Mid-Level Suspension Refresh/Upgrade - Opinions Welcome
#1
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Ohio
Posts: 372
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1987 Trans Am
Engine: 305 TPI
Mid-Level Suspension Refresh/Upgrade - Opinions Welcome
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
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
#2
Senior Member
iTrader: (2)
Re: Mid-Level Suspension Refresh/Upgrade - Opinions Welcome
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 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.
Last edited by t/aws61985; 05-03-2017 at 09:01 PM.
#3
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Ohio
Posts: 372
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1987 Trans Am
Engine: 305 TPI
Re: Mid-Level Suspension Refresh/Upgrade - Opinions Welcome
I've looked at the full kits but are the poly bushings good for the rear control arms?
#5
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Ohio
Posts: 372
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1987 Trans Am
Engine: 305 TPI
Re: Mid-Level Suspension Refresh/Upgrade - Opinions Welcome
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?
#6
Supreme Member
iTrader: (14)
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 12,650
Likes: 0
Received 44 Likes
on
42 Posts
Car: 86 Trans Am, 92 Firebird
Engine: 408 sbc, 3.1L of raw power
Transmission: TKO600, T5
Axle/Gears: Moser 9", 3:70 trutac, 3:23 torsion
Re: Mid-Level Suspension Refresh/Upgrade - Opinions Welcome
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.
wouldn't bother with bushings unless they are shot. poly bushings are not really worth it for most applications.
#7
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Ohio
Posts: 372
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1987 Trans Am
Engine: 305 TPI
Re: Mid-Level Suspension Refresh/Upgrade - Opinions Welcome
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.
wouldn't bother with bushings unless they are shot. poly bushings are not really worth it for most applications.
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?
Trending Topics
#8
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Ohio
Posts: 372
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1987 Trans Am
Engine: 305 TPI
Re: Mid-Level Suspension Refresh/Upgrade - Opinions Welcome
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?
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?
#10
Member
Re: Mid-Level Suspension Refresh/Upgrade - Opinions Welcome
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.
#11
Member
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Kingston, ON
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1985 Trans Am
Engine: 350
Transmission: T5
Re: Mid-Level Suspension Refresh/Upgrade - Opinions Welcome
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.
#12
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
Re: Mid-Level Suspension Refresh/Upgrade - Opinions Welcome
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.)
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.)
#13
Supreme Member
iTrader: (6)
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: San Diego, California For Now
Posts: 2,379
Likes: 0
Received 10 Likes
on
10 Posts
Car: 88 Formula, 90 Iroc RIP, 92 RS Sold
Engine: 305 to 350
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt
Re: Mid-Level Suspension Refresh/Upgrade - Opinions Welcome
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
Shocks
Tires
Springs
Adjust Roll Center
are biggest improvements
can fine tune with the fancy stuff like camber plates sfc and tubular stuff