Next suspension mod

[02firebird]

Ok, so I have kyb agx shocks and bmr drop springs all around. I also have a 32mm front and 19mm rear sway bar. So do I want to buy subframe connectors, or lower control relocation brackets, lower control arms and a panhard bar?

[CFreed11]

Re: Next suspension mod

I would go with an adjustable panhard bar and panhard relocation kit next. You can get both from Founders Performance for under $200 shipped to your door. I just bought the pair and they appear to be good quality. I have yet to install them, so I can't vouch for fit or performance, but I haven't heard anything bad about them. Having your car lowered, the adjustable panhard is always a good idea, especially if you end up with wider rims/tires.

[02firebird]

Re: Next suspension mod

Ya I thought about that too because if you stand behind the car you can pretty easily tell the rear end is shifted an inch or so to the driver side.

[flamingchicken]

Re: Next suspension mod

Founders is awesome. I put their LCA's on my firebird and could tell a world of difference in the way the rear just sad down and went.

[02firebird]

Re: Next suspension mod

Well looks like my Christmas gifts to myself is window tint and and an adjustable panhard bar and relocation kit.

[FirebirdGT]

Re: Next suspension mod

OK - before you screw yourself up - what are you plans for you car? Do you want to "carve the curves" or drag? The suspension parts are different.

Having lowered your car you DO need LCA relocation brackets for sure.

As for an adjustable PHR - lowering an inch or so does not shift the axle over an inch - unless you bushings are shot - then just replace them with ES poly bushings - easy.

I am lowered, have 275/17 with 1/2" back spacers and have a stock PHR.

.

[02firebird]

Re: Next suspension mod

The car is a daily driver with no intent on becoming a drag car. So handling the corners is definitely the way I'm leaning with this. I'll hop under the car and check the bushings out tomorrow.

[ssms5411]

Re: Next suspension mod

I would go with LCA's over a panhard rod, you'll noticed a big difference from the LCA's in traction. Then sub-frame connectors are a great investment.

[EarlR]

Re: Next suspension mod

Not to throw a wrench into the works, but how old are your shocks? The reason I ask is that I recently changed out an old set of AGX (had almost 100k on them) for a set of the Bilstein SLP shocks, and the difference is amazing. The AGXs never felt as good, even when new, as the Bilsteins do.

Oh, and I'll second the comment about the 1" offset on the axle; I have the BMR springs on my '02, and actually measured the offset after installing them, and the difference side-to-side was < 1/8".

[CFreed11]

Re: Next suspension mod

I'll add that my reason for suggesting the adjustable panhard is that I'm running 295 wide tires on my rear, and on right handers, I get a rub on the fender lip. I don't get it on left handers, just rights. So I know my rear is offset to one side enough to cause this. I did NOT have any rubbing issues with my 275 wides before these.

[02firebird]

Re: Next suspension mod

My shocks and springs are only about 3000 miles old. I'm only running 245 wide tires and don't plan on getting new rims anytime time soon.

I never actually measured the offset, was just eye balling it from standing behind the car. However, I did go ahead and order the LCAs and relocation brackets from founders yesterday. Their prices were incredible compared to everyone else.

Is there anything I need to be concerned about with the front suspension now that I'm lowered?

[CFreed11]

Re: Next suspension mod

There's the possibility of your alignment being off. I've never gotten mine realigned and I've been lowered for over 2 years now. I haven't seen any abnormal wear to the front tires.

[ssms5411]

Re: Next suspension mod

My shocks and springs are only about 3000 miles old. I'm only running 245 wide tires and don't plan on getting new rims anytime time soon.

I never actually measured the offset, was just eye balling it from standing behind the car. However, I did go ahead and order the LCAs and relocation brackets from founders yesterday. Their prices were incredible compared to everyone else.

Is there anything I need to be concerned about with the front suspension now that I'm lowered?

If you didn't get a alignment, I would look into getting one.

[02firebird]

Re: Next suspension mod

Ya i got an alignment the day I lowered it.

[ssms5411]

Re: Next suspension mod

Ya i got an alignment the day I lowered it.

You should be good on the front end then, unless a front bushing goes out or something. Seemed mine with 120,000 miles on the front suspension my front bushings on the lower and upper A-arms went out along with the tie end rods.