Notices
Brakes & Suspension 350Z stoppers, coils, shocks/dampers

Suspension 101

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 12-31-2013, 11:06 AM
  #821  
guitman32
New Member
iTrader: (15)
 
guitman32's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: South FL
Posts: 1,998
Received 108 Likes on 90 Posts
Default

^Describe the play more and you may get people to bite

...lateral play, longetudinal play, play between the actual rubber in the bushing and the race in the arm itself? Or play between the bolt and the race in the bushing?
Old 01-05-2014, 12:05 PM
  #822  
AARONHL
New Member
iTrader: (1)
 
AARONHL's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 378
Received 7 Likes on 7 Posts
Default

The play is between the red bushing and aluminum subframe. Like if the brass sleeve and bushings were about 1/16" it would be a tight fit. Maybe it's designed like that on purpose so the bushing doesn't bind up...Seems like everyone who installed these arms should be able to see what I'm talking about...no driving issued here though so far so good
Old 01-08-2014, 06:03 AM
  #823  
jes1888
New Member
iTrader: (2)
 
jes1888's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Puerto Rico
Posts: 196
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

ok, i need right now the lca bushings, we do have options for those, i was wondering why nobody has refered to the prothane brand, are they bad? They have lifetime warranty and the sell full sets that include every bushing you'll ever need. Also the energy suspensions too. How do these 2 brands compare to whiteline or SpL in terms of quality?

Also in recent posts jason, you were recomending the mix of solid and urethane bushings to someone in this thread. My car needs the lca bushings as of now, (havent checked if it needs the radius or compression, but will change it anyways) and the differential ones, which i thought of replacing them with whiteline, but then i saw those 2 brands stated above, and then saw that they carry those "full sets" that include everything. Basically they seem like a good deal on the long run. Just wanted to know what to use, quality in mind tho. I want the bushings to last as long as the car. My car is DD, no track at all, just hard pulls on highways or something like that. so some advice please, thanks...


just in case, here are the links:

http://www.energysuspensionparts.com...p?prod=7.18108

http://www.ebay.com/itm/360625928919?_trksid=p2055120.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Last edited by jes1888; 01-08-2014 at 06:04 AM.
Old 01-08-2014, 06:09 AM
  #824  
jes1888
New Member
iTrader: (2)
 
jes1888's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Puerto Rico
Posts: 196
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by MagicTinou
Well i'm actually doing a full race build, i'm takin my car on the track, and i already have em' i thought they were okay for adjusting the toe. Even, if you don't like em' are they the ones i need to adjust the toe ? Are they going in the spring bucket place ?
I bought the kinetix branded set of the A arms, the rear camber and tractions arms, i mounted everything except the tractions, if you want them PM me, they're new. I just mounted them, saw the pain in the *** of alignment and that i didnt needed them and removed them.
Old 01-08-2014, 03:57 PM
  #825  
bjr
Registered User
 
bjr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: indiana
Posts: 841
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes on 7 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by jes1888
ok, i need right now the lca bushings, we do have options for those, i was wondering why nobody has refered to the prothane brand, are they bad?
I have only one thing I can try and help you with. That kit may end up being OK for the rest of the car but if you read back through this thread and believe that it is full of good advice, do not use urethane bushings on the LCA. Either use stock bushings again or use SPL spherical bearings if you can afford them. Urethane bushings do not allow your LCA to pivot through its entire range and you will end up damaging something else. Like I think he said stressing out the steering rack and other possible stress on things you don't want. Plus you will not get full arm travel. Go back and look at the beginning of the Front suspension arm section.

Last edited by bjr; 01-08-2014 at 04:04 PM.
Old 01-08-2014, 08:47 PM
  #826  
jes1888
New Member
iTrader: (2)
 
jes1888's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Puerto Rico
Posts: 196
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I did read all that, but i wasnt speaking about the compression arm, i was talking about the tranverse link. anyways, my car is a daily driver at stock height, the reason of putting urethane is to upgrade my suspension and make it stronger for the bunch of potholes and crappy roads that exist here... I can get the spl, but i dont like all those noise complaints i read neither.

Originally Posted by bjr
I have only one thing I can try and help you with. That kit may end up being OK for the rest of the car but if you read back through this thread and believe that it is full of good advice, do not use urethane bushings on the LCA. Either use stock bushings again or use SPL spherical bearings if you can afford them. Urethane bushings do not allow your LCA to pivot through its entire range and you will end up damaging something else. Like I think he said stressing out the steering rack and other possible stress on things you don't want. Plus you will not get full arm travel. Go back and look at the beginning of the Front suspension arm section.

