VK - Front Suspension Upgrade- Any other bits to replace?

[philbio]

I am replacing the front springs, struts and strut tops (adjustable) in the front of the VK. While I have it all apart is there any other bits I should replace with nolathane?

[Cane_It]

nolathane everything in the front, you can get pre-assembled control arms with the bushes already pushed in.
the radius rod bushes can be a bit difficult.
get a 27mm swaybar out of a VL wagon, they're bigger than whats in the sedans.

[philbio]

Great stuff, will do.

[philbio]

I can also get hold of a Whiteline Caster Adjustment kit, can anyone comment on this kit?

[Tom_1569]

I have a different opinion on Nolathane, its best to do some research talk to different people who have it etc.
From what Ive heard you use Nolathane on non moving components, and rubber on moving compents. The Nolathane bushes are quite harsh, thus making your ride quality not so pleasent, but handling alot tighter. It depends what you want, but unless its a race car I would be sticking to rubber for comfort, also Nolathene bushes have a reputation for wearing prematurely. Do alot of research and think about what you want from your car before you spend anything.
You could try posting on Oldholden.com as there is some suspension Guru's over there, aswell as some early commodore Guru's.

[Cane_It]

^^^^
RE nolathaning, for a firm ride nolathane everything in the front and back with the exception of the rubbers in the diff, they should be left as rubber.
as far as harshness of ride goes, that more a problem if your going to go with stiffer springs and struts set up for track work and then expect it to be nice and comfy on the street.

if your in Melbourne ring advantage suspension in moorabbin, they're pretty cluey and know how to set up old commodores, and probly everything else.

i hear from a reliable source that noltec adjustable top plates are the go, i'd investigate these before committing to whiteline or kmac.

the other suspension trick is to get the radius rods out of a VS, they fit up but are also fatter and stiffer so you'll have to get the correct size bushes for them, or go adjustable ones if you want to go all out.

[greenacc]

If you want urethane bushes in the front look for superpro bushes. yes, the ride is rougher than rubber, but handling is better.

[philbio]

^^^^
the other suspension trick is to get the radius rods out of a VS, they fit up but are also fatter and stiffer so you'll have to get the correct size bushes for them, or go adjustable ones if you want to go all out.

I spoke to a local supplier regarding adjustable radius rods and he stated that the turnbuckle type have been known to split the nut through and fail. He recommended the shim type but I'll be stuffed if I can find them. I honestly don't know whether to take his word on that or just file it under 'urban myth'.

[Cane_It]

I spoke to a local supplier regarding adjustable radius rods and he stated that the turnbuckle type have been known to split the nut through and fail. He recommended the shim type but I'll be stuffed if I can find them. I honestly don't know whether to take his word on that or just file it under 'urban myth'.

I'd ring a few suspension places to help you decide whether its urban myth or not, reputable ones, and see what they say. I didnt know there were different type mechanisms for the adjustable radius rods, the adjustable radiius rods will allow for more castor adjustment and high speed stability which is never a bad thing in an older car.

the blue superpro bushes are good too. people over exaggerate how rough the ride is between rubber an nolathane, its noticeable but not stupidly insane.

[philbio]

Well I had the front end suspension refreshed with super pro bushes, aurora linear rate fe2 springs and kyb struts. I reckon the front feels very firm, perhaps even too firm.

I have aurora springs/kyb shocks in the rear as well but is definitely softer than the front. I can feel the rear of the car under suspension compression has more travel.

I am thinking of replacing the kyb struts with something a little softer. Can anyone recommend a strut? I was thinking about a monroe GT strut?

[greenacc]

were they the normal KYB or the heavy duty version ? I reckon you need to give it at least a few weeks to soften up, and for you to get used to it. The best thing with hard shocks is that as they wear out they soften up and get more comfy. The super pro bushes will soften up a bit too after some hard cornering.

[philbio]

The kyb struts are the excel-g model (#365007) which I think is the 'soft' version, you are right I will give it a while to settle in. I live in the hills and when I go over a depression in the road you can really feel the forces at work in the front, I was getting concerned about the stresses on the strut towers as well.

When I push down on the front fender with all my weight I would be lucky to lower the car by 5mm.

[greenacc]

what you are feeling is probably the poly bushes. i noticed that kind of difference when i fitted super pro to mine, but they softened up after a few months. Trackday softened them up a bit too and its good now.

[philbio]

Thanks for the advice, do you reckon some sort of strut bracing is in order, I have read a bit on bracing and it seems as if it may be a waste of time.

[greenacc]

sorry about the late reply. Dunno about strut bracing. If you are doing real hard work in the car then probably yes. For just a daily driver its probably not required but i have not tried one so dunno.
How does it feel now after a month on the road ?

[philbio]

Thanks for the info, the front is getting a little more pliable but is still very firm. The rear was definitely softer but this was due to a set of stock KYB shocks, I have since replaced them with a Mono tube set I had in the shed. All over the car is starting to settle in nicely.

[Cane_It]

if ya end up changing from kyb struts, you could try BOGE struts, a step up from monroes without going all out pricewise...