(shx & bushing) questions

mtbikerTimtbikerTi Band Wagon
in Suspension, Braking & Wheels
First I've searched and read a lot of articles about wagon suspension. The problem is that those articles always focus on lowering the suspension.

I've got an '89 RT4WD with stock (and worn out) shocks. I need to replace them but I do not want to lower the car. I can handle the car going up a little, but not lower. I would like to use my stock springs with a performance minded shock. I can get Monroe Sensa-tracs but I'm not sure I want to go that route...

Any recommendations?

Also, at the same time I'm probably going to replace bushings. Do the poly bushings work well or should I spend $$ for Honda bushings?

Comments

  • SiWagonSiWagon Council Member
    mtbikerTi wrote:
    going to replace bushings. Do the poly bushings work well or should I spend $$ for Honda bushings?

    Which bushings?

    Monroe use to have a hi-perf. shx,but I don't see it any more.This is what I heard about the Monroe Sensa-tracs...nice ride,but soft cornering...don't last long...

    What's your budget?The best =Koni($500),the other's about $300 and less for the second tier shx.
  • mtbikerTimtbikerTi Band Wagon
    Control arm bushings, trailing arm bushings, shock bushings. I was looking at energy suspensions kit. It doesn't come with the trailing arm bushings but I've heard that poly bushings aren't great there.

    I'd like to stay somewhere around $300, but I don't want to spend $300 on junk when I could spend $500 on something good. I've looked at Koni's but didn't think they made anything for the wagon.
  • SiWagonSiWagon Council Member
    Goto this link:
    viewtopic.php?f=8&t=4390
    Goto the lowering section under 2-3''.Read the 1st sentence.You'll be using EF rear springs instead of lowering springs.

    I'm not a big poly bushing fan.Hard to put in,noisy&hard riding.Money better spent else where like a rear sway bar(more info @ above link too).Bushings to me rank at the bottom of the suspension upgrade list.
  • mtbikerTimtbikerTi Band Wagon
    Yeah, I've read that article about 10 times and even now I'm still a little confused. Won't EF springs be too soft? I already have problems with the rear sagging more than the front.

    I would love to spend the bushing money elsewhere, but unfortunately after 200,000 miles the bushings are getting a bit worn and need to be replaced.

    If it helps any I use my wagon to haul bikes, kayaks, camping gear, etc. I bought it because of the AWD to get me to and from some of the places I go. That's why I don't want to go lower. I do appreciate the ability to go around corners though so I want decent shocks.
  • White&NerdyWhite&Nerdy Senior Wagonist
    From the link, it looks like DC shocks/springs might work for you, or 2000 Civic Si springs. I found that under the "Lifting the wagon" section at the above link.

    I, too, am interested in improving the handling without lowering the car. My RT4WD is my winter daily driver, and occasional rallycross car. Performance shocks do seem to be the answer - won't bump me out of stock class, either. ;) After running Koni adjustables on my previous Miata, I know how much of a difference a stiffer shock makes even with a stock spring. Unfortunately, I don't know of any performance shocks for the wagon, which as you've read is a slightly different design than other Civics of the same era (EFs).

    If you come up with any, please let me know. :lol: Would aftermarket shocks for a DC (94+ Teg) work with wagon springs? I *know* there have to be a ton of performance shocks available for the Integra...
  • evol911evol911 familEE
    I'm using Tokico Blue's in my RT4wd. Struts might be shorter in heighth but I don't see why they won't work with the stock springs. Only thing changed is the rear LCA, they are from an Integra. The only difference between stock and Integra is that Integra has the holes to mount a rear swaybar.
Sign In or Register to comment.

© Vanilla Keystone Theme 2025