Last edited by jes1888; 01-08-2014 at 08:48 PM.
Old 02-23-2014, 09:31 PM
  #827  
dragon11689
New Member
iTrader: (3)
 
dragon11689's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Delray Beach
Posts: 1,116
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

Sorry for bringing this thread back but had a question. I'm on OEM style coilovers with almost every spl part you can think of besides some bushings, endlinks, Midlink and locknuts. I'm at a modest height due to front bumper being too low. So I'm not Mr. Slammed. Anyway, is it still a good idea to get the midlink and locknuts? I will be doing the occasional autox so I don't know if OEM bolts will slip with any change in height. Also, I have the Nismo wheels with +30 offsets 9.5 all the way around. Thanks in advance.
Old 02-23-2014, 11:22 PM
  #828  
terrasmak
Super Moderator
MY350Z.COM
iTrader: (8)
 
terrasmak's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Sin City
Posts: 28,636
Received 2,283 Likes on 1,645 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by dragon11689
Sorry for bringing this thread back but had a question. I'm on OEM style coilovers with almost every spl part you can think of besides some bushings, endlinks, Midlink and locknuts. I'm at a modest height due to front bumper being too low. So I'm not Mr. Slammed. Anyway, is it still a good idea to get the midlink and locknuts? I will be doing the occasional autox so I don't know if OEM bolts will slip with any change in height. Also, I have the Nismo wheels with +30 offsets 9.5 all the way around. Thanks in advance.
In your case I would stick to OEM toe bolts or run SPC toe bolts if needed.
Old 02-25-2014, 02:08 PM
  #829  
dragon11689
New Member
iTrader: (3)
 
dragon11689's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Delray Beach
Posts: 1,116
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by terrasmak
In your case I would stick to OEM toe bolts or run SPC toe bolts if needed.
Awesome...I'm staying away from spc as I don't really feel like having "craptastic" alignments after some spirited driving or racing. I'll just leave that OEM then. Thanks for the input.
Old 03-31-2014, 10:23 AM
  #830  
pfregeolle
New Member
iTrader: (15)
 
pfregeolle's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: The Shop™
Posts: 3,415
Received 12 Likes on 11 Posts
Default

Hey Jason, this thread is seriously awesome, but my one complaint is the lack of coverage on the radius/traction rod in the first few pages.

As a part that's widely and commonly sold, and just as frequently purchased by folks who think they 'need' it, I always wished there was more information about what it's for and how it's supposed to be adjusted. Of course, the common guy lowering their Z probably won't need it or even care for wanting an adjustable one. But shouldn't we at least put this information out so people understand what they do, and how they can affect your suspension ride?

I'd be happy to provide some details around the radius arm, if you don't feel like explaining it or editing anywhere, and then you can just review and copy and paste that info into the first two pages somewhere...?
Old 04-17-2014, 10:18 PM
  #831  
ALO8
New Member
iTrader: (5)
 
ALO8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: CA
Posts: 1,142
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default installed

Just installed new endlinks and sways.

Did i installed the endlink correct? Does the threaded part go on lower control arm or top part connected to sway? or does it matter?




My bushing and bracket are not flush with swaybar flange/lip is that ok?
Old 04-18-2014, 02:16 AM
  #832  
terrasmak
Super Moderator
MY350Z.COM
iTrader: (8)
 
terrasmak's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Sin City
Posts: 28,636
Received 2,283 Likes on 1,645 Posts
Default

Doesn't matter, but I would say they are probably threaded way to far out. Then as far as sway bar bushings go, perfectly normal and fine.
Old 04-18-2014, 07:36 AM
  #833  
JasonZ-YA
350Z-holic
Thread Starter
iTrader: (60)
 
JasonZ-YA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: San Antonio/I miss DFW, TX
Posts: 11,204
Likes: 0
Received 28 Likes on 19 Posts
Default

Yep.....bushing flange ok.

but ya, threaded way to far out. remember u have to install them on flat ground, and since car is low, then it needs to be done on a lift...

u cant install one, then lift the car and install the other one side at a time, the car needs to be on a lift, or u in a pit, or something like that.

