Suspension Advice Needed: Carrera rides HARSH

[Myami]

Hey Pelicans,

Yet another issue regarding the new-to-me ‘84 Carrera with 170k on the clock.

After installing new Bilstein HDs (B6s, now) all around and replacing the 10 year-old tires with new Conti ECSs, the car is still borderline slamming into cracks and uneven surfaces. It almost feels like there’s no suspension at all. Shuddering is the word. Yea, it’s that bad. Even worse, it felt that way before the new Bilsteins and rubber.

My tire pressure is a little high (fixing that tonight), but that can’t be the problem. Based on the records, im pretty sure the car has stock T-bars, but the harshness is pretty uniform to the front and the rear over relatively minor bumps.

Could my bushings be THAT far gone? And, if so, which ones will bring me some relief?

Thanks in advance!

[andoni510]

If you have the Yellow Bilstein Heavy Duty shocks it will feel harsh for street use in my experience.

[Arne2]

Post a picture of the car from the side. I'm betting it's been lowered severely and is riding on the bump stops. My '84 was like that when I bought it. Raising the ride height a little made a huge difference.

[Myami]

Originally Posted by andoni510

If you have the Yellow Bilstein Heavy Duty shocks it will feel harsh for street use in my experience.

I have the greens, which are supposed to be compliant on the street.

[Myami]

Originally Posted by Arne2

Post a picture of the car from the side. I'm betting it's been lowered severely and is riding on the bump stops. My '84 was like that when I bought it. Raising the ride height a little made a huge difference.

I can snap a few pictures tomorrow, but know that I'm set at 25.25" (or so) in the rear and 26" in the front. Low, but not slammed.

It does feel like I'm on the bump stops though. Almost no compliance.

[brighton911]

I have the same shocks and tires (on 17's) on my 86. What size rims are you running? The roads in our area are quite bad and after raising my ride height to 26 front and 26.25 rear, I noticed a great improvement in ride quality with little to no loss in handling.
You should ask to have this post moved to the technical section, you may get more coverage and inputs.

[Mixed76]

How about your torsion bar bushings. If they are hard they will pass impacts into the body, will feel harsh even with soft springs and shocks. Amhik.

[Myami]

Originally Posted by brighton911

I have the same shocks and tires (on 17's) on my 86. What size rims are you running? The roads in our area are quite bad and after raising my ride height to 26 front and 26.25 rear, I noticed a great improvement in ride quality with little to no loss in handling.
You should ask to have this post moved to the technical section, you may get more coverage and inputs.

Thanks, raising ride height is on the list. I’m running oem 16s.

And yes, I asked to have the thread moved last night when I realized my error. Guess I’m that guy now ...

[Myami]

Originally Posted by Mixed76

How about your torsion bar bushings. If they are hard they will pass impacts into the body, will feel harsh even with soft springs and shocks. Amhik.

So this is what my gut told me was the likely culprit. It’s unlikely, but the PO might have even swapped them for Poly or some other hardened material. Doubt it, but I may start there.