Stock vs Aftermarket suspension is it worth it?

[Budget Tuner]

Hi!
I want to hear peoples opinion on wether or not it is really worth it to upgrade the stock suspension?
I love my stock suspension it feels great, yet is there a noticable difference when you upgrade?


I used to drive a Ford Econoline 150, maybe that explains why I like my stock suspension.

 

[2-0turbo]

Originally posted by Budget Tuner
Hi!
I want to hear peoples opinion on wether or not it is really worth it to upgrade the stock suspension?
I love my stock suspension it feels great, yet is there a noticable difference when you upgrade?

I used to drive a Ford Econoline 150, maybe that explains why I like my stock suspension.

You people kill me with these posts. Should I date redheads or blondes?

My question and yours have about the same basis. What do YOU want to do with the car? Do you plan on modding it? Do you want to just leave it mostly stock and keep it as a beater? Do you want to drag race it? Do you want to auto-x/roadcourse it? It comes down to personal decisions.

Is is worth upgrading the suspension? It was to me, but maybe not to you. Do I feel a difference? Yeah! I spent $1000 on it and it doesn't have any body roll anymore.

I'm not mad, but you are asking very broad, generalized questions about what we think you should do with your car. I think you should put a big wing on, slam it and paint it neon green.

Ask some specific questions and indicate what you would liketo do with your car and I am sure some people will chime in with good responses.

Regards,

 

[GSX]

Maybe we should answer like this "YES"

But seriously, Matt has it exactly right. What are you plans?

With the money spent on suspension modications the car will
corner hard. You'll notice the lack of dips when you accelerate
and come to stop, which in turn can help with traction on the
car's launches.

It's pretty straightforwad as to what you'll gain .. infact, you
can check out suspension websites like www.eibach.com and
www.tokicogasshocks.com to get a better understanding of
what you stand to gain.

Later,

 

[AWDriver]

If you love it and feels great, keep it that way.

 

[Chaotech]

i myself want to upgrade suspension, its my daily driver but i plan on putting a GREEN turbo on it, and taking it to the track (drag) what do you think? i know i need tighter rear end suspension.. my rear end has smacked the pavement once before

 

[Budget Tuner]

Thanks for the info!I am planning on adding coilovers and a front strut bar.What do you think?

 

[2-0turbo]

Again, what are your plans for the car? I'd say it is a good start. If you are willing to spend the money (and you indicate you are), I would always recommend a CO kit versus lowering springs. Too many people buy springs and then that is it, they can't do anything else. Once you go to "the standard" 2.5" ID X YY Long (usually about 8"), you can pick any spring rate in the world and set your ride height any where you want it.

One my 1G, the front strut tower brace was the biggest bang-for-the-buck handling upgrade I put on my car. Coilovers are great, but I would say the second best thing was a rear sway bar. I use RMDSM and love it. Some use the ST because it is a bit stiffer. I didn't want to get too stiff for a street car. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

[Budget Tuner]

If I add the coilovers, should I also replace the stock shocks?
When I add the Coil Overs will I need to have my alignment realigned?

Please enlighten me?

 

[nholley]

Originally posted by Budget Tuner
If I add the coilovers, should I also replace the stock shocks?
When I add the Coil Overs will I need to have my alignment realigned?

Please enlighten me?

It's best to replace all the suspension parts at the same time. I don't think it is essential to get the alignment done, but it couldn't hurt.

 

[2-0turbo]

Originally posted by Budget Tuner
If I add the coilovers, should I also replace the stock shocks?
When I add the Coil Overs will I need to have my alignment realigned?

Please enlighten me?

It sort of depends on what spring rates you choose, but I would recommend a definite yes. Shock absorbers control spring energy/wheel rebound. Add a stronger spring and you have to have a beefier shock to keep control of that wheel. You are going to have everything off, I would definitely do them at the same time.

Yes, you will need an alignment. It might be pretty close if you keep the ride height the same, but the consequences of being wrong=tires evaporate quickly.

Whenever you lower a car, the toe is going to change in the front (and probably the rear too) and the rear camber is going to go increasingly negative. Be aware that this is a downward spiral. If you lower you car much at all on the rear, you will run out of camber adjustment. Getting it into factory specs will require some additional hardware.

 

[stickman]

I have adjustable coilovers and KYB shocks and love the way my car handles.If you are going to race at all I would say upgrade.If not keep it stock.

 

[extremeprimetim]

Need some input here on what my next suspension upgrade should be. 1st of all the car will be strictly street driven, albeit it will see a lot of spirited driving with that being said I already have the Eibach 1in drop. I've also added Monroe front and rear struts/shocks (cheap I know, but life time warranty). The car also has a front strut towar bar, any input would be appreciated.

Extreme
ps - car is a 1990 AWD

 

[RocketDSM]

Sway Bars. Front and Rear. RMDSM. That simple.