Time For Some New Suspension

[XF Falcon]

Hi all

Well I'm finally getting the T lowered. I'm looking to get the front tyre level with the guard and the rear tyre tucked under the guard (to keep the car level).

Ive got one quote from WA Suspensions for TEIN adjustable coilovers for the front and rear, to get the ride height im after. They quoted $2800 fitted.

After that I've tried Malaga Suspensions, and they have quoted me for an adjustable Bilstein coilover for the front, a Bilstein shock for the rear and a lowered spring for the rear (which im happy to go for), with fitting and a wheel alignment for $2395.

Im also getting another quote tomorrow from a local guy who does it at his place (hes got an excellent reputation and deals with Koni, Bilstein...etc and has done a friends XR6T also).

Whats peoples thoughts so far.

At the moment I'm leaning towards the Bilstein setup as it looks more sturdier, cheaper and I've heard lots of good things from reading this forum about people who are pleased with their Bilstein setups.

Are there any cons with Bilstein stuff? Someone said that they need to be reconditioned more often than others? how true is this?

Basically im after a nice setup, which makes the car handle better, looks nice and low, and with just a shorter spring in the rear if I ever get a yellow sticker, I can simply wind up the front ride height, and change the rear spring over myself all in less than an hours work

[senna_T]

you have some good options there, I would be inclined to get some springs, say kings SL front and SSL rear, the usual combo, then get some koni adjustable shocks to suit the height, this way you can tune the ride to the conditions or driving style you have in mind, the bilsteins aren't adjustable so if the ride is too hard for everyday use, you're stuck with it, just a thought, it would probably be cheaper too

[XF Falcon]

I would go down that path, but I really want the front to be an adjustable coilover, so when I get a yellow sticker (for being too low, dark tints...etc) I want to just be able to take the wheel off and crank up the ride height at home. Changing the rear spring is a piece of cake so I think I could take it from low to 'high enough to get over the pits' ride height in less than an hour which is great.

Luckily the car is only my after hours and weekend car so if its a bit firm that's fine. Im sure it cant be too bad. So im hoping some people with them fitted can let me know how they are on their cars.

[XtRmn8]

I highly doubt that you would get a yellow for SL and SSL Kings. I have been pulled over a number of times for RPT's etc and the cops never said anything about the height. They used to ping me for the driving lights being on.

[XF Falcon]

Its more the highly illegal tint which worries me at the moment, that combined with a lowered vehicle around the Balcatta/Stirling area lately is all you need to cop a yellow around here. They are cracking down big time in these suburbs in the past few months.

Its a chocko conspiracy I tell ya!

[XF Falcon]

Well just an update on this whole situation....

I've put down a deposit with a highly reputable local suspension guy very close to home.

Hes doing a bloody good job, and its cheaper than the big companies who are using lower quality components too.

Heres what I'll be getting installed...

Front:

* Adjustable height Bilstein coilovers with Eibach springs

* Custom top hat (or whatever its called, sorry dont remember the proper name) for the top of the shockies?

Rear:

* Shortened body Bilstein shock absorbers

* Custom made Eibach springs with the correct load rating for the low ride height

* new bump stops

So hes gonna put all that in, plus give it a wheel alignment....etc all for a cheaper price than what other places were going to charge for off the shelf lower quality TEIN kits.

I'll put up pics once its all done if anyones interested.

[Gavin.K]

What about the camber and caster kit???

Some pic's would be great when you are done.

GK

[XR06T]

how low will it be? and how much adjustment camber/castor adjustment will there be? I guess that's what the top hats are for hey?

arent the TEIN kits that good?

[XF Falcon]

Gavin.K, he said with the bit he is getting made up for the top of the shockies that will have enough adjustment in it to get the camber..etc of the front wheels good. As for the rear I honestly cant remember, but this guy will do it all properly and if it needs something extra im sure he would have told me about it already. we'll see.

XR06T, im getting the front tyre level with the guard and the rear tyre just tucked under the guard, say 1cm or so. The front one can be wound down further if I want to, but im just worried that its not going to make it into the garage if I take it lower hah. Ive been told by numerous people that the TEIN kits arent as good quality, however they do have dampening/rebound adjustments and stuff like that - which these Bilsteins do not. But I have been for a drive in a car with these shocks (non ride height adjustable ones though) and the ride is perfect. Also for all my parts + labour its working out to be about $600 cheaper than WA suspensions fitting a TEIN kit, so couldnt say no really!

[dingah2]

Fully agree.

Have gone down the Billstein/King SL path and am very happy with the set-up = not too harsh and very stable but nimble too.

However, part of this equation was the thickest swaybar you can find on the front (31mm?) not very expensive addition but a huge diffrence to handling together with re-bushing throughout.

Dingah