1978 242 Suspension suggestions

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Old 09-16-2011, 08:06 PM
Picus's Avatar
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Default 1978 242 Suspension suggestions

I am overhauling my '78 242 and was wondering if anyone has any suggestions on a good suspension (struts, springs and bearings) combination. Although it is primarily a daily driver I am planning on treating it as a lightweight rally car and would be hearing if anyone has dealt with this before.
Thanks.
 
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Old 09-21-2011, 10:58 PM
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Check out the IPD website. Front/rear swaybars, Bilstein shocks, upper/lower chassis braces. Makes a big difference.

Tech Tip #10006 - Is A Strut Or Chassis Brace What I Need?
 
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Old 09-22-2011, 04:35 AM
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Thanks for the suggestion. I will.
 
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Old 09-22-2011, 09:43 AM
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And...while you're there....consider renewing bushings. While the younger crowd loves the high end polyurethane bushings, even standard new rubber bushings beat the stuffing out of 30+ year old dry rotted rubber ones. Replacing them all at once is tedious yet immensely satisfying in the end. Also, lowering springs will assist in the reduction of body roll combined with the sway bars and Bilsteins HD's. If you are considering AutoX, do not cheap out w/ the Bilstein Touring shocks. They are fine for the street but sadly lacking for spirited driving. Be sure you check the 4 bolts (2 per side) that hold the front cross member to the frame. These are crucial and, after decades, can often be loose in cars that have been neglected. When loose, they can produce clunking and squirrely handling often attributed to worn bushings and steering components. Which brings me to the last area, the rack. Be certain to check the ball joints, inner and outer tie rods. Steering/suspension work, combined w/ the brakes is always the first thing I address on a car. A well handling car is a lot of fun, even when the motor and drivetrain are lacking...safer too!
 
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