So my dad's Mazda MPV handles better then my '99 i30, and rightfully so, since my car is on stock suspension at 160k miles. The thing is pretty sloppy when going through sharp bends on the highway so I'd like make some improvements since I plan on keeping it a bit longer (BMW E60 hopefully by next spring if I can find the one I want ).

I'm trying not to drop too much money into this thing, but I don't want to come back and redo work if I keep it longer.

Here's the question: Do I need new springs if I decide to get some kyb gr2s. Some people say springs last the life of the car, but others disagree. I'm not trying to lower my car, I just want the drive to be better. Additionally, I've heard that the LCAs, tie-rods should be replaced since it is at 160k miles. I'd like to her opinions on this one.. There is no play or looseness if I jack the front end up and move the wheels left to right. The bushings are worn on the LCA, and I heard changing the whole arm is the best option rather then changing the bushing itself. Has anybody had experience with this ebay kit? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/KIT-T...Q5fAccessories
160 shipped for a full-set isn't a bad price, but I'm not trying to have a tie-rod break when I'm going through a sharp bend on the high-way going 70 MPH.

Thanks for the feedback guys.

 

No reason to replace the springs unless they're damaged, or are starting to rust out (not surface rust, that's no biggie).

 

Ive heard bad news about those ebay parts, search and you will find the threads. If you are going to get LCA check the classified SNOW_MAX I think thats how its spelled has them for sale good price too.

 

Put a set of GR2's in and if the LCA bushings are shot then the ebay units are just fine. I just installed them in a buddies I30. They seemed perfectly fine to me.

 

the ones that are heavily being sold on ebay have had some quality control issue that is why I stopped handling them. If you want something that is decent quality and a decent price PM me.
I will not match an ebay price since I know my quality is better.

 

get some gr-2's and check the bushings. You can put in some ES bushings. If your going to change your struts, check your mounts and boots. Better to change them now then later on down the road like how I have done.

 

Thanks for the reply guys, ordering myself some GR2s and will probably gamble on the ebay lca.. internautomar: what's your price on LCA's anyhow? I'm going to skip the boots since my research indicates it doesn't do squat. Do I really need to change these mounts though?

 

I'm $50 ea plusabout 10-15 for shipping depending on where you are at.
Boots are there to protect the piston rod.

 

I'd go for a extensive tune up. I got my Max at 157k and now it's at 172k roughly a year and half later. since I got it I've been replacing and fixing things nonstop. Not huge things but things that are apparently designed to give out at this mileage. Better to be proactive about it than wait around for something big to break on its own.