Shocks/struts, experts

[Mongo]

Okay, suspension gurus, abuse me if you must, but I need some solid answers.
Two ‘95’s: one with 60k, all original, wallows like a Town Car, hideous original Goodyears (hard as a rock, worthless in every respect.) The other has 82k, good Yokohama dB’s, but crappy original rear shocks/springs, even crappier Sears struts up front (not my doing).

I know many of you are youngsters looking for the handling edge and ignoring ride quality, so don’t be offended by the following:

Intrax: NO!
Eibach: maybe?
Koni: high quality
Factory shocks: Sachs/Boge?
Tokico: ride quality compared with stock?
Factory springs: Defective? Moog replacements available?
Aluminum subframe bushings: NO!
Urethane bushings anywhere: NO!

The factory stuff is shot: the missus likes this, and I point out it’s dangerous. I also point out it won’t be good for Bridgestone Pole Position tires or other quality replacement. I want a BMW 5-Series ride, same with which this car was designed to compete. Any suggestions? I’ve done an archive search, and the best I get is from Fred: “Grandma won’t like the Koni/Eibach.” I’ve had Koni/Motorsport on a brilliant ’91 Mustang: the smallest bump felt like a bomb was going off in the car. Threw away the 600’s, replaced with the factory 425’s, kept the Konis, and all was well.

Thanks in advance; I’m sending $30 via PayPal to the site for your responses. I’ve lurked for a long time, and owe you quite a bit. I encourage you to follow my lead.

 

[rangerj]

Mongo,

Have you consodered an adjustable ride shock? You can have a soft ride for the "missus", and a stiff ride for better handling. If I remember right Koni, and a couple of others, makes an adjustable shock.

Check with some of the speed and custom shops, e.g. Summit Racing, and get some suggestions about matching the suspension, tires, and brakes to the application. IMHO the ordinary, "off-the- shelf", parts will not give you the ride and performance you are looking for.

If you do not mind paying the price, the "custom" and/or racing suppliers is where you will find what you are looking for. LOL, rangerj

 

[gosho89]

IMO: The best ride you're going to get if you decide to modify beyond stock is the adjustable Koni's with eibach's. I use my car for travel and business, besides weekend fun. The one thing I question is my solid subframe bushings but beyond that it rides like a cadillac on rails. I have had muscle cars in the past that were uncomfortable and a modified 5.0 ten years ago (eibach's and Saleen shocks) that would handle as good as my SHO but wasn't comfortable after an hour of driving. Now I'm almost 40 and enjoy driving my SHO for hours.

Good luck!

<small>[ January 05, 2003, 05:02 PM: Message edited by: gosho89 ]</small>