Koni Inserts and (Insert Spring Here)

[SHOspazz92]

So my father has decided to drive and mantain my SHO daily while I am away. He's driving the car 150 miles a day on some rough california desert roads.

The car is currently equipped with Tokico Struts, Intrax springs and Alluminum subframe bushings. He absolutely loves the way the car handles but at 57 years of age the rough ride on these even rougher Desert back roads take a toll on the old man's back.

He has expressed to me that he wants to pull the suspension for somthing else. He is adament about not going to a stock suspension setup so I suggested Koni's as they are adjustable. My question is however how much of a softer ride with the Koni's at there least firm settings with lets say...an Eibach spring give you over the Intrax/Tokico setup?

Thank you in advance.

-Sam

 

[adidas_kn]

The konis are pretty harsh even at thier softest settings. The Intrax springs are causing most of the ride harshness IMHO. Put some stock SHO springs or Eibach's and they should be allot softer for the old mans back.

 

[gmorrell]

The Koni's primary adjustment is for rebound damping. Bump damping increases somewhat as more rebound damping is dialed-in, but even on their softest setting, the Koni's will have more bump damping then the Tokicos, and this will make your father even more uncomfortable.

I would suggest perhaps Eibach or stock springs with the Tokicos, and installing some OEM subframe pucks. There's nothing wrong with the stock springs, and increasing the ride height a bit may be the ticket for lots of daily duty on crappy roads.

He might also want to consider a Backsaver pad. I use these in race seats, they really help to reduce the impact and fatigue from a stiffly sprung vehicle.

http://www.pegasusautoracing.com/productdetails.asp?RecId=1059

Gary M.

 

[SHO Continental]

Eibach/Monroe would be a cushy marshmallow of a ride.

 

[93rev2sev]

some rough california desert roads.
-Sam

I laugh at the very thought of ROUGH CALI roads.

 

[93rev2sev]

To answer your question...

Take it from someone that drives Ford road and the Davison every day...

Low-pro tires on oversized rims are a no-no on rough roads. Here's what I'm talking about....16" wheels with 215 65s at 30lbs. As a vehicle that I use to commute to work through Detroit every day, it's the right combination - even if it looks kinda wimpy.

This way you can simply swap wheel tire combinations to get the stance right. And even keep the stiff suspension components that are on the car now...

 

[gdsqdcr]

I have the Koni and Eibach, with other stuff and love it. But I would not suggest it for driving over rough roads, esp if you have a bad back.

Anthony

 

[SHOspazz92]

I have the Koni and Eibach, with other stuff and love it. But I would not suggest it for driving over rough roads, esp if you have a bad back.

Anthony

The funny thing was that my dad said he never had any issues with his back aching ever until he started driving my car.

So, An Eibach spring should really help with the ride I imagin? If thats the case then that would be awsome as my dad has a "hook up" at Eibach.

-Sam

 

[droptSHO]

If your dad gets Eibachs, I'll take your old Intrax

 

[gdsqdcr]

Sam

If your pops is ever up in my area, I know probably not likely, I can give him a ride in mine.

Anthony

 

[JEM]

So, An Eibach spring should really help with the ride I imagin? If thats the case then that would be awsome as my dad has a "hook up" at Eibach.

Ride quality: 16in wheels and 225/55-16 tires. Get rid of the Konis. Get rid of the aluminum subframe bushings. In that order, as necessary. IMO springs have a lot less impact on ride quality than struts and tires.

The real fix is a Gen 3 subframe, but...

 

[SHOspazz92]

Ride quality: 16in wheels and 225/55-16 tires. Get rid of the Konis. Get rid of the aluminum subframe bushings. In that order, as necessary. IMO springs have a lot less impact on ride quality than struts and tires.

The real fix is a Gen 3 subframe, but...

We have Tokico's in the car Right now.

The tires on the car are not that low profile, There simply 225/50/17's.

I'm going to suggest for him to go to the Eibach springs and Gen 3 Subframe bushings.

Of course, When I get back home those Intrax's/ALFSB's are going right back in

-Sam

 

[92inPA]

Before spending any money, maybe you could try lowering the tire pressures a couple of pounds. It just may make enough difference in ride without hurting tire wear.