Anyone using Energy Suspension or Global West? If so, advice?

JamesC

 

I just got mine from Summit and wondering the same thing.

 

I used energy suspension on mine. The only thing I can recommend is that if your going to replace the front do the back also. I did the fronts first and the rear felt really loose after wards. After replacing the rears it never handled better, Body roll was substantially reduced.
I'm not sure what other type of advise your looking for. What else did you want to know?

 

My signature pretty much defines what I've done to the suspension. I'm seriously considering Energy Suspsenion and/or Global West's Del-a-lums. I've had good luck with Energy, but I don't want noise. Any problems in that regard?

JamesC

 

Well, going with anything stiffer than the stock rubber bushings will increase noise levels. I have completely replaced all rubber with poly with the exception of the motor mounts and noise levels have increased a great deal. But that's something you have to decide for yourself, is the extra noise level worth the added performance? For me it is, I haven't had the polyurethane installed in my vehicle very long and already want to go with something stiffer. I want the Del-a lum bushings in front with double sperical rod ended LCA's in back. Going with the Del-a-lum bushings will probably double the sound levels over Poly seeing as they are pretty much a soild unit as compared to poly which allow for some flex and sound absorbtion. I can't speak for you but looking at your signature I can see that your more concerned with performance. I say go with the Del-a-lum bushings and save your self the hassle of wanting to upgrade to something better in the future like me.

By the way I'm going to be purchasing a GW wonder bar soon. Did you notice any change in performance after installing yours?

Mark

 

I used a P-S-T suspension poly-graphite kit in the front of my car and beat it on a regular basis and I have no noise!
The poly has graphite in it to keep it quiet.

My .02.

 

Thanks for the imput. My IROC had the wonderbar stock, of course. I purchased before I recognized that fact. I swapped the Global West version in since I'd already bought. Can't say there is any difference.

I'm also thinking for the Guldstrand poly 36mm/24mms.

JamesC

 

when I refer to the noise level I'm not talking about squeaks from the bushings, as long as you keep them lubricated they will not squeak. What I am refering to is the road noise that is being transmitted into the interior of your car. Like I said the stiffer the material the less ability it has of absorbing road noises.

 

I have BMR LCR/PHR ready to go in at the same time the front bushings, Koni yellow's, and Eibach springs.

grafx,

I installed the GW brace on my '89 Formula and the steering stiffened up a little and no more groans or wheel hop at full lock parking lot speeds. I also am installing the Hotckis solid tie-rod sleeves. I'll let you know how that goes.

 

I'm not concerned about road noise; however, squeaks and groans are out. Do the E/S poly bushings require lube? How about the poly graphite types used by Guldstrand or P-S-T?

JamesC

 

Yes poly bushings do require lube. Energy Suspension bushings come with their own lube. I went ahead and purchased some extra ES lube so thast I could coat them with the stuff in the hopes of not having to relube them as soon. The lube they come with is only enough to put a thin coat on. As for the Poly graphite types I would say yes but would be less likely to squeaks because of the graphite, but I'm not sure I've never used them.

formul8,
Thanks that's mainly what I've been concerned with were those bothersome parking lot speed problems. Lately a new problem has developed though. When turning Right I hear a pretty loud pop on the drivers side, and sometimes I can even feel it through the gas pedal. I think the frame might be cracked behind the steering box. I'm hoping the sound will dissapear once I install the steering brace. If it does then I'll unbolt the steering box and see if it is cracked from there I can weld it if need be.

 

I've been real happy with the Global West Del-A-Lum Bushings.They're a little tougher to install,since the aluminum part presses into the A-arm.
They're the best available in my opinion.I used to use the Herb Adams Steel bushings, but I don't think they're available any more.
There's an increase in road noise over stock bushings,but it's not as bad as you might think.
I even use steel motor mounts and trans mount.
-Rich-

 

I've got Energy Suspension on mine and it's a sqeaker, I lubed them when I installed them, it was ok for a while. I dread redoing them cause I like to never got the LCAs back in. There is a big difference in the handling, I'll go with poly-graphite next time.

Any ideas on relube would be appreciated.

 

What type of lube did you use on them the first time and how much did you put on

 

I used what came with the kit, I used all of it on the front, I haven't done the back yet. It was two little containers. I think. I coated them up pretty good.

 

I've used the Energy Suspension front bushings with no complaints at all. Definitely a better feel on the road. Not too bad of an install either.

 

Same here I have Energy Suspension components all around and no complaints. No squeeks, moans, nothing. Just your usual increase in road noise but the handling more than makes up for it.

 

Same story here. I like them, but sometimes the noise gets to you.

 

Yeah i think I better get a louder sound system than the stock set up I have now, before I go with the Del-a-lum bushings and double spherical rod ended LCA's.