2G Suspension components

[SNAKE_15]

My bushings for my suspension components are going out so I thought it would be a good idea to just replace all of them. Can someone explain why the lower compression arm itself costs 162$ when the kit itself is less than that? Also, has anybody had luck using aftermarket suspension components or is oem strongly recommend like our timing components?

 

[blkgst97]

Ever considered just doing a bushing kit? Either energy suspension or prothane? I have the prothane kit. It was a long day on the install but well worth it.

 

[SNAKE_15]

Ever considered just doing a bushing kit? Either energy suspension or prothane? I have the prothane kit. It was a long day on the install but well worth it.

I have not. From what I read on reviews just now, it's not friendly for daily driver cars because of the vibrations.?

 

[blkgst97]

Maybe I'm more tolerant but I don't feel it causes any vibrations. You could definitely feel bumps more but nothing crazy. I daily mine and I think the car feels great. Guess it's a matter of opinion. I felt vibrations with poly engine mounts if that's what you're thinking of.

 

[gst-turbo]

You will get usto the vibration really fast

 

[JackStieben]

I have my rear full Prothane. It is sorta loud, but you do get used to it.

 

[mvan0131]

I have a 1G and have full polyurethane bushings and really enjoy the ride.

As for aftermarket suspension components, I've replaced almost everything with moog brand components. They seem to work and fit like factory items.

 

[Black95TSIawd]

Unfortunately, one cannot replace the compression arm bushings. (Not as far as I know.) You would have to replace the whole arm itself. This may not be a bad idea, along with the lower control arm, because you also end up replacing the ball joints.

If you have high miles, all new arms, even with OEM bushings, will make the car feel great. Don't do poly bushings if you're not into autocross or road racing. There is no point in making your daily drive worse with no actual benefit. Unless you're like most people and just feel like doing it "becuz racecar".

 

[Paul@RTM]

Can someone explain why the lower compression arm itself costs 162$ when the kit itself is less than that?

This is due to a recall that existed years ago on one of the suspension components (forget which). Mitsu made these available to the service departments in its dealer network in an attempt to reduce the time (and thus expense) of the recall work (which Mitsu was on the hook to cover on behalf of its dealers). The price of the kit itself was also greatly reduced for the same reason (Mitsu was on the hook for the expense of the recall work). There are a few other examples of these "kits" with some other DSM parts.

 

[blkgst97]

If you have high mileage and are looking to swap out all of the arms just to get the bushings replaced, although easier will cost more to do so. Honestly the prothane kit isn't even bad. I think people speculate or read about what might happen and pass on this information as fact. The car feels much more crisp and responsive and all in a day's work. Granted I have access to a lift and press so for others it might be more hassle than it's worth.

 

[PlanZero]

First, make sure the lateral control arm recall was done on your car. If you're into OEM, search eBay for NOS from dealerships (I just picked up a pair for $59), I prefer Moog for aftermarket (use rock auto) since I've had several sets of OEM fail on me.

 

[smills1840]

I have the Driver and Passenger side kits that you linked to, and although I haven't installed them yet, they are exactly what you're expecting. OEM control arms.

Be warned, however, that no other hardware (nuts and bolts) is included with the kit.

 

[SNAKE_15]

Thanks for the responses. Honestly, I'm not trying to gain anything and simply need to replace my worn bushings. It's a daily driver first and foremost so I might just go with the oem kit.

 

[Paul@RTM]

There are a few other examples of these "kits" with some other DSM parts.

A similar example is the propeller shaft yoke repair kit which costs less than a single u-joint. Same idea: there was a leaky yoke recall that Mitsu was on the hook for.

 

[waterlance]

Look up your VIN to see if the recall has been performed, I looked a few months ago and it's still "open" (unlike the transfer case recall). I payed about $800 - $1000 for a shop to do the entire ball joint and control arm replacement for my whole car only to find out the recall hadn't been performed on my car yet. Any credible shop will use OEM parts anyway. Hope that helps!