#1 |
I wanted to provide everyone with an update as I'm in the midst of completing an overhaul of the front and rear suspension of my 1988 TC. I did a ton of research and after many discussions with tech support at Maximum Motorsports (guys are great), I went with front and rear coilovers on my bird. The parts I used are as follows:
Front:
SN95 non-offset Front Tubular lower control arms
SN95 Koni Struts
Matching Maximum Motorsports Front Coilover Kit (350# springs)
MM CC Plates (88 TC specific)
Rear:
CHE Upper and Lower Tubular Control Arms (88 TC Specific)
Chuck Rear Shock Adapters (found them here)
SN95 Rear Koni Struts
Matching MM Rear Coilover Kit (275# springs)
I also wanted to provide some insight for things to expect / look out for if you're thinking about installing similar parts. The SN95 tubular lower control arms are the same length as the stock control arms. The SN95 ball joints are a little shorter (threads for bolt) but I didn't run into any issues with bolting the stock 88TC spindles to the SN95 ball joints. The bracket for the ABS line has to be modified so it doesn't interfere with the coilover or wheel but this is easy. Overall, I didn't run into too many issues installing the front suspension components but everything needs a little persuasion to get into place (not the easiest task installing everything on jack stands in the driveway). I'm also running a manual steering rack for a 78-93 fox (flaming river) and a MM SN95 bumpsteer steer kit for the outer tie rods. I also modified the spindles (drilled out to 5/8") for a bolt thru set-up for the bumpsteer kit. This isn't necessary for the coilover components but I wanted some adjustability with my manual steering rack.
As for the rear, my first piece of advice is to make sure that you have a ratchet strap ready. The diff will shift a little and make reinstallation of the lower control arms very difficult; the ratchet strap takes care of that real quick. For those of you running a stock exhaust set-up; you may not be able to access one of the upper control arm bolts without removing that section of the exhaust and the hanger.
I haven't had a chance to set the ride height yet (need a spanner tool for the coilovers) and I'm investigating some interference issues in the rear. The shock tower for the rear struts is very narrow. The coilovers fit but I'm having some interference on the passenger side. Not sure where it is but I may have to massage that area a little with my mini sledge and open it up.
I will provide more updates when I get everything set with an alignment. I will post some pics too
Front:
SN95 non-offset Front Tubular lower control arms
SN95 Koni Struts
Matching Maximum Motorsports Front Coilover Kit (350# springs)
MM CC Plates (88 TC specific)
Rear:
CHE Upper and Lower Tubular Control Arms (88 TC Specific)
Chuck Rear Shock Adapters (found them here)
SN95 Rear Koni Struts
Matching MM Rear Coilover Kit (275# springs)
I also wanted to provide some insight for things to expect / look out for if you're thinking about installing similar parts. The SN95 tubular lower control arms are the same length as the stock control arms. The SN95 ball joints are a little shorter (threads for bolt) but I didn't run into any issues with bolting the stock 88TC spindles to the SN95 ball joints. The bracket for the ABS line has to be modified so it doesn't interfere with the coilover or wheel but this is easy. Overall, I didn't run into too many issues installing the front suspension components but everything needs a little persuasion to get into place (not the easiest task installing everything on jack stands in the driveway). I'm also running a manual steering rack for a 78-93 fox (flaming river) and a MM SN95 bumpsteer steer kit for the outer tie rods. I also modified the spindles (drilled out to 5/8") for a bolt thru set-up for the bumpsteer kit. This isn't necessary for the coilover components but I wanted some adjustability with my manual steering rack.
As for the rear, my first piece of advice is to make sure that you have a ratchet strap ready. The diff will shift a little and make reinstallation of the lower control arms very difficult; the ratchet strap takes care of that real quick. For those of you running a stock exhaust set-up; you may not be able to access one of the upper control arm bolts without removing that section of the exhaust and the hanger.
I haven't had a chance to set the ride height yet (need a spanner tool for the coilovers) and I'm investigating some interference issues in the rear. The shock tower for the rear struts is very narrow. The coilovers fit but I'm having some interference on the passenger side. Not sure where it is but I may have to massage that area a little with my mini sledge and open it up.
I will provide more updates when I get everything set with an alignment. I will post some pics too
88 Turbo Coupe: Front mount intercooler, MGW short throw shifter, full coilover conversion, tubular control arms front and rear, svo front brakes, vacuum assist brake swap, manual steering swap, GT35R turbo with external gate, pimpx ecu, 60lb injectors, 3 core aluminum radiator, Boport 1.5 cam, gutted upper, corbeau fixed back seats, and the list goes on.