasn't terribly happy about the VC. However, I just located a 5sp swap that I'm trying to pull the trigger on here and PA, but the owner is jerking me around and it's quite frustrating, seeing as they are so difficult to come by.

A friend of mine unfortunately just totalled his mint silver ix identical to mine two nights ago. I will ask him if hes willing to sell the parts u need. Not sure if you're willing to make the drive to NYC tho

[AWDBOB]

A friend of mine unfortunately just totalled his mint silver ix identical to mine two nights ago. I will ask him if hes willing to sell the parts u need. Not sure if you're willing to make the drive to NYC tho

As unfortunate as that is, definitely let him know I'm interested. I am more than willing to make the trip to NYC!

[nando]

They're so pretty!

those look great. at $203 a piece I might follow suit if my billies are indeed broken. my housings are shortened 2" so I'd have to make a spacer but that's not a big deal.