What Do I Need For A Suspension Refresh?

[Paulporsche]

Ol Yeller has 197,000 miles on it so I think it's well past time I did some suspension freshening. I've already redone the front rotors and pads, all 4 wheel bearings, and the turbo tie rods.

I want to replace, or have revalved, the Bilstein HD shocks, and replace the sway bar bushings and drop links or bushings, along with the spring plates and/or bushings. I'll probably replace shock mount bushings too. Afterwards I'll have an alignment done.

I don't track the car anymore, and at my advanced age (71) I'm looking for a well handling but comfortable ride for myself and my long suffering wife.

Aside from what I've listed above, what else should I get from our host, and what potential pitfalls should I look out for, or special tools would I need to do this work?

And finally, can I do all this work in my garage with a jack and stands but no lift?

Thanks.

[jpnovak]

Here is my typical list for a refresh. Some parts may be deleted depending on the previous replacement. There are options for each item.

front shocks (dampers)
Front a-arm bushings
tie-rods (or tie-rod ends)
ball joints
Steering rack rebuild/regrease
front sway bar bushings (front a-arm and rear support)
Front strut bearing support (top of strut)

rear sway bar bushings (drop link and body collar)
spring plate bushings
rear shocks (dampers)
rear trailing arm bushings



I am a huge fan of any of the bearing type bushings (not rubber) I don't think they transmit much NVH into the chassis but have fantastic reduction in rotational friction. This means a planted, compliant ride especially on bad roads.

Make sure to add a corner balance to your alignment process. This makes a difference especially after it has all come apart and been assembled.

[RWebb]

well handling but comfortable ===> digressive valving on the shocks

for best comfort, reverse all the hotrod suspension mods. you did years ago

[Ayles]

You can definitely do this on jack stands. I did, but I'm also not 71 Be ready for trouble with some of the disassembly and be prepared to spend a fair amount of time on the ground fighting some it. That being said my Father in Law helped with a good a portion of it and he was at least 71 at the time. Not a bad set of jobs to do but having a helper will make it much more enjoyable.

[mar2mar]

If you have a Bilstein struts, you should probably change the upper seal and the sliding bearing inside the struts too.

[Paulporsche]

Thanks everyone.

Mar2mar,

Our host's chat function isn't working right now. Are those 2 parts readily available?

[mar2mar]

I searched around quite a bit for these parts, hoping to rebuild it myself , but I didn’t find anybody that sells them. Finally I called Bilstein, they have the parts , but they will not sell it individually. You have to send the struts to them and they will install it. That’s what I did. Before tax and shipping they charge a total of $230 for both struts. The turn around time was about 2 weeks. I’m very happy with their service and the peace of mind knowing it was professional done by Bilstein is well worth it.

[Paulporsche]

I think I'll go that route, Mar. Thanks!

[jpnovak]

Craig Garr (G2 RAcing) (Cgarr on Pelican) will rebush your Bilstein struts. His turnaround time is faster than Bilstein and at a very reasonable price. It is worth contacting him.

[Paulporsche]

I'll check him out.

Thanks Jamie.

[911SauCy]

Check book, thick one