hey guys, I just started restoring my 88 bird, and will be replacing the suspension soon, I'm car illiterate so i will probably flooding the board with questions, and my first question is:

when it conces to but suspension upgrade is it better to out my nuts into one baskter? or mis-match them with different brands?

thanks

 

As always, "it depends".....

I went the mismatch & cheap route and it is fine for better than stock handling street use. From what I've seen, cheaper usually means less (or no) adjust-ability, or sometimes a weaker material. Unfortunately, I didn't read up here before ordering my suspension stuff 10 years ago, so now my car handles well, but is twitchy & could be better. Steering feel is better than stock, much less body roll and nose dive. However, it needs constant input to drive straight, demands you pay attention, and the ride is pretty harsh.

Just for reference of what not to slap together:

Addco sway bars, 1.25" front 1" rear
Suspension Techniques 1" lowering springs
KYB gr2 struts, gas-a-just shocks
Edlebrock PHR & LCA (not adjustable, no relocation brackets)
PST bushings front & rear
Kenny Brown SFC, 3-point STB, lower chassis brace
Global West wonderbar
17" by 8" ARE Torq Thrust IIs
245/45/17 Futura Ultra Z

If you are gonna autoX or road race, try something else, probably a mix of the best components, but keep in mind the complete package.

 

I don't think there's a complete suspension package available from anyone. Spring folks don't make shocks, tie rod folks don't make springs, etc. There are packages of similar parts available - like UMI makes alot of stuff like torque arms, strut tower braces, SFC's, etc. And Moog makes springs and things like ball joints etc. Most of what I've seen are mixed and matched to get what you want at the prices you can afford.

Like myself - I have Bilstein shocks and struts, Eibach springs, an Edelbrock strut tower brace and adjustable panhard bar, and some of my poly bushings are from Prothane, some are other brands. I used NAPA brand tie rod ends and ball joints because they were beefy, priced no worse than any other high end brand, and local (no shipping/waiting). I have a TDS stering brace.

This summer I'll be adding TDS subframe connectors as well - I chose TDS for the SFC's because they are bolt in so I can install myself and make sure they are right before I have someone weld them in - it's been my experience that the only way to get it done right is to do it yourself - everytime I entrusted someone to do something they did it wrong, and welding something in wrong is bad in my book.

I'm sure some folks have "this brand" of everything in that category of parts - alot of folks are brand loyal, and like having all "this" or "that". But I'm one to get the best bang for the buck, and the best solution for my needs. My car won't ever sport brand stickers pasted all over it (unless I'm getting paid a healthy advertising compensation), so in the end brand just doesn't rank as high to me as functionality and price.

There's always one that's better than another - but usually it's hype and not fact. Although we'd like to, you just can't say that Chevy is better than Ford - they are different, but neither is overall "better". But obviously we like Chevy around here

 

The first reply listed some good suggestions and the second listed some break the bank accounts ones. They are both good replies, but you have to decide. Now i will add to your list and the first mod regardless what you think of the cost are welded in SFC's ( SUB FRAME CONNECTORS). After these you can build what you want.

 

my plan is to save up the money and buy everything at once. and due to limited income. I can anoy put about $2000 into the suspension, adding the price on sumit, umi will cost about $1300 not counting shipping + a few other things that umi doesn't make. bmr through summit, will run about $1800, big differance

what I don't know is if I should do all umi, or just buy their better qaulity stuff, and buy other company's better qaulity, that umi, may have cheap out on?

 

While shopping around I noticed that buyunspeed seemed to have the best prices since shipping is free. Plus you can get UMI, Spohn, BMR, etc all there too. They were cheaper than summit. Never bought from them yet, so can't say anything about servce though.

 

One other thing I should have mentioned...

Your local Autozone and/or Advance can special order alot of the same stuff, deliver it to the store in 1-2 days, they charge no shipping, and it's a hassle-free return if it's not what you wanted when you see it. I went this route with my Bilsteins and Eibachs and was very pleased - prices were as good or better than most internet sites and there was no shipping and very little waiting - I got my stuff next day!