Suspension Upgrade Time

[Dan]

Well the time has come to upgrade my suspension the Bird has 102k mile and is 12years old. My shocks/springs were worn out and I was getting quite abit of body roll.
In not much of a straight line type of driver I like my car to ride on the edge through turns.

So I just ordered....
Koni Shocks 4/4 F&R
Strano's Hallow Swaybars F&R
Strano's Springs F&R
UMI Double Adjustable Panhard- w/ Roto-Joints
Figured that should get me the ride Im looking for and some.

Atm I currently have LCA's, Subframe, nonadjustable phb and slotted/drilled brakes. Engine mods just a LID. I'll work more on my engine mods next Im more worried about the direction the car goes and how it rides.

Is there anything I need to worry about with this setup? Am I missing something important?

[grn95t/a]

looks like a great list. maybe a strut tower brace too? and front strut mounts too?

[Jazz]

I'd also include an adjustable torque arm as well since you'll be lowering the car. It will correct your pinion angle. Looks like everything else is pretty spot on. You might consider going to poly bushings, but honestly the ride quality will suffer a bit from that though the car will handle better as well.

[novajoe]

looks like a great list. maybe a strut tower brace too? and front strut mounts too?


I second that. The strut tower brace makes a huge difference due to decreased deflection.

[Jazz]

Let me think. Is there anything that I don't have on my car? Humm????? Rear shock tower brace maybe??? -- I am actually thinking roll cage this winter maybe...

[Dan]

I spent all my car funds for atleast this month. But if my strut mounts are shot I'll replace them when I start tearing it all apart. I'll have to hold off on the strut tower brace and the adjustable torque arm.

Will my pinion angle be that bad that I can cause damage to anything?

[novajoe]

Not right away. but it will also cause a slight difference in how the vehicle handles under acceleration.

[Dan]

Any recommendations on a good adjustable torque arm?

[Beach Cruiser]

That's a great combo, almost the same as what's on my car. Another small item you may want to consider is the rear control arm relocation brackets to correct the LCA angle when you lower it.

[Dan]

Went on vacation to So Cal had a blast but also happy to be back home, hate road trips.
Finally got all my parts installed this weekend what a pain in the ass the ps strut was had to grind off the bolt. The Formula rides a whole lot better just what I was hoping for. All I need now is some small adjustments on the Koni's and I should be set.

[Beach Cruiser]

The best adjustments for the Koni's are two clicks from full hard in the front and full soft in the rear. At least that's Sam's advice...