Date: Sun, 1 Aug 2004 09:22:23 -0400 From: "Fred W." <Fred.Willsnospampam myrealbox.com> Subject: Re: Steering Rack Clamp & Brace
"Mark Beckett" <msbeckettnospamail.com> wrote in message news:gFzMc.9127$YK2.2900536nospam4.srv.hcvlny.cv.net... > Love my 2000 9-3 Conv. 185 HP US with 17" ASA rims and 215/45VR17 > Continental tires but I suspect this car could feel better grounded IMO. > Pros and cons for steering rack clamp and brace versions from Taliaferro vs. > MP Performance vs. Abbott, etc. Prices vary widely between vendors. Also > any experience with the respective sway bars? TIA Mark, You didn't mention if you had done anything else to firm up the front end. You also did not mention how many miles you have on the suspension. The improvement you will get with the rack clamp & brace is pretty subtle and would likely only be noticed if everything else is tight. I would consider this approach: 1) If the shocks and struts are original (and especially if they have more than about 40k miles on them) replace them. I have used Bilstein HDs and many others recommend Konis. You won't go wrong with either. 2) While doing the front struts, consider replacing the soft rubber bushings at the rear of the stancion arm with urethane performance bushings. This will reduce the trendency for the wheel to move for and aft when hitting bumps. 3) Before you start, check the condition of your balljoints and tie rod ends for looseness. Front balljoints are replaced by replacing the control arms (which come with two new bushings and the balljoint). These could be easily replaced during the front struts too. 4) If all the above parts and bushings are already in good shape (ie you have very low mileage on the car or have recently replaced all of this stuff) go ahead and try the clamp and brace. Disclaimer: I went through all of the above on a 2000 9-3SE Convertible and when I was done I was still not happy with the suspension and steering performance. I ended up selling the car and buying something else that better met my needs (desires really) for a tight handling convertible. -Fred W
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
