Been doing a lot reading on the site from older threads trying to determine what to get to help freshen up the suspension on my 87 TA. Looking to stay in the 6 - 700 range so obviously the budget tells you I am not looking to build an all out race/autocross car.

I have come across a lot of differing opinions on the poly-urethane bushings for LCA's. Are the poly bushings really much of an issue on a weekend cruiser? The car may be driven a little hard in curves and see a "fun run" at an autocross course but nothing seriously competitive.

Right now I am looking at these shocks and struts:

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/kyb-kg5562

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/kyb-236001

I saw many recommendations for KYB's as a budget friendly option. Do these seem to be a reasonable choice or is there something better in this price range?

I want to replace most of the bushings throughout the car and I am looking for suggestions on brands and materials. For the sway bars I would like to go with the poly bushings and endlinks but I am having an issue finding greasable bushings for our cars.

I may have a lot of dumb questions since this is the first dive I am taking into upgrading suspension parts.

thanks in advance

 

https://www.summitracing.com/search/...drivetrain/rwd

I would rec the AGX Line of shocks/struts. They are adjustable and honesty you will like them alot more than just the normal set you have selected.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/e...ZZvBoC8vPw_wcB

For the poly bushings you can get a kit that will have most of everything for about 250. The kit you pick is up to you but whatever its missing be sure to buy extra. prothane and energy suspension are good brands. Also try spohn for the grease-fitting sets http://www.spohn.net/shop/1982-1992-...s-Accessories/

also look into your steering rack/box. They are usually worn, and honestly everything you do here will help but if your box is worn the effects of all this work wont be exactly what you want.

 

I've looked at the full kits but are the poly bushings good for the rear control arms?

 

Yes, they are. Poly is a harder material. In short better for performance but not as soft/ forgiving as normal rubber.

 

Is it worth replacing the rear control arms with what i will be doing? I've looked at Umi and Founders, I see that founders are a bit cheaper but is there any noticeable difference between the 2 brands? Anyone use Founders brand recently?

 

Spend your money on tires, shocks, struts. Make sure the steering ballpoints are good. First suspension part of do are the strut mounts, replace them with a bearing type from whatever company u s choose. The stock rubber ones deflect a lot.

wouldn't bother with bushings unless they are shot. poly bushings are not really worth it for most applications.

 

Planning for tires and alignment to be done outside of the budget above.

Strut mounts are a new item I've read about, will the folks doing the alignment need to set them up/adjust them or do I after install?

 

So far my list is below:

Rear Control Arms
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/upi-2015-b

Sway bar Links - All 4
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/mog-k6630

Panhard Bar bushings
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/ens-3-7106g

A-arm bushings (possibly)
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/mog-k6253

Greasable front and rear sway bar bushings 36mm and 24mm from TDS

MOOG steering parts - Inner and outer tie rod ends, center link, adj sleeves, Idler arm. Probably going to order from Rockauto since they seem to have good prices on the whole set.

Shocks not quite sure yet

Tires I am looking at Riken Raptors in 245/50 R16

Anyone use these tires or other parts? Anything I am missing as far as my choices that may not work?

 

Subbed

 

i just got done rebuild the front suspension on my car, replace tie rods, idler arm and center link with gm parts. i used qa1 ball joints and global west del a lum control arm bushings. ride pretty good and steering feels tighter, gonna do struts and mounts next.

 

I'd recommend spending the extra and getting the BF Goodrich Sport Comp 2's. I've bought them twice and they're an excellent tire for the money. Good wear and fantastic grip for the money.

 

I second the BFG SC2's. I have 'em and I love 'em.

As for the strut mount, they shop doing the alignment will adjust when they align. Aftermarket provided two benefits. One is the bearing, which is far superior. Second is just extra adjustment, although for a street set up, you won't need it.

I found sub frame connectors to be a HUGE improvement! ....this is a must IMHO.

Beyond that, the single biggest improvement I made was new shocks/struts/springs (if nec.)

 

like mention above
Shocks
Tires
Springs
Adjust Roll Center


are biggest improvements


can fine tune with the fancy stuff like camber plates sfc and tubular stuff