85 GSL-SE Suspension Questions
 

Hello Everyone!!

I just picked up an 85 GSL-SE and it's 95% stock...though some dummy decided to hack up the steering column due to breaking the turn signal switch. As a result, the lights, signals, ignition has all been jerry-rigged with push buttons and toggle switches. I've ordered a new switch which is on the way. But my overall plan is to get her back to stock on the inside, then start upgrading the outside.

I'm going to start with suspension on the outside and I have some questions that I could not definitely find the answers to using the search feature. While driving the car from Denver to Albuquerque, the car bottomed out on several occasions so this is where I choose to start. After reading MANY threads it seems like most folks suggested getting coilovers and calling it a day. In my case, the car will be used as a spirited daily driver so I wasn't sure if these were overkill for me.

1.) I was looking at either the tokico blue's or the illumina series, but something that wasn't clear was do I need to purchase the strut caps for the tokico's? If so, does anyone know where I can find them?

2.) For springs, I have the stock one's which I feel should also be replaced. All I could find was RB and Intex springs, both of which say they will lower the car by an inch or more. I prefer not to lower the car any more than it already is....is there another option for stock height springs?

I've ordered the full energy poly bushing from ebay, the kit has every single poly bushing made for the car, so all of them will be replaced. But I'm stuck on what I need to order for the rest of the suspension and would appreciate any insight you can offer.

I think you'll find the RB springs, when installed with new shocks, actually raise your ride height a tiny bit. The oldsters are sagging some. That said, bushings, shocks, and any available springs will have you feeling like new, and provide all the handling you can use in a road car. Or even a track car.

Edit: while you're there, a bigger front sway bar would be a good thing to do.

OK cool so I'll get the RB springs for sure, but would you happen to know if I were to get the blue's or the illumina's would I have to also purchase and install new strut mount caps? When I was looking at what was available, I could see that the KYB struts required the KYB strut mounts...but i'm wondering if the tokico's are just bolt in...or is there any extra hardware required to install them?

I just don't want to tear into it and find out I don't have the right parts in the first go. Thanks for your help. :nod:

I put in blues last year. The mounts would take em but I got new ones. Not much money, and it makes sense to renew such things while you're there. At least it does for me. I prefer driving to tinkering. There are those for whom it is nothing to put the car on stands, I like mine on the road.

Are the mounts universal, or did you buy one's just for the blues? I eneded up buy the RB suspension kit with swaybars and springs and the illimuna last night.

I've looked up and down and can't find the mounts for these specifically, the only one's I could find that were branded were the KYB. Do you know if these will work with the tokico's?

I just bought some from rockauto.com, can't recall which. I think you'll be pleased with that setup. I would leave your stock rear bar, just use the RB front.

Thanks for all your replies, I went ahead and bought some strut mounts from ebay, I hope they fit. I also found out today that shox.com has a 2 month lead time wait on the illumina's.

I'm going to cancel my order and see if I can find some blue's in stock somehwere else.

I have the setup you're about to try installed from previous owner. I'm not sure about the specifics as far as the mounts and whatnot, but I can tell you that it is a firm ride but not bone jarring. She handles great too!

ok 2 more questions:

1.) What size e-fan should I buy so I can delete the clutch fan? 12in? Is there anything else required for the clutch fan delete?

2.) Speaking of clutches, anyone have any suggestions on which clutch to get? I'm dropping in a 91 S5 13Bt soon and want to replace the clutch while it's out. I've seen a couple stage 2/3 kits on ebay for like $120 anyone tried these? Is it a good clutch?

+1 for larger front sway bar! night and day difference.

snag a ford taurus e-fan from junkyard, with a little shaving it mounts right to stock radiator.

Racing Beat street/strip clutch. I wouldnt use any knock off clutch from ebay....