fstfwd

iTrader: (1)

Hey guys... early this spring, after trying several combinations of suspension parts on my car... I ended up installing some low mileage stock touring shocks on my FD, with the Eibach pro kit. It was an immediate difference, in that the ride was a lot smoother than some other parts I had installed previously (TEIN Flex dampers for one)... and seemed to be the perfect setup.

However, I have noticed more often that the car doesn't keep the wheels planted on the road all the time, even with only the slightest bumps on the highway... the front tires feel like they jitter and hop around if I hit a bump... and the car shifts a little. This happened going around a highspeed turn, and the jittering effect made it feel like the car was skipping across the pavement instead of riding through the bumps and maintaining traction.

The car has been 4 wheel aligned. We replaced the tie-end rods, and I installed a Racing Beat sway bar reinforcement bracket. I also replaced the upper strut mounts when we put the new shocks and spring in the car. I recently check my cold tire pressure. It's 30psi F, and 28psi R. I used the recommend toe and camber specs people generally recommend here.

The last time the car was on the lift we tugged the tires a bit, and made there wasn't any play. So, it has to be something to do with the springs and the shock combination.

I really like the way the car rides over the road most of the time. And the car handles well (I also have m2 toe links and trailing arms) It's those bumps that only one side hits, e.g. the front left or right tire... that throws the car off a bit. And I could deal with the bump if it was just a bump and recover... but the jitter and vibrate feeling doesn't feel safe.

I would consider upgrading to a different shock... but I am worried it would make the ride too stiff again. Anyone used the Eibach shocks with the pro kit on and FD? or do most people use a Koni or Tokico. I had a set of Tokicos, but sold them before I installed them... a heard a few less than stellar reviews, and they seamed like they might be more than I need.

Does anyone have any thoughts/recommendations on this? I'm almost at the point of putting the stock springs back on!

dthree

Check out this information (scroll UP to get to the last post before bushings)
http://www.fd3s.net/suspension.html#BUS

From what you are saying, I'd guess the stock shocks were not able to handle the higher spring rate of the Eibach's. If the shocks are dead (you can push/pull them easily by hand) then they can't handle the spring and you need new ones. I've got the Koni yellows and I'm very happy with them.

Do you have any cupping/scalloping on the outside of your tires? I had worn shocks on my 2nd gen and after an auto-x the outside edge of the tires looked like a roller-coaster they were so wavy. Good sign of a dead shock.

I'm looking to put the Ground Control kit onto my FD since it works with the Koni's.

D3

chinaman

I agree that the stock shocks will not handle the new spring rates. Shock companies do make shocks for lowered cars that retain stock ride.

fstfwd

iTrader: (1)

Looks like the right drivers-side shock is blown. The top of the shock is all wet... so, I need to figure out what to throw in there as a replacement. I've read a few things out there, and some people said the Koni Reds on the fairly soft setting feel the same as stock. The other alternative is to just throw in some stock equivalents with the KYBs.

Hmm.

OC_

Those KYB's seem to be pretty firm at first, but then break a little and get softer. I think its a so-so shock, but a great deal. If i was looking to change out my oem shocks with something that was still oem'ish, i wouldnt hesitate to put the KYB gr2's in.

I had GR2's on a previous car that had H&R lowering/performance springs on it. The car was a nice drive. Firm, but never unbearable or jarring.

fstfwd

iTrader: (1)

OC - thanks for the tip. I might just do that! Do you think it would be okay to only replace the 2 front shocks on the car... and leave the stock rears in the back, or would that be too unbalanced?

OC_

If the car was just a normal everyday get-me-to-work-and-nothing-else car, i would say sure, just replace the fronts. But since, i hope, you car is a little better then that, and you may find yourself doing some sporty driving: NO, replace all of them.

look on tirerack.com and see what they got.