-J
Old 04-18-2014, 10:52 AM
  #834  
Urbanengineer
Registered User
 
Urbanengineer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Cincinnati, OH/Louisville, KY
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

This is the level of suspension knowledge I needed. Thanks for all of this!!
Old 04-18-2014, 09:25 PM
  #835  
ALO8
New Member
iTrader: (5)
 
ALO8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: CA
Posts: 1,142
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Originally Posted by JasonZ-YA
Yep.....bushing flange ok.

but ya, threaded way to far out. remember u have to install them on flat ground, and since car is low, then it needs to be done on a lift...

u cant install one, then lift the car and install the other one side at a time, the car needs to be on a lift, or u in a pit, or something like that.

-J
lol yea i have car on stands with wheels off right now so i had to thread out that far in order to fit lower arm hole. If i place front on ramps is it safe to remove endlink from lower arm? It wont be hard to remove because of tension?

Same applies to rear?...Has to be on ground or ramps?

Last edited by ALO8; 04-18-2014 at 11:43 PM.
Old 04-30-2014, 02:50 AM
  #836  
terrasmak
Super Moderator
MY350Z.COM
iTrader: (8)
 
terrasmak's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Sin City
Posts: 28,636
Received 2,283 Likes on 1,645 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by xxxlino
lol yea i have car on stands with wheels off right now so i had to thread out that far in order to fit lower arm hole. If i place front on ramps is it safe to remove endlink from lower arm? It wont be hard to remove because of tension?

Same applies to rear?...Has to be on ground or ramps?
In the air the endlinks should come out pretty easily, on level ground they also should come out easily. They should be set on level ground to have no load when installed
Old 05-02-2014, 11:53 AM
  #837  
bjr
Registered User
 
bjr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: indiana
Posts: 841
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes on 7 Posts
Default

I am trying to figure out the forces involved in the front suspension geometry. After I wore out the OEM compression arms, I've gone through many compression arms from Oreilly. They either have the bushings tear or wear out the ball joint in a much shorter amount of time to the point it is so loose it rattles. I splurged last time and got OEM arms and SPL bearings. Still wearing out the ball joint on the arm though. I don't see many people having this problem on the arm, only that it is common for the OEM bushings to tear. So I am thinking that I am missing something. And the only thing I can think of is something else is worn too but I cannot figure it out.
If you have a list of things to check or for me to understand I can get my service records out and talk more detail on age/shape of other parts. I replaced a lot of bushings up front when I did the SPL/OEM upgrade so start off as fresh as I could. I'm trying to relate other parts being worn vs. wear at that small ball joint - if there is any relationship at all.

I also have been trying to find an alternative to using the stock piece and getting an upgrade (for lack of better term, a race quality piece) but can only find every other arm/link on the car, not the compression arm! This thread is a great resource and shows about everything you can upgrade and the compression arm only gets bushing/bearing upgrade - nothing "nicer". Some of the upgrades for the rear suspension are high quality stuff. I've been searching for actual 350z race car pictures to see what they do differently on the front end and am coming up with no help there either.


Don't feel like putting out the money again for it to last <1yr. All Oreilly parts ended up being free replacement and then a return, so I had money to put towards OEM arms BUT after changing arms each time there is alignment check and probably go ahead and do an alignment each time at a fair cost as well. Spent more on alignments the last few years than parts!

Please help!
Old 05-05-2014, 09:21 PM
  #838  
maggiver503
Registered User
 
maggiver503's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Galveston
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default new coilovers need help 350z. .

Hi i bought a kit of coilovers mono rs godspeed i know they are not the best but i already pay for it and i installed them... the problem is the my z still hitting and bouncing a lot. .. can u tell me how can i adjustment them? Thank s
Old 05-06-2014, 03:56 AM
  #839  
terrasmak
Super Moderator
MY350Z.COM
iTrader: (8)
 
terrasmak's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Sin City
Posts: 28,636
Received 2,283 Likes on 1,645 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by maggiver503
Hi i bought a kit of coilovers mono rs godspeed i know they are not the best but i already pay for it and i installed them... the problem is the my z still hitting and bouncing a lot. .. can u tell me how can i adjustment them? Thank s
How low is the car and how much travel do you have.
Old 05-11-2014, 06:52 PM
  #840  
webrunner5
Registered User
 
webrunner5's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Oxford, Ohio
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Years ago they had full ramps to drive up on a lift. Now it is the Finger type. So no load on the wheels like there was. I would use a pit like in some of the oil change places to set height and rod lengths. Even load that way. Make sure you rock the car side to side, front to back to get the slack out of suspension.

Last edited by webrunner5; 05-11-2014 at 06:54 PM.


Quick Reply: Suspension 101



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 02:11 PM.