Im having some major problems with the suspension... basically i have new stuts (kyb gr2) new ball joints and new swaybar links...

Now the ride is pretty harsh... just like it was with the old se struts.... basically i can feel EVERY bump on the road... it feels more like the car is falling into the bumps and not absorbing anything...the steering wheel shakes.. the whole car feels like im in a shopping cart? what else could be causing the problem?

 

bump....... anyone

 

there's been a few recent posts about ride quality. some people have said the GR2s are in fact harder than stock struts. that is probably why your ride is harsher. take 'em off and try something else. Tokico blues are supposedly a little softer. maybe monroe reflex? post your results.

 

Are you on stock springs? GR2's are stock replacements.. maybe slightly stiffer so .. .

 

Actually its just as bad as it was with the old se struts...they seem to not have affected anything.... i bottomed out once at night and thats where i think i messed everything up... then I replaced all those parts and it hasn’t improved anything

 

Ok the control arm bushings look pretty bad, they might be the culprit....
which what is the difference between the energy suspension black and red?

http://performance.speedycarparts.co...77&brandid=113

 

ES bushings are much stiffer than stock - so your ride may be harsher than you would like... just keep that in mind.

 

thats not going to make your car ride smoother though, just tigher control

 

Agreed. The black ES are lubricated from the mfg, the red ones are stiffer and require lube.

 

your springs may need to be replaced....

 

Is ok i asked energy suspension what the difference was they said its the EXACT same thing except the black ones are lubricated... they dont recomend the red...
So is is $29.99 a good price or is there better

http://www.energysuspensionparts.com...3111&ShowMe=30

 

GR-2's are a very stiff strut, actually all the KYB units are very stiff. Thats why the car rides like a shopping cart. They are actually much stiffer in both compression and rebound then the stock units. What size wheel tire are you running and what cold tire pressure are they set at?

If your looking for a nice smooth ride on the stock set up, put a set of Tokico Blues in. They ride smoother, quite different then stock units because they are valved differently. If you want a little more performance, spend some $$ and get a set of adjustable Illuminas. They ride fantastic on the stock springs, you can set them very soft like a caddy or nice and firm like a sports car. Find the sweet spot that fits your ride quality and driving habits.

 

Is $29.99the cheapest price for the busings or is there something else?

 

nj - are you saying the illuminas on Stock SE springs are softer than the blues? when you have them on the soft setting, how bad is the handling?

I'm looking for a nice soft ride and was all set to buy the Blues, thinking the Illuminas would be too hard. but now you're making me wonder.

 

Lots of great info here. My GXE has 130 K miles, and is in excellent shape. However, the stock shocks are dead, and I want something with better handling than what I had before, but still very comfortable. I have the stock wheels, but upgrade touring tires, which make a big difference.

Would Les Schwab gas shocks be something to consider? I don't want any lowering or changing in the basic comfort, so I'm thinking I should avoid the performance mod manufacturers?? Thanks!

 

its not obvious that poly bushings make for a stiffer and more harsh ride? gr-2 are a claimed 15% stiffer but imo they are more like twice that. you picked the wrong parts for a comfortable ride.

 

I think the blues are more like having illuminas on the softest setting ALL the time. For the best in handling to suit you're taste/driving style I agree with Tom, go with the illuminas. If you ever decide to change you're springs you can stick with the illuminas and they are adjustable in case the softest setting is too soft for you.

 

Honestly the Blues would be just fine if your only looking for a nice smooth comfortable ride. But I have to say that the Illuminas are sweet on stock springs.

 

I feel every little bump on the road and if it's a big bump I slow down to 5mph and somtimes the person behind me will honk not knowing that if I go any faster I'll prolly snap my car in half thanks to the GR2s being so firm heh...but I'm not complaining it's worh it for the money I paid