1Marauder
11-14-2016, 07:35 AM
OK been a year since I finished the suspension on the Silver Birch. Cut a 1/2 coil off of the front springs, installed KYB's, the beefier sway bars, control arms and watts link. Difference in unbelievable.
Car has fully settled, to ride 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch lower in front. As this specific car sat high from factory, it now sits perfectly, not too low, not too high... It looks stock. I lowered the rear to match, again it looks stock.
I am writing because many have said they are concerned about replacing shocks and then the ride being too harsh.
Yesterday, I then drove my Black with its stock MM front end set up, and switched back and forth between the cars. As the black has had the rear done... And not the front, I was able to compare steering wheel feel and the front end differences between the two cars as both have the same rear end set up.
The KYB set up is more firm on the downward motion, meaning the car moves up and then down more quickly. It is not harsh, not abrasive, but it is not "plush" nor floaty. It is at the firmest end of the continuum of a smooth ride.
I love the firm watts link, control arms, and KYBs in the rear... But have to be honest, I may try the Monroe Supy Duty in the front of the black marauder.
Even though many would say not to mix shocks... Without adjustable coil overs, I think this may be the solution for a smooth but sporty ride.
If I had to chose between stock and the KYB, I would chose the KYB. But if I could "soften" the ride in the front just as midge, I would. I think the KYB in the rear and the Monroe Super Duty in front (with all else being same) may be the best option.
Will report back when I do it next March.
PS. 52 years old, don't track (but would like to), neither car is a DD, love freeway driving at 85, don't drive them in traffic when I can avoid it.
Trying to help. Flame away!
Car has fully settled, to ride 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch lower in front. As this specific car sat high from factory, it now sits perfectly, not too low, not too high... It looks stock. I lowered the rear to match, again it looks stock.
I am writing because many have said they are concerned about replacing shocks and then the ride being too harsh.
Yesterday, I then drove my Black with its stock MM front end set up, and switched back and forth between the cars. As the black has had the rear done... And not the front, I was able to compare steering wheel feel and the front end differences between the two cars as both have the same rear end set up.
The KYB set up is more firm on the downward motion, meaning the car moves up and then down more quickly. It is not harsh, not abrasive, but it is not "plush" nor floaty. It is at the firmest end of the continuum of a smooth ride.
I love the firm watts link, control arms, and KYBs in the rear... But have to be honest, I may try the Monroe Supy Duty in the front of the black marauder.
Even though many would say not to mix shocks... Without adjustable coil overs, I think this may be the solution for a smooth but sporty ride.
If I had to chose between stock and the KYB, I would chose the KYB. But if I could "soften" the ride in the front just as midge, I would. I think the KYB in the rear and the Monroe Super Duty in front (with all else being same) may be the best option.
Will report back when I do it next March.
PS. 52 years old, don't track (but would like to), neither car is a DD, love freeway driving at 85, don't drive them in traffic when I can avoid it.
Trying to help. Flame away!