re:5kCSTQ Suspension

[brv@chrysler.com]

     Scott wrote:

     >Dave at GPR has H&R springs (says they'll only lower it about an
     inch--is this true and is this still too low?), and recommends Boges
     over Bilsteins.  I hear the Boges wear out quickly though.

     Are there any other good spring choices?  Anybody found progressive
     rate springs with minimal lowering?  How do the Konis compare to Boge
     and Bilstein?



     I just installed (last week) a set of H&R progressives and Konis on my
     86 5KCSTQ.  The car is getting aligned as I type.  My initial
     impression with stock sized tires @ 35psi and a ridiculous alignment
     setting is that the impact harshness increased a noticable amount but
     the overall ride was pleasantly firm.  The shocks are adjustable and I
     have the fronts set at .75 turns and the rears at 1 turn from full
     soft.  I have not pushed the vehicle by any means given its current
     state.  However, since the roads here in Detroit are atrocious, it is
     easy to get a reasonable assesment of ride.

     I'v got 205/55/R16 D60A2's coming next week so my impression is
     subject to change..

     I went with Konis over the other brands mentioned because they are
     adjustable and i got a super deal on them.  Sice my job is ride and
     handling development, I can't leave well enough alone and prefer
     adjustability.  On our shock dyno, the rears had over 100% change in
     rebound damping fron soft to hard.  This leaves plenty of room for
     tuning.  Now if they only made them in the sport model which adjust
     with a knob from the top/side....it would be an easy task.
     Unfortunately, they are the older D-type hydraulic twin tube type that
     need to be fully compressed to adjust them.

     Anyway, just my humble two cents worth. Whatever you choose, it will
     probable be better than the stock "Caddilac" ride.  And the springs
     lower the car 1.5" in front and 1" in rear for a much more agressive
     stance and better roll control/response.


     Happy motoring!!!


     Brian Vinson
     Ferndale, Mi
     86 5KCSTQ "getting closer to what I want.."