Best R32 Gtr Suspension Path To Take

[coakman]

I recently dropped my totally stock R32 GTR off for a 'checkup' and was advised of the following issues with my suspension:

1. RHR Cradle Bush Poor

2. Castor Rod Bushes Poor (Car pulls to the left while driving - even after a 4 wheel alignment)

3. Outer CV Boots torn

In addition, I'd like to reduce some of the bodyroll in corners, and remove the HICAS system.

I would like to do the cradle bushes, castor rod bushes, and front and rear swaybars myself, but was unsure of the best method and parts required. Once these are completed, I'll get the CV joint boots, HICAS removal, and 4 wheel alignment done professionally.

I would like to use items from Sydneykid's group buy kit, but would like to keep the car stock-looking (heightwise) for now. In the future, I may go the whole hog and fit the entire Sydneykid kit at a later point.

It is a street-driven car, but may see the occassional track day in the future.

Any advice you guys could give (especially Sydneykid) on the best way to go about this repair and improvement would be greatly appreciated!

Edited July 1, 2008 by coakman

[Sydneykid]

I recently dropped my totally stock R32 GTR off for a 'checkup' and was advised of the following issues with my suspension:

1. RHR Cradle Bush Poor

2. Castor Rod Bushes Poor (Car pulls to the left while driving - even after a 4 wheel alignment)

3. Outer CV Boots torn

4. In addition, I'd like to reduce some of the bodyroll in corners, and remove the HICAS system.

5. I would like to do the cradle bushes, castor rod bushes, and front and rear swaybars myself, but was unsure of the best method and parts required. Once these are completed, I'll get the CV joint boots, HICAS removal, and 4 wheel alignment done professionally.

I would like to use items from Sydneykid's group buy kit, but would like to keep the car stock-looking (heightwise) for now. In the future, I may go the whole hog and fit the entire Sydneykid kit at a later point.

It is a street-driven car, but may see the occassional track day in the future.

Any advice you guys could give (especially Sydneykid) on the best way to go about this repair and improvement would be greatly appreciated!

Simple;

1. If the bush is not too bad then a Rear Subframe Alignment Kit ($105) will protect it from further damage.

2. Caster Kit ($110) is the go, adjusting for more caster on the LHS than the RHS will stop the drift to the gutter.

3. Sorry can't help you with that one, just get it fixed soon as the crap getting in wears out the CV's.

4. Swaybars ($229 each) , easily the best value handling improvement you can make.

5. HICAS removal is easy, you only need a professional to do the wheel alignment when its done. Check out the FAQ.

6. For stock height leave the standard springs with the GB Bilsteins, that way you can lower it a bit using the circlip grooves later on.

Cheers

Gary

[coakman]

Simple;

1. If the bush is not too bad then a Rear Subframe Alignment Kit ($105) will protect it from further damage.

2. Caster Kit ($110) is the go, adjusting for more caster on the LHS than the RHS will stop the drift to the gutter.

3. Sorry can't help you with that one, just get it fixed soon as the crap getting in wears out the CV's.

4. Swaybars ($229 each) , easily the best value handling improvement you can make.

5. HICAS removal is easy, you only need a professional to do the wheel alignment when its done. Check out the FAQ.

6. For stock height leave the standard springs with the GB Bilsteins, that way you can lower it a bit using the circlip grooves later on.

Cheers

Gary

Thanks Gary! VERY much appreciated!

[coakman]

Simple;

1. If the bush is not too bad then a Rear Subframe Alignment Kit ($105) will protect it from further damage.

2. Caster Kit ($110) is the go, adjusting for more caster on the LHS than the RHS will stop the drift to the gutter.

3. Sorry can't help you with that one, just get it fixed soon as the crap getting in wears out the CV's.

4. Swaybars ($229 each) , easily the best value handling improvement you can make.

5. HICAS removal is easy, you only need a professional to do the wheel alignment when its done. Check out the FAQ.

6. For stock height leave the standard springs with the GB Bilsteins, that way you can lower it a bit using the circlip grooves later on.

Cheers

Gary

A couple of additional questions:

1. What's the total for everything listed in your group buy for an R32 GTR? (I mean everything - full set of springs, etc...) I just wish to be sure of the final figure.

2. Approximate cost of fitting said kit (ballpark figure will be fine here)

3. Is there somebody you can recommend to set it up correctly in the Western suburbs (I live in Baulkham Hills, NSW). I've had far too many bad experiences (with previous cars) get overcharged, and under serviced when it comes to correct suspension setup...

[Sydneykid]

A couple of additional questions:

1. What's the total for everything listed in your group buy for an R32 GTR? (I mean everything - full set of springs, etc...) I just wish to be sure of the final figure.

2. Approximate cost of fitting said kit (ballpark figure will be fine here)

3. Is there somebody you can recommend to set it up correctly in the Western suburbs (I live in Baulkham Hills, NSW). I've had far too many bad experiences (with previous cars) get overcharged, and under serviced when it comes to correct suspension setup...

1. $2,400

2. Don't know, I have never worked in a retail workshop. It's around a 6 hour job for 1 guy, @ say $100 an hour, maybe $600 or so.

3. Heasmans at Sydenham are the best, not the cheapest, but definitely the best. Exceller Steering at Bankstown, Bruce is a straight shooter and does good work. John Leffler at StGeorge Steering knows more about suspension than almost everyone. If you don't want to travel, Adrian Moore at Gladesville is OK as is Graham from Jim Hunters at Blacktown.

Cheers

Gary

[coakman]

1. $2,400

2. Don't know, I have never worked in a retail workshop. It's around a 6 hour job for 1 guy, @ say $100 an hour, maybe $600 or so.

3. Heasmans at Sydenham are the best, not the cheapest, but definitely the best. Exceller Steering at Bankstown, Bruce is a straight shooter and does good work. John Leffler at StGeorge Steering knows more about suspension than almost everyone. If you don't want to travel, Adrian Moore at Gladesville is OK as is Graham from Jim Hunters at Blacktown.

Cheers

Gary

Thanks Gary!!!