Rear end suspension

[Blizzard242]

The issue I'd like to fix most is when I'm getting on the highway. This specific onramp has a little bump when I'm about 50-60mph and it feels like the rear end of my car wants to come loose almost like my tires get 1 good bounce and wants to get out from under me.

I've got KYB AGX, i think set at 4 in the rear. Could stiffening the shocks help with the rear end coming out over bumps?

Also I have after market unadjustable rear control arms with 3 piece poly bushings, I think they're UMI. Stock springs all the way around. What is the ride height suppose to be at on stock springs and where should I measure from. Can springs actually wear down and essentially lower the car? The car looks like it's lower than stock and feels like it's been lowered when I'm driving it. There's almost no body roll in turns.

I think my rear end isn't centered how it should be because of these problems and maybe a panhard bar and control arm relocation brackets might fix it. I just can't tell by looking at it.

[bigairboarder44]

Re: Rear end suspension

Don't know about that stuff, but if you decide to get a new PHB and control arm relo brackets, check here: http://www.foundersperformance.com/

[FirebirdGT]

Re: Rear end suspension

Also I have after market unadjustable rear control arms with 3 piece poly bushings, I think they're UMI.

There's the problem. You have way too much "sway bar" in the rear. Yes the bushings, in this case poly, add resistance as if you increased the size of the bar. You have created an oversteer condition.
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[espey_16]

Re: Rear end suspension

I'm having the same issue. I was going to put in moog bushings eventually. Could you get away with putting the bushings in the body end of the lca only or do you have to put them in both ends?

[FirebirdGT]

Re: Rear end suspension

I'm having the same issue. I was going to put in moog bushings eventually. Could you get away with putting the bushings in the body end of the lca only or do you have to put them in both ends?

I'm going to use the factory LCA with Moog on one end and ES on the other, and maybe go down to a 17mm bar from my 19mm. Will have to see how it handles.
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[Blizzard242]

Re: Rear end suspension

There's the problem. You have way too much "sway bar" in the rear. Yes the bushings, in this case poly, add resistance as if you increased the size of the bar. You have created an oversteer condition.
.

That was something that ran through my head too.

Would this be a good replacement? http://www.foundersperformance.com/p...mbination.html

Or even these?
http://www.foundersperformance.com/p...B47%7DRod.html

Bah, I dunno what I should get. I actually have some money saved up and I'd like to just make the car feel better to drive. There's another kit with 1 rod end and normal bushings in the other. What would be better? I don't plan on driving this in the winter.

[Slowside]

Re: Rear end suspension

I think that the poly bushing are not designed for the street, because when you hit that bump, it causes an impulse force, that would not be seen on a racetrack. I think going with moog bushings and stock lca's is gonna solve your problem. Sell the aftermarkets to fund the new ones. Stock springs suck too, I have stranos and love them along with 32/19 and its very street friendly.

[FirebirdGT]

Re: Rear end suspension

I think that the poly bushing are not designed for the street, because when you hit that bump, it causes an impulse force, that would not be seen on a racetrack. I think going with moog bushings and stock lca's is gonna solve your problem. Sell the aftermarkets to fund the new ones. Stock springs suck too, I have stranos and love them along with 32/19 and its very street friendly.

Moog bushings and stock LCA arms = 1LE LCA

You have to use all the fancy ends because tubular LCA DON'T twist!
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[Blizzard242]

Re: Rear end suspension

I'm gonna go with some new control arms with the fancy ends. I'm done with half assing this car. I'll sell my old ones and pick up some new ones through foundersperformance. By the way, thanks bigairboarder.

[WarShrike]

Re: Rear end suspension

It's not always recommended to use the LCA relocation kit, some people have worse issues with wheel hop.

On the LCA's, some people will mix it up and run poly on one end and a Moog setup on the other.

An adjustable panhard will be a nice addition especially if you can tell that your axle is shifted to the left at regular ride height to bring it back to center.

If you really want to spend the coin, instead of the adjustable phb, go with a Fays2 Watts link.

FINALLY, complain to your local department of transportation about the bump stating that it is a hazard and could potentially cause an accident especially in inclement weather.

[enzia35]

Re: Rear end suspension

Worse issues with wheel hop? Sound counter-intuitive...

[bigairboarder44]

Re: Rear end suspension

No prob mang :)

[espey_16]

Re: Rear end suspension

I was reading about the founders performance poly/swivle-joint lcas and the j&m products poly ball lcas and noticed the articles about both are exactly the same except founders uses a steel ball with poly caps and j&m uses a poly ball with poly caps. The j&m lcas are $10 cheaper and have free shipping at lmperformance.com. Sorry about the useless info.

[Blizzard242]

Re: Rear end suspension

I ordered some on car adjustable control arms, 1 rod end 1 poly. I didn't just get new bushings because I figured I have another camaro I can just put the original J&M LCAs on if I ever come across some different bushings.

What I'd like to know is, how do I figure out what length I adjust my control arms to?

And, where do I measure to figure out my ride height? And what is stock suppose to be?

[enzia35]

Re: Rear end suspension

You should be using the stock length, just measure it against the stock when you take it off and you can adjust it later.

From the UMI LCA install instructions:
"4. Place the new adjustable LCA on top of the OEM LCA removed. Set the adjustable control arm to the length of the OEM LCA. We recommend running the adjustable LCA at stock length. If adjustment is needed the adjuster can be turned to shorten or lengthen the LCA once it is installed on the vehicle. To adjust length, loosen both jam nuts, screw adjuster clockwise or counter-clockwise to shorten or lengthen the LCA."