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3 Suspension questions (long) Posted by sam96CS [Email]  (#852) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from sam96CS) on Sun, 9 Aug 2009 20:08:43
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I have no hands-on experience with springs and shocks/struts and need advice.
My 96 CS automatic fpt 151K miles with original struts, shocks and springs has an unpleasantly soft ride. Take your pick of descriptive words: bouncy, floaty, mushy, marshmallowy, Buick... It is more pronounced in town than on the highway. In general it feels like the suspension is traveling too far for the relatively mild street and highway imperfections of the Carolinas. Recovery from this excessive suspension travel is quick - it's not like it hits a bump and bounces repeatedly like it would with worn out shocks/struts.
Specific additional issues:
1. Right rear sits 3/4" lower than left rear (shock towers are not rusted).
2. The rear end gets unsettled on curves to the left when the right side hits bumps.
3. Suspect the right rear spring is broken or worn.
In the past 8,000 miles I've installed poly sway bar bushings front and rear, poly drop link bushings and poly butterfly bushings at the rear of the front control arms. Also Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S 205/60/15 tires inflated to 39 psi front & rear and wearing normally. Wheels are the 15x7 Fondmetals with the fat spokes. I've checked and tightened as needed every nut and bolt under the car. Steering response and handling are much improved. The bouncing must go!
This car works for a living and carries at all times 210 pounds of tools in the hatch (weight evenly distributed) and usually another 50 pounds of stuff in the rear passenger area. I don't have passengers often, so no worries about what others will think.
I want a firm ride. For example, I like the ride of my wife's stock 01 Mustang GT with the premium package that includes 17" wheels and 45 series tires. I don't want to change my wheel/tire combination. I have no interest in track days, autocrossing, etc.
I don't want to lower the car more than necessary to get a firm ride. Higher rated linear springs that will lower 25 mm (Kilen Sport Springs) or 30 mm (Abbott) are candidates. I don't want progressive springs or springs that lower 40 mm like Intrax, B&G, H&R or Swedish Dynamics Red Series.
As for shocks, I'm sure I don't want to hassle with Konis no matter how great they are. Bilstein HDs are probably right, as I would hate to pay for Bilstein Touring or new Sachs and not be happy with the firmness. If the HDs are harsh, then I can replace some poly bushings with rubber up front and reduce the tire inflation a little.
Questions:
1. Should I replace springs and then check out the result before deciding what to do about shocks and struts?
2. Abbott or Kilen Sport springs?
3. Do Bilstein HDs make sense given the absence of frost heaves and massive pot holes where I drive?
, Sun, 9 Aug 2009 20:08:43 <-- Viewing This Message, Mon, 10 Aug 2009 06:55:17, Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:12:57, Tue, 11 Aug 2009 17:13:44, Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:52:16, Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:08:19
, Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:05:51, Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:56:29
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