VY SS Wagon - Suspension Advice

[duke5700]

You've got the cheaper end of the spectrum, HSD, BC Racing, Pedders, Ceika, Tein(at the lower levels if you can get them anymore, they often come up second hand), that make kits. Then you can get Koni and Bilstein cartridges built into a factory lower. There is MCA at varying levels. Then you've got SPAX at Suspension Concepts.

A lot of the cheaper ones are made in a very similar location.

Ive had Pedders, they were Ok but under sprung and under dampened in my opinion. I've had QA2's and once I got the spring rate right in the rear, using a semi comp tyre could put 500rwkw down on the street in 2nd gear... I've currently got HSDs in the same car and I really like them for the $1500 I spent. Firm, but well controlled. Good enough to win my class at the last hillclimb.

I've not sampled the rest, BC was a close second vs the HSDs for a cheaper coilover for me. I was prepared to spend MCA Red type money, but didn't get great vibes from their technical support so elected not to go with them. SPAX looks really promising including the fact there Improved Production Cars that are winners with his suspension setup. Again though, $2-4K like the MCA Reds.

[FrangaFry]

Thanks Duke, what sort of warranty do some of these come with - is it dependent on where you get them fitted?

I really don't want to have to do it twice as this may be the last big upgrade for the old Girl and I want to make sure I do it right and get the best I can afford. I have the budget to get it done properly this time. Was looking at the MCA's but not sure I needed to go top of the line with the reds. I'll check SPAX out as I had not come across them as yet.

Cheers for the pointers.

If you think of anything else that may be helpful, I'm up for it, as I'm a nuffy ...........

What about getting them fitted? Any experience on where to get it done as clearly it's waaaaaaaay beyond my pay grade ..... WINK

[Red CV8 R]

I'm about to pull the trigger on Shockworks coilovers. I've been waiting a while but they are apparently on the boat over here. Certainly worth a look. Im in Sydney but I think these guys are in Monbulk, Victoria. I looked at MCA as they are true coilovers front and rear but can't be sure of the legalities for their rear kit design. I also really like the philosophy behind Shockworks.

I've had Tein Coilovers before in my Monaro but the Shockworks coilovers are replacing Bilstein and Eibach traditional strut and spring combo. I want more adjustability and customisation. Will see how they go.

[duke5700]

Warranty is typically 12 months if you or a pro installs them. It is mostly a very easy job that any mechanic can handle(its 4 bolts for the front), just make sure you use a good wheel alignment place afterwards. I prefer places that can provide replacement parts especially when you race them, they do die.

Shockworks are also good, I dunno how I forgot them!

The HSD rear adjust the height of the spring seat, so looks and feels like a factory setup. The rear strut towers are NOT rated to take the load of the car and the rear shouldnt be used like that!

[FrangaFry]

Howdy all, I'm pretty keen on the MCA Pro Sport or the Shockworks so have reached out to both suppliers for some details (leaning towards Shockworks at the moment as they are just around the corner LOl).

So while I wait for some feedback, I'm looking around for some CV's/drive shaft and some tail shaft coupling donuts.

Once again, all things are not created equal here ........... so wanting some more guidance again please. Given I'll most likely need to replace both donuts (front and rear), can I get some thoughts on these (as they seem considerably cheaper ........ but GERMAN!)

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/12138634...3ABFBM1uPAo4Jg

These seem too good to be true .....
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/38375610...UAAOSwkzVffrHB

Or should I just be going OEM ....
https://www.ebay.com.au/p/544140185

In regards to CV/Drive shafts ....... again OEM or aftermarket? I know the old adage "they are the fuse of the drive line", so I'll not be looking at super heavy duty ..... but good lord, it seems every bugger makes a set of these and some get some really bad reviews? Any comments to point me int he right direction. I don't really want to get any good seconds from the wreckers (but it is an option ...........)

Once I get my head around this, I think I'll then start picking your brains on what other suspension bits and bobs I should be looking at getting (Nolathane/SuperPro etc and where) ..... maybe I should get down to the local garage and get it up on a hoist first to see the condition of the existing stuff (as most of this gear was replaced but quite a while ago now).

For now I'll just concentrate on the donuts and CV's/drive shafts....

Starting to get a good little list going now ............. $$$$$$ ... Ouch

Cheers Lads (and lad'ets)

[BLACK 346]

Howdy all, I'm pretty keen on the MCA Pro Sport or the Shockworks so have reached out to both suppliers for some details (leaning towards Shockworks at the moment as they are just around the corner LOl).

So while I wait for some feedback, I'm looking around for some CV's/drive shaft and some tail shaft coupling donuts.

Once again, all things are not created equal here ........... so wanting some more guidance again please. Given I'll most likely need to replace both donuts (front and rear), can I get some thoughts on these (as they seem considerably cheaper ........ but GERMAN!)

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/12138634...3ABFBM1uPAo4Jg

These seem too good to be true .....
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/38375610...UAAOSwkzVffrHB

Or should I just be going OEM ....
https://www.ebay.com.au/p/544140185

In regards to CV/Drive shafts ....... again OEM or aftermarket? I know the old adage "they are the fuse of the drive line", so I'll not be looking at super heavy duty ..... but good lord, it seems every bugger makes a set of these and some get some really bad reviews? Any comments to point me int he right direction. I don't really want to get any good seconds from the wreckers (but it is an option ...........)

