Suspension upgrade question?

[dsmcoder]

The suspension on my car sucks, when I go over bumps it's feels like my suspension is bottoming out. I either want to replace it with stock or aftermarket suspension but I'm not sure which one would give me the best ride/handling. Also the max I am willing to drop my car is about 1/2 inch because my car is my D.D. and in the winter the snow gets pretty deep so I need all the clearance I can get.

What would you guys recommend?

 

[caseyrock]

What do you currently have installed??

 

[carnalforce]

What kind of ride are you looking for? If you are looking for a little firmer ride without a large drop, then a shock/spring combo will work, if not, just replace them with the OEM.

 

[gusu]

The closest thing you can get to a stock strut anymore is KYB struts.

 

[dsmcoder]

As far as I know I have stock suspension, I am just looking for any suspension that will ride good over bumps and not feel like I'm bottoming it out when you go over them.

 

[clipto]

Well there are many setup's you can look into. A few examples are Eibach lowering springs with kyb agx adjustable struts. Megan coilovers are a option as well, with a reasonable price. Last but not least is some good quality Tokico's. My personal opinion is there all really about the same with good ride quality, unless you go with coilovers then its just heaven. Just remember the lower you go from stock you will always love speed bumps more and more.

 

[jtmcinder]

The closest thing you can get to a stock strut anymore is KYB struts.

That would probably be due to the fact that the OE shocks were KYBs....

 

[phantom_19]

Due to the front of the car being heavier, i would just replace the front struts with GR2 and stock springs for a stiffer ride.

 

[dsmcoder]

Due to the front of the car being heavier, i would just replace the front struts with GR2 and stock springs for a stiffer ride.

Would this lower my car or would it be about the same? Also would coilovers lower the car?

 

[jtmcinder]

Due to the front of the car being heavier, i would just replace the front struts with GR2 and stock springs for a stiffer ride.

Please explain how replacing the stock springs and shocks with stock springs and shocks will net the OP a stiffer ride.

 

[jtmcinder]

Would this lower my car or would it be about the same?

Well, he suggested that you replace your springs and shocks with identical springs and shocks, so my guess - and it's only a guess, mind you, site rules be damned - is that this won't alter the car's height. /snark

 

[dmaffo]

You may want to consider how long you are going to keep the car for. If you feel like you will be owning for a while (1 year+) I would 100% go for Coilovers. You dont have to get Tein Flexes or anyuthing like that. There are various CO's new resonably priced or even some in the classifieds. The amount of work and $ you will spend on shocks and springs make it an easy decision to go with coilovers. The biggest advantage as it was mentioned, way better ride, and way better performance. Much better bang for your dollar!

 

[DirtyDSMDan]

replacing worn out shocks and struts with new OEM replacement shocks and struts will net a stiffer ride... due to the fact they are not worn out.

 

[jtmcinder]

replacing worn out shocks and struts with new OEM replacement shocks and struts will net a stiffer ride... due to the fact they are not worn out.

On the plausible assumption that the current shocks are dying, I'll give you that one, even tho' I wasn't asking you.

 

[DirtyDSMDan]

The suspension on my car sucks, when I go over bumps it's feels like my suspension is bottoming out.

If it really does feel like it is bottoming out, then that suggests worn out shocks/ struts. Replacing OEM shocks/ struts will net a stiffer ride in that case.

In regards to coilovers, most will net you a lower ride height, however you can purchase adjustable ones that will barely lower your car at all if that is your desire. I personally like TEIN, they net a very good handling increase, and are completely adjustable. With a little homework you can even have a DD set up, and easily tune them for a track day.

 

[dsmcoder]

Yes it actually feels like my suspension is bottoming out, when I hit a medium sized bump I can hear and feel something bang. It's really annoying

 

[DirtyDSMDan]

then ya, new OEM shocks and struts should help out a lot, although a good inspection with all 4 wheels off will be able to tell you more than any of us via words.

 

[jtmcinder]

Yes it actually feels like my suspension is bottoming out, when I hit a medium sized bump I can hear and feel something bang. It's really annoying

Before you spend money on things that you might not need, I'd pull the wheels off and look around. For all you (or I) know, you've snapped a swaybar end-link and there's nothing wrong with your shocks and springs; alternatively, a ball-joint might be about to let go and you'd really be better off fixing it soon, instead of having it happen at 65 mph. It takes a pretty good bump to bottom-out a stock suspension, even when the shocks are shot.

 

[phantom_19]

The Gr2's are more resistant to heavy blows than the stock OEM springs. He said he didnt want a drop more than half inch. So it should be fine. The rear of the car doesnt bottom out easily. If he wants a budget option this should be the best option. Everyone is throwing coilover words at him,which would cost him over 700 dollars.

 

[dsmcoder]

I checked my ball joints a month ago and they were good, I'll check the sway bar ends just to be sure. How much would the Gr2s be, can you give me a link for one that would work a a 1g awd automatic, thanks?

 

[caseyrock]

Buy used coils. Save your bank and you can adjust them to any height you want

 

[dsmcoder]

Even the used coil overs are way too expensive to consider at this time anyway.

 

[4G63_GSX]

i would go with some ksport coilovers, if you want a much cheaper route i guess would be some adjustable struts

 

[jtmcinder]

i would go with some ksport coilovers....

You know, it's almost like this is a new form of Godwin's Law. Because I thought of it, I get to name it. And, so, without further ado, I present to you Cinder's Law: "as a DSM suspension thread gets longer, the probability of someone suggesting K-Sports approaches 1."

 

[91vr4galant]

Sounds like a nice set of KYBs would do the trick, I'm not sure where you are from but around my area they are running a buy 3 get one free at the shops price, so if you have any friends in with a garage, they might be able to get you a nice set cheap.