Tires, shocks and mods for soft ride WS6 ? - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

turbosbox · 09-23-2009, 07:05 PM

Goal: firm sporty feel, not hard over broken pavement. street not track driven. Like the WS6 and stock 16" wheels.
I am interested in improved suspension, but not a really hard ride.
I like the WS6 suspension, but want to make some improvements. I'm thinking e.g. eibach springs and lowering are out. too many low dips to cross and want a softer ride.
Shocks, what should I get for a smooth ride? Monroe matics? KYB gas adjust or gr-2's, or ? No expensive adjustables I think.
For a smooth ride which tires? Fair grip, low road noise and long lasting.?
I'm thinking a wonderbar and weld in subframe would help with the rattles over bumps. It's a t-top which makes it worse. Any other ideas? Any brands to look at? Alignment settings? Once I set at -1? camber? and it didnt return to center very well, so not sure if I like that again.
Also comments on polyurathane bushings? I'm thinking this would be opposite of what I'm looking for in softer over broken pavement?
I wanted to ask in the ultimate suspension thread, but this is a bit of a different approach.

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FueledSoul · 09-23-2009, 09:38 PM

Well for what your looking for:
Id keep the stock coils and cut one full coil off this will give you a nice slight drop and will only increase the stiffness/coil rate about 10% id go with KYB non-adjustbile shocks and struts they work great and are price friendy, to give it that more sporty better handling feel go with larger swaybars being that its a WS6 im sure you already have the lagest ones so go with full poly on the sway bars. since you would be at a slight drop you many need to bring your rearend back center so you will need a panhard par no only would it bring the rear end back but its very beneficial in the handling department aside from that there are alot to pick from (rod/rod) (rod/poly) (poly/poly) etc. Anytime you increse the chassis stiffness is a plus. subframes, sturt tower braces, and the streering brace will help some too. as far as polyurathane bushings they are fine to uses anywhere theres no rotaion I.E lower control arms, but could still be used.
id check your linkage and other bushings and replace them as necessary
and then go from there. Tires will be the big ticket and im sure others will help you with tire seletions. this is very mild but should be the gains your looking for with out suffering a harsh ride

91_5.7_TPI · 10-01-2009, 02:56 PM

'Soft ride' and 'improved handling' are some what mutually exclusive in 3rd gens. Unless you have some pretty deep pockets. Need to decide what compromise you want and mod from there.

cal30_sniper · 11-02-2009, 09:32 PM

I'd say that what my setup runs currently would be a pretty good fit for you.

In order of importance:

-Good Tires (Yokohama has been a real good brand for me, I'm also a fan of the new Firestone models, both brands are very well priced)
-Shocks and Struts (I've got KYBs on the rear +++ excellent for what you want. I have Monroe Sensa-Tracs on the front, and I'm not impressed, will be switching to KYB soon)
-Wonder Bar and Panhard Bar (Wonder Bar made a huge difference in tying together the front suspension, Panhard Bar did the same for the rear)
-Weld In Subframe Connectors (I have UMI, would definitely recommend them, really reduces that T-Top flex and rattle)

With those pieces, I believe that you will find the ride quality you are looking for. Mine is a WS6 as well, with T-Tops. Think of it as a WS6 improved setup.

Of course, I'm going to 18" rims and tires this weekend, so that's probably all about to change, haha.

-Levi

turbosbox · 11-03-2009, 01:37 AM

sounds good. i got the KYB's, (not installed yet), as seems many people either didn't like the sensitracs or had them fail quickly. going to get the wonderbar and some SFC or pair of them. i have a second set of yokohama's on another sedan as I also like them. which type do u run? also reading reviews of firestones being good, wide oval? I think is one.

cal30_sniper · 11-03-2009, 01:31 PM

I have Avid S/T's on right now. I'm looking to stepping up to 18" bimmer rims with a new set of Michelin Pilot Sport all seasons. I know the ride is going to instant stiff, but I'm absolutely sick of slipping and sliding around with those heavy 15 inchers I've got on now. It'll also leave me enough room to do the C4 HD brake conversion, which outta be a snap since I have access to a lathe and all the other goodies.

As for the Firestones, I ran Firestone Firehawk Indy 500s on my '76 Chrysler New Yorker back in the day, and my dad still has a set on his '71 Charger R/T. We ran the Yokohamas on my '87 T/A and his '66 T-bird. Probably would have run them on the R/T at first too, but dad wanted a white letter tire, and sure wasn't putting "Yokohama" on the side of his Charger, haha. Overall, I'd have to say I was more impressed with the Firestones than the Yokohamas. Seemed to have better traction, were a bit quieter, and looked better to boot.

Just my $.02,

-Levi

cal30_sniper · 11-11-2009, 10:22 PM

As for the update on the 18" rims, they didn't make the suspension quite as harsh as I was fearing. It's actually much more positive now, but a huge increase in handling, poise, and balance on the road. Just thought I'd let you know, something else to consider.

-Levi