Suspension Question
 

Hi Guys,

I have noticed lately that depending on the size of the bump I go over I get some rubbing of my tires. It never used to happen before so I'm suspecting that my shocks are worn!! I have GoldLine lowering springs with a 2.5 inch drop and Tokico HP series (non-adjustable shocks).

On average how long should those shocks last and are they the problem?:confused: The car doesn't continually bounce and there is no visible fluid on the shock towers.

Thanks in Advance

Tokico HPs are the "blues", right? I remember reading years back that the "blues" were only recommended for mild suspension drops up to 2 inches. It's possible that the Illuminas could have been in the same boat, but I can't recall.

Either way, it could be your shocks on their way out. Or your springs could be sagging, causing your car to sit lower or have more bounce. Or lastly, your bushings could be shot which would throw your alignment out of whack.

Bry,

I know the bushings were changed when I put in the new suspension, would they go in less than 3 years? I'm suspecting it is the shocks, what would you suggest as a replacement? The springs are "supposed" to have a lifetime guarantee against sagging, but who knows these days.

and go....

do they have a lifetime guarantee against the fucked up roads of the gta??? lol

not too familiar with those shocks, but if they work with oil, you would see it leaking all over the shock...and i would say springs will sag if it has endured enough damage!!

Jason:

Did you change just the shock bushings or ALL the bushings? And what did you use as a replacement - OEM or Energy Suspension? If you went with ES, then that could be your answer as polyurethane bushings do not have a long street life. In fact, I wouldn't recommend them period.

Springs will sag after time. Due to the nature of any metal, it will give over an extended period, and considering that automobile springs coils are constantly in use, there's little to no guarantee that they won't sag after a period of time.

Tokico's are gas shocks, if I'm not mistaken, so I doubt you'll notice a leak. They could still be good for all you know. But it's hard to say if that's the real reason for your problem.

In any case, if you're seriously thinking of replacing the shocks, the most tried and true shock out there is the Koni Sport (yellow). I wouldn't recommend going used, either - spend the money to get new ones. Thing is, the money you spend on the Konis you could put towards a coilover ... and I do not want to get into that discussion. :D

So it's pretty much up to you what you want to do at this point. If you need any more tips of what to look for or get, let me know. Good luck.

PIC COILOVERS guy!

jay, it's probably your spring, or even could be the shock, you need something better seeing as your system in the trunk is weighing down, plus your 18's. i think that all that extra weight is the problem so you'll have to get something better, perhaps stiffer.

Thanks for all the input guys.... Jay, you're right the roads in the GTA are screwed beyond belief and I don't think there is a lifetime guarantee that will handle that issue.

Bryan, I was thinking of the Yellows. I've heard nothing but good things about them, but if they are that pricey (BTW: I don't know the best place ot get them in the GTA price wise), then maybe a coilover is they way to go. You think you new executive/owner friend with the race coils from the -------- thread can hook me up?:D

T, well I see where your confidence rests with that subtle hint. I am accpeting dontaions, for LABWRA (lower a brotha's whip right association), you can make the cheque out to me!

Fuzz, you are right, the system is weighing it down, that's why I don't know what to get, I don't think the manufacturers consider additional weight as most applications would be tested in lightened vehicles for track use, so I'm compounding the issue.

I'll defintely continue to pick your brains about this for the next little bit. But I need to change them up!!

Thanks,
J

I can go into detail if you need, but from the experience I've had the pic coilovers just work.

Quick pros
-forged lower forks made from 1 piece of metal (won't ever snap like the omni powers)
-dampening settings are adjusted by clicks and actually make a difference (will post shock dyno soon)
-the piston in the body of the shock is polished 4 times over, so it will never leak. Omnipower and others are polished once
-it's a oil based shock, not gas and fena(sp) oil is used, most consistant oil available without being retarded expensive. (for consistant results over and over again)
-the spring rates you ask for are matched to the shock for correct dampening. Other companies make one shock to fit all the spring rates they offer, so you'll never get the full benefit from adjusting the dampening settings
-everything on the coilover is coated, prevents rust and corrosion from even happening

Best part, it's warrentied by -------- so you don't have to send anything off and pay for shipping. Your issues that you'll have are resolved in realtime and not in 3 weeks time.

i think with suspension - that point right there tells alot and would have probably sold me right away if i was in the market - on a similar note, the yellows sold me right away due to the fact that it was lifetime warranty and i am original owner :yeah: only downside is that it takes time to ship to koni and back.

Jason...you know the real problem is you need to STOP bringing home the BIG ass cans of milo...lol