OK... list of what I have.

toe links and trailing arms from rotary extreme
complete set of Front, Rear suspension and
Differential bushing ( JimLab Unobtainium Bushings 18 in all)

Im sure Im missing stuf.. please let me know..

Thanks.

Tek

 

springs? shocks?

 

LOL Well.. lets talk.. what kind of spring and shocks. I have no idea. on what to get.. I was thinking of just keeping the shocks and springs I have for now.. I was wondering if I forgot anything as far as just rebuilding/replacing what wears out

 

If you are going to bother replacing all of your suspension, you should install new shocks while you're at it. If your shocks are original or have more than 40k on them, they are probably pretty toasty. If you are satisfied with the stock ride and handling, just replace them with OEM shocks (give Malloy Mazda or Mazdaformance a call). If you want stiffer damping/adjustable damping, pick up some Koni Sports or Tokicos. There's no reason to replace your springs unless you want to increase the handling capabilities/lower your center of gravity.

 

First tell us what your plans are with the car. What are your goals? What do you want it to do? etc.

 

Hey tekno, I assume you drive an FD? How does that thing handle and feel on the highway now that you've taken all of the cusion out of the suspension???

 

Have not done the install as of yet.. hope to in two weeks.. Like to get my ducks in a row before I do the tear down.. thats way I did this post to make sure I didnt for get to get something

Tek

 

If you want to be thorough, you're missing the half dozen pillowballs in the rear suspension and the inner/outer tie rods in the front end. Those with what you describe will renew every joint in the suspension except for the balljoints.

Lower front control arms are very expensive as a machine shop found out recently. I bought new bushings for the lower front arms and the shop damaged my arms in the removal/installation by using a 5 pound hammer rather than a press :idiots: . New control arms even with Mazda's race program were just under $700, which the shop was obliged to pay for. The rear bushings in the front lower control arms have aluminum sleeves and can only be pressed out by someone who really knows what they are doing. If you have any doubts about the shop at all, keep walking. I consider myself very lucky that I didn't have to cover the replacement costs.

 

Thanks DamonB this is the kind of info I was needing.. no way or need to replace the balljoints?

 

Balljoints typically last longer than the rest of the bushings. The lower front balljoints can only be replaced by replacing the lower arms ($$$). As for the upper front balljoint and the rear balljoints I don't remember if they are replacable alone or require the entire arms, just check the parts microfiche or call and ask.

 

Be prepared for a VERY stiff and bumpy ride. The car will feel a lot less stable also on the highway at high speeds..."feel" being the operative word.

 

Chronos - Hmmm that stiff? do you have this bushing setup.

 

You might want to consider anti-roll bars, mounts, and end links.

 

tekno62, no, that's just what I've gathered from other people who replace the OEM rubber components in their suspension. They come rubber for a reason, and switching over is a matter of compromise. If I were you I'd do some more research and ask some more questions to people that do have the setup you're looking at.