VY SS Wagon - Suspension Advice

[FrangaFry]

Howdy all, it may be time (260,000km) to do some suspension checks/changes to my wags, as she's feeling a little sloppy.

I've done a couple of shocker changes and sway bar upgrades over the years but still running the OEM Fe2 springs and it may be time to look at a complete refresh.

Can I get some thoughts on the types of packages that folks use (not looking to lower it or track it, as it's still my daily; But, I do like have the odd spirited drive around the hills where I live.)

I live in Belgrave Vic, so also looking for some advice on a trusted shop that I can get advice on this topic.

As always, thanks once again for the advice guys and gals.

Cheers,

Franga

[whitels1ss]

I would be very cautious about buying a strut brace because of clearance issues with the supercharger.

I have a Harrop HTV2300 on mine and I had to remove my Whiteline brace because I did not want it hitting.
I know your HTV1900 sits a bit lower but I think it is something to be aware of.


I replaced all the bushes on mine with SuperPro a little while ago & just run heavy duty struts & shocks with stock springs
& I have an Eaton Truetrack in the rear to keep it a little bit straighter.

It's certainly no roundy roundy track car but it is a huge improvement on old worn out stuff.

[whitels1ss]

Something else I found to tighten up the ride on these.......

Often the plastic on the door strikers wears out & breaks away causing the doors to rattle on the catches.

BBBBB.jpg

Last time I looked they were about $18 each on ebay new or you can do what I did & get them for about $2 each from the self serve wreckers.

Gee it made a massive improvement to mine as the plastic stuff was gone on all of them.

[FrangaFry]

Something else I found to tighten up the ride on these.......

Often the plastic on the door strikers wears out & breaks away causing the doors to rattle on the catches.

BBBBB.jpg

Last time I looked they were about $18 each on ebay new or you can do what I did & get them for about $2 each from the self serve wreckers.

Gee it made a massive improvement to mine as the plastic stuff was gone on all of them.

Just had a poke around for some new and second hand jobbies ........... I think a wreckers trip is needed .......... just saw a pair of brand new OEM strikes for $1,200 .... just what is going on with bloody holden parts and indeed cars ....... are we that stupid these days that wqe will let our selves get ripped off to such a degree . Oh my lord!


HOLDEN COMMODORE VR VS VT VU VX VY V2 VZ DOOR STRIKER SET (2)
Item information
Condition:
Brand NewBrand New
Quantity:
Last one / 3 sold
Price:
AU $1,200.00
or 4 payments of AU $300.00 with Afterpay

Just get stuffed! Is it time to look at selling my Wags I wonder ............ just flabbergasted

[motomk]

Is the part number 92178627?

[whitels1ss]

Is the part number 92178627?

Yes that is the one I was talking about.

I can't see any bargains online at the moment but a couple of listings on ebay
are selling some pre owned ones with no plastic insulation at all left on them with condition listed as "good used."

[motomk]

For Sale 2 x 92178627 $1199 each or $2700 for the pair, absolute bargain 🙃
Call knife-industries c/o motomk spares department.

[whitels1ss]

I should go & get some at my local wreckers & advertise them for $200 each.... plus postage.

[amckiwi]

Sounds like there is a niche refurbing these with some sort of plasti dip or whatever the original process was

[motomk]

Bit better priced.... not me.
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/224885380453

I do have 2 others if you want them.

[FrangaFry]

Bit better priced.... not me.
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/224885380453

I do have 2 others if you want them.

Awesome mate!

[duke5700]

I might be a bit late, but I've done the following in varying forms.

New rubber bushings throughout is pretty good start. Whiteline/SuperPro/Nolathane is the next level of tightness, it can feel a bit firmer and NVH will increase. I don't mind the extra NVH, but I don't daily it anymore and I've got all the poly bushing I can fit.

As for shocks and springs, I've had the adjustable Monroe front and rear which you can fit a stock style spring to. These were fine for general duties and cruising with FE2 and Super Lows. They were a bit lacking control wise on bumpy roads and or twisty work. Large brakes and wheels give a lot of weight hanging off them outside.

I recently moved to some HSDs for the street car, a smaller diameter coilover/machpherson strut. Front and rear adjustable height etc. On the full softest setting, I found them firm but controlled. I actually prefer them over factory setup, price is very reasonable. This is running an 18" VY R8 wheel with 235/40/18 front 245/40/18 Federal RSR-RR on about 28psi cold.

Another option is to run a basic shock/strut combo but go to an adjustable sway bar front and rear, this can help move the grip around the car and help with the side to side loads. It is another option that I think people dont consider. Its also not that dear, Whiteline have them on eBay atm for $550ish delivered.

Also, tailshaft donuts and new CVs/Shafts for the diff, awesome change and will tighten a tired car right up!

[FrangaFry]

Cheers Duke, had not considered new drive shafts/CV's, they are probably a little tired by now (as would be the tailshaft donuts) ..... I'm getting a bit of a list together again now (the minister ain't gunna be happy)... Oh well, she didn't want to finance a new VF, so just gunna have to suck it up I guess.

Just as well I've got a bit of a bouns coming and it will be tax time soon enough ............. that's gota help the situation (I hope ......)

Keep the comments coming lads, they are all very helpful.

As always, thanks.

[BLACK 346]

Cheers Duke, had not considered new drive shafts/CV's, they are probably a little tired by now (as would be the tailshaft donuts) ..... I'm getting a bit of a list together again now (the minister ain't gunna be happy)... Oh well, she didn't want to finance a new VF, so just gunna have to suck it up I guess.

Just as well I've got a bit of a bouns coming and it will be tax time soon enough ............. that's gota help the situation (I hope ......)

Keep the comments coming lads, they are all very helpful.

As always, thanks.

Whilst the tailshaft is out check centre bearing as well. I also replaced the diff mount and rear cradle mounts and put the Superpro diff insert in. Lots of labour in there, but worth it I reckon, tightened up the rear end of my ute quite a bit.

[FrangaFry]

Ok lads, work bonus has just come thru.......... so, it's time to pull the trigger.

Anyone have any recommendations on a suspension specialist in the outer eastern suburbs of Melb ...... not so keen on Pedders as I have had mixed experiences with them in the past (enough said)

I've already been down the shocks, springs, swaybar route and want to step it up this time, so as well as inspecting and (if needed) replacing some of the issue we discussed above (i'm sure a lot of what I have already done is shagged out by now), I want to look at some coilovers. I think I have enough $$$ to cover what I want to do so would love to hear folks thoughts on a decent brand/setup (longevity in mind so prepared to pay a premium).

I have poked around a fair bit recently and there seems to be a myriad of coilover suppliers/brands but all don't seem to be created equally.... Yeah, I do like the Fe2 height and a big part of coiloverrs is the ability to lower but I am more interested in getting a better experience on the twisties (although being a wagon, I do still load the sucker up every now and then so the ability to stiffen and raise the rear end appeals as well) ......... I have had a few different brand shocks in my wags over the years and although they have made a difference, I always end up thinking it could be better. Yes, it's a daily (but not so much city driving these days and more hills based spirited driving) so I can deal with a harsher ride (and the kids are bigger now, so not stressed about banging them around so much any more LOL and the wife doesn't drive it or get in it often WINK).

Who's running what, and who can share their thoughts on where I am heading and what I should be considering.

So, once again, putting it out there to those who know much more than I ever will.'

As always, thanks lads. You are always my 'go to' when I need advice.