Lately, I've noticed that my Trans Am has been handling horribly. Half the time it seems like it can barely stay on the road.

I've never done or had done any suspension work since I've owned the car, so I figured it was time to put some work into the suspension. Things I plan on doing include:

-New Tires (considering Continental
ExtremeContact)
-Performance gas struts and shocks
-Complete Bushing Kit (Energy Suspension)

But I have to admit... I know nothing about suspensions and what works best. What brands/products would anybody recommend?

Also, are there any other things that I should be sure to do while working on the suspension?

 

ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushing, SFCs

 

Do a search on "suspension rebuild" and see what you get. TomP just rebuilt his and is very pleased with the change. I did mine a year ago and was amazed with the change. I recommend doing a full rebuild and then upgrading you brakes, in that order. By now these cars really need it.

Here's my rebuild page:

http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/taramille...tos.yahoo.com/

Look for Tom's thread for more links to help you out. I recommend Moog, Energy Suspension, and KYB for a good, solid, budget-minded rebuild parts list.


Ed

 

LOL, yeah, I tend to type a ton of messages up when I'm doing a big job!!

My manufacturers list:

Moog: Tie rods/sleeves, center link, idler arm, balljoints
Energy Suspension: polygraphite lower control arm bushings
KYB: Upper strut mounts, front GR-2 struts, rear GasAJust shocks
Suspension Techniques: V6 (2.8/3.1) lowering springs
GM: Front spring isolators, new LCA bolts/nuts
Nexcare: Band aids

I didn't get fancy struts/shocks because I can always do that later.

And even though I'm really not trying to "copy" Ed, next on the list is new rotors, new calipers, and new brake hoses for the front. The calipers are still the orignals- 250,000 miles on them. I'll either replace the calipers or rebuild them myself.

 

Hey tomP. Do you feel a difference replacing the "hard" parts with moog. I am doing a suspention upgrade, but I haven't concidered replacing those parts. What do you think about the advantages of those parts specifically, over stock replacements.

If you haven't read my other threads, I have purchased (not yet installed) a tds wonderbar, a set of Alston sfc's, and kyb gr-2 fronts, and kyb gas-a-just rears. Pretty standard stuff for any upgrade.

Hey noc_81, you should check out my threads on my suspension upgrade experiences. I got the sfc brands rated, and which one I went with here, https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...readid=180777. It has plenty of pictures for you too. I got Alston's for $202 shipped I think.

I found the cheapest kyb dealer here, https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...readid=181788. I got them for $161 shipped. All I can say is they look real pretty. I have yet to install anything.

I got the Tds wonderbar here, http://www.top-downsolutions.com/. I highly suggest it. It is only $40, and it produces dramatic reduction in steering slop, so I am told.

good luck

~Jay~

 

Hey noc_81, I just noticed you have an 82 trans am too. Cool.