Once I get my head around this, I think I'll then start picking your brains on what other suspension bits and bobs I should be looking at getting (Nolathane/SuperPro etc and where) ..... maybe I should get down to the local garage and get it up on a hoist first to see the condition of the existing stuff (as most of this gear was replaced but quite a while ago now).

For now I'll just concentrate on the donuts and CV's/drive shafts....

Starting to get a good little list going now ............. $$$$$$ ... Ouch

Cheers Lads (and lad'ets)

https://www.hardyspicer.com.au/wp-co...-CV-Joints.pdf

RCA-1061 I believe are the ones you are after, VX V8 Auto front and rear.

[FrangaFry]

Thanks man,

are the bolts on the existing units re uasble, or are they one use jobbies and need to be replaced?

[FrangaFry]

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.

This the one Black?

https://www.holmart.com.au/holden-ta...ii-vu-v2-vx-vy

[motomk]

Next time I'll walk over to the Eastern Suburbs with those parts - Just looked on Auspost and they've gone backwards!

[FrangaFry]

Next time I'll walk over to the Eastern Suburbs with those parts - Just looked on Auspost and they've gone backwards!

LOL ........... it's all good Nick.

I'm still in 'collecting' mode at the moment (I've got stuff flying, driving, trucking from all over the joint at the moment), so a few more days ain't gunna hurt buddy.

Thanks for the help with this though brother.

The next issue I will have is that the postie will sneak in and place a 'you weren't home' card in the mail box and I'll have to go to the local GPO to pick up my stuff (even though we have not left the house and been home for the LAST TWO BLARDY YEARS ..... LOL)

[duke5700]

Shockworks are good, I don't know anyone that I've talked to who has them who has complained!

[whitels1ss]

The next issue I will have is that the postie will sneak in and place a 'you weren't home' card in the mail box and I'll have to go to the local GPO to pick up my stuff (even though we have not left the house and been home for the LAST TWO BLARDY YEARS ..... LOL)

Get a post office box & they email you when anything is there to collect. (I get emails on phone)

It is more secure & you have your mail earlier in the morning than with home delivery.

It's great in many other ways including when you go away.

[FrangaFry]

So, spoke with Chris @ Shockworks and I'm up for it ........... VY Ute/Wagon is still in final 'fine tuning' stage, so need to wait a month or two for stock, but god damn it, I'm gunna get me some of these (and being like 5 minutes up the road and a local product is SUCH a bonus......... have not found a single bad word about the product or the lads at Shockworks either .......... and god damn I have looked recently LOL). Warranty is good, price is VERY competitive compared to other premium brands and the fact that they can be rebuilt for a very reasonable price per corner (plus they will do the install and setup for a realistic costs) seals it for me.

So, I'm on the short list as as soon as they have stock, I'm booked in for a pre suspension check to determine what other bits and bobs I'll need first so that everything can be pre ordered and installed at the same time the coilovers go in. I've also decided I am gunna SuperPro the sh1t out of the underneath of my wagon (as much as is suggested/recommended by Chris anyway).

Parts collection is slow at the moment (door/window seals/trim is coming along slowly - damn why is 'anything' to do with the RHR door so hard to get for a VY wagon............), but I have the drive shaft couplings, tail shaft center bearing, 2 new door door strikes (thanks again Nick) with 2 more stuck in the Aussie post black hole 'somewhere'; But, I am struggling with the CV's/Drive shaft .... so I need a little nudge ...

It seems like a real struggle to get new 'reputable' drive shafts (good lord there are some horror reviews out there and most are for the majority of the main aftermarket players such as GSP, Machter, Cozza etc).... so not filled with a heap of faith unless you go GForce and I am not sure I am ready to throw 2k at the axles ...........

What I do have though is a set of OEM's on my wagon and another set of OEM's I got from the wreckers ............... so I am thinking of getting the spare set checked and rebuilt to OEM spec. Thoughts?

Have called around a bit and there are a few mobs around town that will do a full inspection and rebuild for about $100 - to $130 per side.

What are folks thoughts on a rebuild and do you know of anyone that is 'reputable' that does a good job.

As always,

Thanks to the usual helpful crowd and anyone else who wants to chip in their 2 cents worth.

Cheers,

Franga

[Red CV8 R]

Nice work getting those door strikers, like rocking horse poo. If you can believe this, my perfect strikers were actually swapped out when my car was at a shop! I couldn't prove anything, so had to let it go and just never go back there. Been keeping an eye out for two ever since but keep missing the new ones.

[FrangaFry]

Bugger man ......... I'd be just a little bit upset about that. Try and contact this mob, they had a few but would only let me have 2 of them (not sure if they still have the others.. but they cancelled the other 2 I had on order and refunded me ........ luckily motomk came to the rescue for me)

https://www.ebay.com.au/usr/willsautoparts

Just on the strikes can the existing screws be re used or do I need to source some new screws as well?

Cheers,

Franga