The last time my car was in the shop, the mechanic said my tie rods were worn and I should consider replacing them. I also have a D1R lower suspension brace gathering dust in my garage.
My question is this; if I have the tie rods replaced and have the brace installed, what other "while your in there" things should I do to freshen up the front end suspension? I don't know if bushings/etc. are all original or if some have been replaced over time.
Definitely take a close look at your rear control arm bushings (aka castor blocks), as these tend to wear out, and there's a heavier-duty version available that came o the later cars. Also take a close look at your ball joints (check them for looseness, although this may be hard to do reliably while the control arm is under spring tension). Unfortunately, I don't think the ball joints are easily replaceable...
I would also install a DR1 shock tower brace if there isn't one already on the car.
Also check your front swaybar bushings. They disintegrate pretty quickly if you have any oil and/or power steering fluid leaks (and, other than Flash, who doesn't?). The upside is they're inexpensive and fairly easy to replace. Urethane ones are available on eBay if you want to upgrade a bit from the stock rubber. I don't recommend delrin as they tend to make noise. If they haven't been done, check your steering rack bushings while you're in there too.
Thanks for the suggestions.
I have mismatched castor blocks; one old, one new (not my doing), so I was probably going to replace both.
I assume Chris is talking about the upper suspension brace. I don't currently have one.
I guess any bushings in the general vicinity should be looked at?
Yes, the upper suspension brace. When combined with the lower brace the handling is notably improved. I had mine installed with new castor blocks and now the car goes precisely where I point it and the front end does not wash out in a curve at all. With a slightly performance oriented alignment the turn in is outstanding.
I may end up buying the upper brace (assuming it's available), but at the time I bought the lower brace, my discretionary budget wouldn't permit me to get both (2 kids in college and mother-in-law in assisted living facility). From browsing the forum, it seemed like people were noticing a bigger difference from the lower brace.
it's available if you order before monday morning
Just ordered myself your lower bar...!
[quote name='BeBe' timestamp='1394674419' post='155932']I may end up buying the upper brace (assuming it's available), but at the time I bought the lower brace, my discretionary budget wouldn't permit me to get both (2 kids in college and mother-in-law in assisted living facility). From browsing the forum, it seemed like people were noticing a bigger difference from the lower brace.[/quote]
Yes, I for one did not notice any difference just with the upper brace ( although my butt-o-meter has never been a good barometer ) but felt a huge and immediate difference once the lower brace was on, even before pushing the car to its limits..just driving around it felt much more solid..as if it was a newer car somehow.. So it must be the combination of the two braces that finally ties everything together so well
[quote name='ds968' timestamp='1394764507' post='155960']
Yes, I for one did not notice any difference just with the upper brace ( although my butt-o-meter has never been a good barometer ) but felt a huge and immediate difference once the lower brace was on, even before pushing the car to its limits..just driving around it felt much more solid..as if it was a newer car somehow.. So it must be the combination of the two braces that finally ties everything together so well
[/quote]
Dan,
Ignore my e-mail, the above answered my question.
~tom
[quote name='Tom030' timestamp='1394823604' post='155971']
Dan,
Ignore my e-mail, the above answered my question.
~tom
[/quote]
I would have but I replied to it first , and then noticed this post.. <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/rolleyes.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />
Dan,
Thanks for the input. Ordered all three braces. Hopefully they will be here before we head to Monterey in June.
tom