Suspension rebuild question

[moroza]

I've got the 50-60mph shimmy, especially under braking, and something loose in the left rear shock mount. So it's definitely high time I replaced my thrust arms, along with whatever's rattling in the back. But here's the complication: sooner or later, I'm going to upgrade my wheels along with the springs and shocks (nothing extreme - 17" Style 32's, Konis, and tentatively Bavauto springs), and I'm told that any suspension-related problems are going to get much worse with bigger wheels and shorter springs. So the question is - would replacing the thrust arms be enough to have the car ride like new, or would it be a good idea to rebuild the entire suspension before doing those upgrades? And if I'm to do the entire suspension, is it best done in one go (will take longer to save up for all the parts, and the car'll be out of action for at least a full day), or piece by piece (more work total)?

[moroza]

Anyone?

[de Witt]

Generally, this is how a 50-60mph front shimmy on the E34 breaks down, in order of check first to last:

1. wheel balance/hubcentric issue or bent rim
2. thrust arms or worn ball joint on another front suspenion component
3. excessive runout on wheel bearing

[Steve89]

If you plan on replacing everything, do it all in one shot. Pretty much every suspension component you change requires an alignment afterwards, so if you do it all at once you can just get one alignment done.

Also, sometimes it is easier to pull ball joints off if you take everything apart.

[RVAE34]

If you plan on replacing everything, do it all in one shot. Pretty much every suspension component you change requires an alignment afterwards, so if you do it all at once you can just get one alignment done.

Also, sometimes it is easier to pull ball joints off if you take everything apart.


+1

[Dr. Bimmer]

Camber plates front and back would allow the tires to contact the ground better after lowering and should help relieve excess pressure on the suspension components.

[moroza]

Well, my wheel bearings are grinding a bit. And just because I want to rebuild the whole thing doesn't mean it's urgent in the least bit - that's more part of a general intention to fully restore this car.

Am I likely to notice any improvement (particularly with bigger wheels) of a fully rebuilt suspension vs. just thrust arms and front wheel bearings, assuming nothing else is broken?