So this summer I spent the time replacing my old, warn, and leaking OEM bushings with new poly units from Energry Suspension. This was a much bigger task than I expected. Getting the subframe bushings out wasn't that bad of a task, but the control arm bushings were another story. Some are easy - others are in awkward angles, and the metal around the bushings are very thin which made it hard to get them pressed out. Ended up taking it to a machine shop and he used a plasma cutter to get them out. Got everything sandblasted and I painted it using VHT engine enamel for the color and clear. I originally wanted to do bronze, but couldn't find any in the local auto parts stores. I ended up going with gold and I am very happy with the way it turned out. I have to say... If I were to do it again, I would just get it powdercoated. I picked the engine enamel because I thought it would be tougher and less prone to chipping. In my impatience and rush to get the car back together, I ended up chipping the paint while putting the subframe back up. While I had everything out I decided to replace my OEM toe rods, because the ball joints were popping out - this cause the back end to get very loose every time I went over a bump and VERY bad wheel hop every time I lost traction. I ended up replacing my powertrix HICAS delete bar with the SPL setup. I made the mistake of getting the eccentric lockout kit, from SPL, and reusing the stock RUCA's. After bolting everything back up, I realized that I wouldn't be able to get a proper alignment - so I ended up getting SPL RUCA's, as well. Getting the diff back in was a HUGE pain. This is one job I never want to do again. After struggling with getting it back in place, I took the advice from some members on here and got some ratcheting straps to pull and hold the diff in place while I bolted it up. This was all done with the subframe out of the car... One of the most frustrating jobs I have ever done on this car - I don't know how some do it with the subframe bolted up. And finally - I picked up a set of wheels and tires from a local member. 17's all the way around with 8.5 up front and 9.5 in the rear (an inch wider in the front and 2 inches in the rear, compared to my old setup). I was a little worried about how they would look on the car, but I was in need for new tires and I had been wanting wider tires. I'm very satisfied with the way they look on the car! The car feels 100 time better than before! No loose feeling when going over bumps and NO wheel hop at all!! Just wheel spin when I loose traction, now. Makes the car so much more predictable and easier to control. I think I'll be sticking with SPL parts for the rest of the suspension, when I get around to it. Next on the list are FUCA's (whenever they release their version), Tension rods, and coilovers. On to the pictures.
Rebuilt and painted my calipers while they were out.
|