Suspension Setups

[WTA123]

I think ive decided to go with all bilstein sports, but I don't know what springs to use with them. I was told H&R is good, but im not sure which set, because they are all different. Currently, im running Koni's all round. Any suggestions?

[Al Canuck]

H&R, Eibach, or ST are the 3 preferred brands for the 02.

Just one question though. Why ditch the Konis for Bilstein? I have Koni sports in my 02, and they are MUCH nicer than Bilsteins. Mine are mated with ST springs, Paul Gray bushings, E30 basketweaves, and an FAQ store strut bar.

Al

[WTA123]

Well I have heard more people running the bilsteins, what is the model number for the koni's? I went on their website and I didn't see anything for 2002's.

[Ohtwo]

Since you guys have done some suspension work....Im thinking about replacing all my suspension bushings over the winter...is it alot of work? Can it be done in a day, a weekend?

[Al Canuck]

Not sure of the part numbers on the Konis, but they are Koni Yellows, or sports. I bought mine from Shox.com last year. More people use Bilsteins because they are cheaper, and readily available. They are excellent shocks, but I prefer the Konis, and was willing to pay the premium for them. If you already have them, spend your money on something else.

Bushings can be bought from www.GruntsBushings.com. Paul is a good guy, with first class products. Install is easy enough, but does take some time. I can't guess how much time it will take you, as I have no ida what your wrenching skills are. Give yourself at least an entire weekend if you're a novice. Then again, it's taken you several weeks to remove a steering wheel, so bushings might be closer to a year! :eek: :stickoutt :D

Al

[Ohtwo]

Yea, Im working on that, but I want to synch my carbs, and swap the oil/flush my trans.

Gimmie a break, I had my gas pedal sticking through the floorboard to the point where I had to get out and push it back into the car every so often. Two stuck calipers, a bad wheel cylinder, 2 bad brake hoses, no highbeams, no turnsignals, no heat, rusty oil filter, a cant forget the mouse nest in my heater fan that I pulled out and it just barely fit in a zip lock bag. :eek: :D Oh yea, and my fuel pump was working whenever it wanted.

But anyway, I dont see why I couldnt swap the bushings over a weekend, or maybe in one good day. Cant be much harder than breaking loose a bunch of bolts. That would be a good time to do some shocks too.

Wouldnt you get better handling, but without the poor ride quality if you got adj. camber plates instead of sport spring and shocks?

BTW, thanks again AL

[Al Canuck]

I'm just busting your balls about the times. It's fun for me! If you're just talking front suspension bushings, then sure, a day is realistic. If you're doing rear trailing arms, subframe mounts, and diff hangers, it's going to be tougher. The hardest part of the entire job is removing the old bushings. Heat or a press is needed to get them out. Urethane bushings are very easy to install though. The just pop into place. Others things to do are shocks, struts, springs, and ball joints.

Sport suspension does not mean you have to have a crappy ride. My 02 rides like a Cadillac but with more control. I had back surgery 2 years ago, and have NO intentions of ever driving a poor riding car again. Bilstein HD's, or Koni Sports with any of the 3 mentioned springs will ride great. Camber plates will actually detract from the ride, as you lose the compliance of the stock rubber mounts.

Al

[fjord7302]

Something out of the norm. I'm currently running the Koni strut/shock combo with the Ground Control front adjustable Eibach spring set up with Eibach Pro Kit rears. Rides nice handles great and I'm able to set the stance with the 16' Alpina's. I'm also running the S/T bars and Ireland Eng. front upper tie bar.

Cris

[WTA123]

I think I will just stick with Koni's then, probably with the h&r spring. Thanks for the help.

[JettaGLXdriver]

I don't know if you have it yet but I highly suggest some PB Blaster penetrating oil it rocks. It will make every bolt you take loose allot easier to work with.