My UMI and BMR suspension build
12-04-2011, 01:17 PM
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My UMI and BMR suspension build over the past few years i've slowly been replacing all the suspension components on my TA. as of now i've replaced just about everything and learned a lot. just about everything else on the car is stock minus catback, JBA shorties and lid. i had longtubes and ory on there but i live in california and paying off smog shops or swapping out my exhaust every couple years got really old. i originally bought this car with the plan of building it from the ground up, hence the lack of engine and drive train modifications. now that i'm done with the suspension, i'll be working up the drive train, but that will come later on. so here's some pics for your enjoyment 
these are pictures of the stock k removed, not hard to do at all for those new to this. just six bolts holding it up. then with the UMI k and sway bar installed followed bythe driver and passenger side pictures of the upper and lower a-arms, BMR springs and bilstein shocks. at this point i have not gotten an alignment yet, waiting on new O2 snesors so i can get smogged and registered. it's currently well enough in alignment to drive it to the smog and alignment shop, but that's it. and i still had to get the rear parts put in.
these are pictures of the stock k removed, not hard to do at all for those new to this. just six bolts holding it up. then with the UMI k and sway bar installed followed bythe driver and passenger side pictures of the upper and lower a-arms, BMR springs and bilstein shocks. at this point i have not gotten an alignment yet, waiting on new O2 snesors so i can get smogged and registered. it's currently well enough in alignment to drive it to the smog and alignment shop, but that's it. and i still had to get the rear parts put in.
Last edited by 98TAjwh; 12-04-2011 at 04:16 PM.
12-04-2011, 01:27 PM
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now these are pics of the rear parts put in. UMI lca's, adjustable panhard bar, panhard bar relocation kit, rear sway and BMR springs. while i was under there i went ahead and replaced the bump stops as well since it's a very easy part.
Last edited by 98TAjwh; 12-04-2011 at 01:34 PM.
12-04-2011, 01:49 PM
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now this is something interesting i found out while doing this. i had the UMI adjustable torque arm and crossmember with drive shaft safety loop installed with my long tubes (the one UMI claims on the website won't fit stock exhaust) and was concerned that i would have to do one of three things: 1) put my stock torque arm back on and order a new kit (not happy with this one at all). 2) spend another $140 ona crossmember with out a safety loop or cut the safety loop off the one i had (really not happy with this one). 3) have a custom exhaust fabbed up to fit the parts i had which would most likely be much more expensive than the first two options (
)
so when i actually got to this point i figured, screw it, i'll see if the stuff i have will go on, at least i can say i ruled that out without a doubt. well low and behold, it fit's perfectly! i dunno, maybe UMI can explain this one. now i have heard that UMI's k member will allow the engine to sit about an inch lower than stock, and that did appear to be the case in which that would explain this whole phenomenon (sp?). because i have, and you can see in the pictures, about an inch and a half of clearance on all sides of the stock y. needless to say, i was very happy about this.
)so when i actually got to this point i figured, screw it, i'll see if the stuff i have will go on, at least i can say i ruled that out without a doubt. well low and behold, it fit's perfectly! i dunno, maybe UMI can explain this one. now i have heard that UMI's k member will allow the engine to sit about an inch lower than stock, and that did appear to be the case in which that would explain this whole phenomenon (sp?). because i have, and you can see in the pictures, about an inch and a half of clearance on all sides of the stock y. needless to say, i was very happy about this.
12-04-2011, 01:54 PM
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now you may notice i don't have the bilsteins installed in the rear. that's cuz i haven't ordered them yet but they are soon to come. once that's done i can finally start buying go fast parts. lot's of thanks to Byunspeed, Rock Auto, and Strano Performance for their quick delivery and great customer service. and thanks to BMR and UMI for making great parts! thanks for looking!
i originally had this as an alignment thread in the western section, but it changed directions. i had someone ask about the total cost once i get the alignment done, so stay tuned.........
i originally had this as an alignment thread in the western section, but it changed directions. i had someone ask about the total cost once i get the alignment done, so stay tuned.........
12-04-2011, 02:16 PM
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current cost of parts and stuff:
UMI and BMR parts: just over 3300.00
replacement tie rods, bushings and stuff: appoximately 500.00
money saved by doing it myself: a bazillion dollars!
four wheel alignment: ???? not there yet
UMI and BMR parts: just over 3300.00
replacement tie rods, bushings and stuff: appoximately 500.00
money saved by doing it myself: a bazillion dollars!
four wheel alignment: ???? not there yet
Last edited by 98TAjwh; 12-27-2011 at 06:42 PM.
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12-04-2011, 04:18 PM
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thanks, i was hoping you could clarify if your k actually lowers the engine at all. it looks like it does, but i didn't take any before or after measurements so i don't know. as stated, if that's the case it explains why my stock exhaust fits with your torque arm and crossmember with the safety loop that your site states doesn't fit stock exhaust. thanks
12-04-2011, 05:19 PM
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Hey 98.
Our k-members are based on stock engine location. On occasion there may be some applications that overlap due to factory tolerance. In your case it worked to your advantage! Exhaust is a pretty crazy thing sometimes...
Our k-members are based on stock engine location. On occasion there may be some applications that overlap due to factory tolerance. In your case it worked to your advantage! Exhaust is a pretty crazy thing sometimes...
oops, thanks for pointing that out. glad you noticed that before i got it on the road.
12-05-2011, 06:22 PM
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hmm, if i remember right the directions had them underneath which is where i have them. but i'll double check. so they actually go between the shock and the a-arm?
12-08-2011, 10:13 PM
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Really cool stuff to see bro.
i just got my first shippment in from UMI with pretty much
identical set up to yours.
i made one big order last week
now i just have to wait for Ramey to get back to
my so i can decide on shocks and get them ordered too.
let me know how your F-body feels after all this.
i can't wait for my stuff to start being bolted on this weekend
GOOD **** MAN, WAY TO SHOW HOW TO DO IT RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BIG PROPS TO YA!
i just got my first shippment in from UMI with pretty much
identical set up to yours.
i made one big order last week
now i just have to wait for Ramey to get back to
my so i can decide on shocks and get them ordered too.
let me know how your F-body feels after all this.
i can't wait for my stuff to start being bolted on this weekend
GOOD **** MAN, WAY TO SHOW HOW TO DO IT RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BIG PROPS TO YA!
