StealthFormula

iTrader: (35)

I have a completely stock suspension on my '95 Formula which is my daily driver. I want to increase handling and I do not want my car lowered any more than an inch at the absolute most. I want to buy the SLP bilstein/eibach kit to cover shocks and springs. I obviously need a panhard so I suppose a UMI "on car" adjustable panhard would be a good choice? Now I want to do sway bars so I was thinking the 1LE 32mm hollow front/21mm solid rear? The car just needs to have more handling control and be less tail happy. I have done alot of searching but I can't decide if I should keep the stock rear sway bar and upgrade just the front or both? Now would purchasing a set of LCA relocation brackets be a good idea? Thanks for your help!

OldeSkool

My advice.. do it one piece at a time.

Chassis tuning is no different from engine building in that you have to pick parts that work together. the wrong cam can ruin an otherwise great engine, the wrong shocks can ruin an otherwise great chassis.

I suggest a good set of shocks first. Go ahead and get konis, worth the money in every way.

THEN see if you feel you still need to change things

I don't know what size front swaybar your car has on it. But you'll probably want something bigger than 32mm. Strano's 35mm bar is a great deal. Bigger front bars make the car less tail happy, bigger rear bars make it more tail happy. So you'd probably be happier with just a bigger front bar and a stock rear bar.

The Konis (SA's) will enable you to get a slight drop (.75 front .5 rear) with stock springs. You'll get the most comfortable ride possible. You can go with lowering springs, a lot of people do, but I'd try the koni perch/hose setup first.

The panhard bar isnt a *must* unless you're running really wide tires (like 315's) or you're lowered a bunch. But a stronger panhard bar is a wortwhile upgrade. I suggest going full out on a double rod end panhard bar. You can save yourself some money by making your own from threaded radius rod and rod ends. Or you can buy one. Whichever, the panhard bar is one location on Fbodys where rod ends aren't obscenely harsh. And you'll benefit from 0 flex, precise axle location in cornering. The on-car adjustment feature isn't a big deal. The off-car type is stronger in my opinion.

As far as relocation brackets, wait and see. Once you're satisfied with the handling and settled on a ride height, you may or may not need them.

StealthFormula

iTrader: (35)

^I appreciate your help! I think I will go with the Koni's and Sam's 35mm sway bar and a panhard and see where that gets me. Thats perfect how I can lower the car on stock springs using the Koni's since at times I want it stock ride height and lowered at other times for shows etc.

Viper

iTrader: (6)

To lower it with stock springs, you remove the spring isolater in the rear and use a garden type hose on the first coil (that touches the body). In the front you just install it on the lower perch. To swap for car shows you'd have to remove the front spring/shock assembly to modify it every time. May not be real fun. I recommend you make your own PHR with QA1 rod ends, real inexpensive to do.

UMI Performance

iTrader: (77)

If you want to know Shocks, springs and sway bars give Sam Strano a call at Strano Parts. He will be able to set you up with an appropriate set-up for your style driving...and he knows his sway bars. He can do the Koni's or even revalved Bilsteins, it all depends on your budget and what you want from the vehicle.

He can also set you up with the correct UMI Performance Panhard bar

Ryan

StealthFormula

iTrader: (35)

^^Yes a UMI panhard is on the list, gotta represent PA!

UMI Performance

iTrader: (77)

Thank you

OldeSkool

A garden hose would probably work for the rear, But it may be to stiff a rubber. I think most folks use 5/8" heater hose from a parts store since its a little spongier and fits nice and tight.

But then again, some people just go spring to metal...

Benjamin Russick

iTrader: (1)

Suspension set-ups have a lot to do with driving habits/skill, personal preference and the intended purpose of the vehicle. There is a lot of trial and error to suit personal taste, but it wouldn't hurt to speak with a few of the sponsors personally. I have Strano-tuned Bilstiens, Eibachs, BMR PR/LCAs and 1LE front swaybar/misc stuff and it works for me.

ZodiacZ28

iTrader: (3)

Have to say its nice to see a sponsor recomending a fellow sponsor. Ill be going with sams stuff for springs and sway bar. Ryan you've got my buisness for everything else I need.

+1 more for giving sam a call.

W105

iTrader: (14)

+2 for Sam and UMI!

UMI Performance

iTrader: (77)

Thanks guys

Sam Strano

iTrader: (41)

We work pretty closely together. I also sell UMI directly for the same price if you are inclinded to one-stop shopping. Either way it's UMI product that Ryan's building.