Suspension Help Needed...

MGB_GT · Post by **MGB_GT** » Sun Sep 03, 2006 10:40 pm

Sorry to be a pain again, but now my brakes are sorted, it's clear the garage who sorced new front suspension to go with the subframe to make it roadworthy have installed a shockingly bad set of suspension. The front of the car feels frankly awful over the slightest bump! So, the next upgrade after it's service is to sort all this out, and probably lower the car a little too.

My next set of tyres I anticipate buying 205/45/R15 or maybe 205/40/R15 as I want more grip to tighten up everything else on the car also. With this in mind and the fact I'm using standard 15" wheels, I feel that a 20mm drop would be subtle enough whilst helping restore that gap in the arches which is getting bigger. I do not want to lower it too much as I don't hammer the car often, and I have to navigate awful speed humps until Bristol council can be pursuaded what a bunch of F*ckpits they all are, not an easy task armed with just a ballot form!

Firstly what do I need? Is it just springs and shocks or are there other things to consider? What's availible for a decent price that I can lower as required, that will improve handling & won't make the car anymore uncomfortable than it would be with std suspension? Also how long can I expect (in rough terms of mileage) for my investment to last.

Cheers.

DaKyy · Post by **DaKyy** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 4:31 am

Well, you should get the the bearings changed while the front suspension struts are open (the upper macpherson bearings (#12 on pic)) as well as the wheel bearings. Also front and rear bushes make a BIG difference. Bushes are hard to install without a press so you need the local workshop for that.

Also do the ball joints when you're at it if not recently changed.

What comes to lowering, I think LesjÃ¶fors offers a subtle 30mm drop for 480's. Also some Volvo original (Turbo?) springs gives a little lower option than standard. Don't know about the shocks though, I've got Bilstein at the moment but I don't have any road experience with them.

If your garage took the whole front suspension set out of some scrappy car - I'd check the spring seats and mounting blocks on them. (#3 & #10 on pic)
I had to change all of them in my project, they were quite crappy.

catgroom · Post by **catgroom** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 11:33 pm

Lesjofors do the 20mm drop Rob.

Also the post i did in "Springs and Wheels" Section on Genuine Volvo Stiffer Springs may help you.

Lesjofors are the only spring Ive heard of that only lose you a little comfort.There is the Fintec ones which you have to import from Germany,but I just found those pointless personally as they offered no improvement in handling for a much firmer ride.Shame that!

Steve

MGB_GT · Post by **MGB_GT** » Tue Sep 05, 2006 11:51 pm

Cheers, give me something to think about, pricing up all the parts too! Still, it's a nice excuse to finally get it all sorted, so appriciate all the detail.

@ Groomus, didn't completley understand what the numbers and measurments for the volvo shocks meant, hence asked here. Also Volvo parts hideously expensive, this is one job I think could be better done on the aftermarket scene as so many people modify suspension, has to be decent budget-ish stuff out there.

catgroom · Post by **catgroom** » Thu Sep 07, 2006 3:38 pm

I see Rob.Hey I have a set of 4 PI 40mm lowering springs which Im taking off the charger to help her sell.There yours if you want them.They have 40000 miles on them only.

Steve

Brasco · Post by **Brasco** » Thu Sep 07, 2006 4:00 pm

If you don't, I'll have 'em!

MGB_GT · Post by **MGB_GT** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 6:28 am

Would be interested, but gotta think of those speed bumps, think 40mm is a bit too far for me. Cheers for the offer though.

VanDerGraaf · Post by **VanDerGraaf** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 11:31 am

Wise choice Rob- from what i hear the 2L doesn't like big suspension drops!
Try www.provenproducts.co.uk
They have a decent selection.