Cascade Crew

Al Hasse · Posted: Wed Jun 19, 2013 6:01 pm Post subject: New suspension stuff

I've had a clunk up in the front end that I haven't been able to find for a while, it's noisy even if the road isn't bumpy. At COWS, Gabe did a listen for me as I moved the suspension and we have mostly concluded that it's the driver side strut mount.

On to order a new set of caster/camber plates from Founders Performance. They arrived on Saturday, and I was looking forward to putting them on the car. When I opened the box, I have a pair of right side plates, no invoice and no instructions (though easy to figure out). All the other hardware seemed correct. This picture is the entire contents of the package.

I e-mailed Founders, sent them this picture, and a new piece is on the way. Great customer service.

To go with the caster/camber plates, I ordered a new set of struts and shocks. I was surprised that Tire Rack had the best price for the set I ordered. The struts came today and the matching set of shocks should be here Friday.

Schultzy89GTA · Posted: Wed Jun 19, 2013 6:59 pm Post subject:

Way cool Al! That girl is getting dialed in Cool

-Schultzy

aaron_sK · Posted: Wed Jun 19, 2013 8:19 pm Post subject:

The Founders are a nice upgrade, Al.

Al Hasse · Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 7:02 pm Post subject:

I got curious as soon as they came in and removed the boot from one of the struts. My gosh, the diameter of the piston is twice that of any others I've seen for 3rd gens. I took a pic of one beside one of the struts I intend to install on the V6, its piston diameter is the same as the Tokicos currently on the 89.

Alphius · Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 9:44 pm Post subject:

Bilstiens are inverted struts IIRC.

DBL_TKE · Posted: Fri Jun 21, 2013 4:37 am Post subject:

The look shorter too? Any idea what the mounting height and stroke of those are?

Al Hasse · Posted: Fri Jun 21, 2013 5:45 am Post subject:

It's just the way I have them sitting. Mounting height is exactly the same, or very close. I'll try to check travel tonight after I get home.

91RSVert · Posted: Fri Jun 21, 2013 12:03 pm Post subject:

Nice that they have good customer service that they are already sending you a part.

Al Hasse · Posted: Fri Jun 21, 2013 5:43 pm Post subject:

My best guess by measuring tape..

From top of mounting bracket to bearing seat, the KYB is 14 1/4" and the Bilsten is 13 3/8" - Bilsten is about 7/8" shorter.

The KYB has 6 15/16" travel and the Bilsten has 5 13/16" travel. Bilsten has about 1 1/8" less.

Should be OK for a slightly lowered front end.

DBL_TKE · Posted: Sat Jun 22, 2013 2:46 pm Post subject:

sounds like it. I never knew they were shorter. I wish the off the shelf Koni's were.

Al Hasse · Posted: Sat Jun 22, 2013 3:46 pm Post subject:

The replacement caster/camber plate came today as I was getting ready to pull the first strut off the car. Had to remove the label since my other one had none. Install was actually pretty easy. Alignment tech said I got pretty close for just putting it together with no alignment equipment. I think black was the right choice for the red car....

RSFreak · Posted: Tue Jun 25, 2013 8:52 pm Post subject:

Nice! How does she feel after the upgrade?

Alphius · Posted: Wed Jun 26, 2013 8:01 am Post subject:

aaron_sK · Posted: Wed Jun 26, 2013 10:23 am Post subject:

Hmm... we swapped those Konis out at my house and I seem to remember they were noticeably shorter than the ancient KYBs we pulled off your car.

The Founders mounts give extra shock travel as well. Cool

Al Hasse · Posted: Wed Jun 26, 2013 1:27 pm Post subject:

Feels better mainly because the driver side strut was shot and leaking all over itself. I still have the shocks to install on the rear, easy job.

Alphius · Posted: Wed Jun 26, 2013 2:02 pm Post subject:

IIRC the Yellows are around 1.5" shorter and the founders raise the mounting point about another 1" or so.

jchaussee · Member Joined: 14 Nov 2010 Posts: 1318 Location: renton

Nice al. I am jeoleous