Every day Ride

tallymx3 · Post by **tallymx3** » February 23rd, 2006, 10:35 am

Hey guys I am looking for info on my everyday driving mx3. I am wondering if people woudnt mind giving me some advice on upgrading my suspension. I feel like the car gets real loose on the hwy over about 70mph. i ride on 18's and im looking to not spend more than about $400-$600 on upgrades. if you would list your opinions in order of importance that would be much appreciated.

Also thanks to you all in advance. PS. I really dont want to drop the car much more than 1" if possible.

lakersfan1 · Post by **lakersfan1** » February 23rd, 2006, 11:10 am

How does it 'get loose' on the freeway? Is this over bumps, or even on smooth pavement?

I'm sure the 18's don't help. Personally, I wouldn't go larger than 16's on this car.

tallymx3 · Post by **tallymx3** » February 23rd, 2006, 11:48 am

it fells like it drifts a little and just doesnt feel in control especially wnen passing big trucks. AND no the 18's dont help i feel everything in the road but it looks GOOD

lakersfan1 · Post by **lakersfan1** » February 23rd, 2006, 11:59 am

How old are your struts? Drifting when passing trucks is listed on Gabriel's website as one of the symptoms of worn struts.

With 18's, I'd probably stick with OEM struts though, not sports ones to keep your fillings from popping out your teeth.

tallymx3 · Post by **tallymx3** » February 23rd, 2006, 12:41 pm

I dont know ive only had the vehicle for7 months but i dont think they have been replaced cuz not much was done to the vehicle besides regular maintance. i just replaced the axles, shifter, cotrol arm, and all bushings. When i was under the car the shocks and struts looked very old, maybe even original, the car is a 92 with 93k on it so tis possible.

lakersfan1 · Post by **lakersfan1** » February 23rd, 2006, 12:47 pm

If you wipe away the crud on the bottom of the strut, there should be some stampings. If it says 'KYB' with a bunch of Japanese writing, and they're black struts, then they're original, and I'd replace them.

For OEM ride, KYB seem to be popular. I'm in the middle of installing Gabriel Ultras myself (have to use model listed for 93 Protege/Escort since thye don't list for MX3). Finished the back last night. When I pulled the originals last night, the old ones had about an inch of play in them before they started damping either way. My car was not tracking very well on the freeway either. When taking a high speed freeway curve, it would try bouncing into the next lane. Just replacing the rears helped with the stability this morning. Hopefully, I'll be able to get the fronts in today.

tallymx3 · Post by **tallymx3** » February 23rd, 2006, 12:55 pm

Ill check. But more i think wehn i bought the car and we went over what had been done they never said anything about struts or springs. they were original owners.

tallymx3 · Post by **tallymx3** » February 23rd, 2006, 2:07 pm

called original owners the struts and springs have never been replaced. so i definietly want to replace. Any opinions on what brands to use. want the least amount of drop possible. I would be cool with about 1"

lakersfan1 · Post by **lakersfan1** » February 23rd, 2006, 3:17 pm

Just changing my rear stuts lowered my rear with OEM springs. It was pretty high before, though. Other MX3 owners have actually asked if I had it raised. It sits nice now. About 1.5" over top of the wheel. I'm hoping for the same thing in the front.

I'll post of a review of my struts when I'm done since noone seems to have done Gabriels on thier MX3 ....... that I know of.

tallymx3 · Post by **tallymx3** » February 23rd, 2006, 3:39 pm

Ok i am thimking of doing Tokico Struts and Eibach Pro KitSprings does anybody have these and if so how is the ride. Also Pics would be much appreciated. Ican get the tokicos for $69 apeice, and the pro kit for $180. Is this a Good price and should i use strut bars, if so what kind are good for the $$. Not crap but not to expensive. I have heard that Toucan/Ractive is not so good but i can get both front and rear strut bars from them for under $60.

Dali · Post by **Dali** » February 23rd, 2006, 4:20 pm

i went with the tokico blues, ground control lowering springs, this seems pretty good. ive got 17" on the car, 18" i found rode too rough. as for the strut tower bars, these make a huge difference, was probably one of the biggest best improvements for dollor wise.