Looking to buy suspension components...which ones?

[Kirk]

Hey all, looking for some insight on suspension parts; what people are using and what is available so, here goes.

My control arms are gone.
My ball joints are gone.
My car came with lowering springs on it when I got it.

Now, in the past with other cars that I have had and modified, my 1995 Ford Thunderbird Supercoupe for example I had put lowering springs on, and it never felt like the alignment was right, something would always go on it. Ball joint control arms, something. So I don't want to now just keep replacing the parts every year, I want to do it properly.

So, the question is, what after market parts are available to our cars for suspension that could help me get things set up properly and so I don't have to worry about it year after year. I am extremely hard on my car...that's what I bought it for. I love to drive and don't mind a stiff suspension at all.

When I ask about after market parts, I mean like control arms, tie rods obviously coilovers...I know I could end up spending a small fortune here, and of course I don't want too, but I am willing to spend a bit to have this done properly.

Thanks for any time you can spend with me on this, it will be most appreciative.

Kirk

[advantagedent]

hey i have nisom upper lower front and rear suspention theres noting beter
note the uper left needs to be weledd damaged in crash
for springs i have a set of olhins colil overs the best you can buy.

[derk]

lol.... nismo upper links is not the best out there, especially if you plan on lowereing the vehicle substantially, nismo suspension links/arms most of the time, are nothing more than oem links with a slightly stiffer rubber bushing.

cusco makes a nice adjustable upper link with a solid bushing, that is much better than nismo.

and for coilovers, yeah ohlins is pretty good. get some Flag-R's if you have the cash

[Kirk]

I guess I am first trying to figure out what parts I could/should be changing for aftermarket. So, coilovers, upper control arms, we don't have lower control arms correct? Control rods? What else is there? Are there any after market ball joint?

[derk]

this is what i can think of off the top of my head

urethane bushings for every suspension component in the car
adjustable tension rods
coilovers
subframe spacers/ solid bushings
steering column solid bushing (ive done this on my old sileighty, you feel 1000000000x more connected to the car with this)
aftermarket upper arms
rear upper control arms


thats all i can think of at the moment

[GTR-Dad]

Have a look at what Marke's doing. He's getting some good advice and actually giving the car a good workout!

Nismo G-Max

Regarding lowering, here's what one of the fast guys in Australia has to say about ride height. He's responding to a post asking for a critique of someone's current settings.

Dan

--quote--
OK so let's review current setup after I had a proper look:

Front end:
- Camber -1°45'
- Castor +7°40'
- Total Toe +0°8'
- ride height = 337mm

Rear end:
- Camber -0°42'
- Total Toe +0°6'
- ride height = 325mm




Well, let's start of with its too low, far too low. The roll centre is now too close to the CoG ie; the roll couple is too small. The lower control arms are pointing upwards to the wheel, not parrallel to the ground, so the dynamic camber change angles are reversed ie; it's going posititive camber under compression. Plus there will be noticeable bump steer. Hence the oversteer/understeer balance changes due to the roll couple inbalance and tyre contact patch issues. The front height should be 350 to 355 mm and the rear should be 340 to 345 mm.

The front should be toe out a little, as discussed previously.
The rear toe is OK, but if it is still reluctant to tuirn in, then try some toe out as discussed previously.

It doesn't have enough camber, front or rear for the circuit and R type tyres. It needs another 1 degree negative both ends.

Then do the stabiliser bar upgrades as per the previous posts.
-end quote--

[Kirk]

Ok, so next step is what manufacturer of said parts? I really don't want to buy one and then end up wanting to switch later on. Suggestions?

[GTR-Dad]

Ok, so next step is what manufacturer of said parts? I really don't want to buy one and then end up wanting to switch later on. Suggestions?

I believe Eric (XSDAILO) at XS Engineering provided Marke's advice.

Dan

[Kirk]

I believe Eric (XSDAILO) at XS Engineering provided Marke's advice.

Dan

You know...I didn't fully read Marke's post as it was damn long, but I spent a little time looking over it and you are right, it was very informative...thanks.

[mcfly]

for a full track car you want up near 4 degrees front camber on a gtr.