R34 Gtr Suspension Upgrade

[full_stick]

I saw a set of hks hypermax II's really cheap on the jap auctions with only a few thousand k's on them so snapped them up. I've got an R34 gtr (not v-spec) that came with tein suspension when I bought it so I'm going to replace them with the hks items.

I really don't know anything about suspension and am not even an internet mechanic so I'm wondering is it worth replacing other items while I'm at it like castor arms and all that sort of stuff??? I'd like to do it all at once to save on labour. If it is what else will I need?

Also the factory sway bars with the R34's are they fairly decent? Worth replacing at all? I don't track this car for now, it's just a daily driver but would like to one day.

Cheers...

[nato_wp]

Are you replacing the Tein gear because it's worn out, or?

I ask because Tein is a very developed and well established provider of high quality suspension, so unless what you have doesn't suit your driving style, or is broken/worn out, I wouldn't see any reason to change it.

As for the rest of the stuff, it depends on how will have the car set up. If it is going to be slammed to the weeds, then you would probably benefit from having at least adjustable upper control arms, in order to correct the camber issues you will have, and probably different tie-rod ends to try and get some more direct steering action, avoid a bit of the bump-steer, etc.

At the end of the day, the suspension is something you have to set up to most efficiently suit what you're using the car for, or you can just throw parts at it, and compromise your driving style to suit the setup.

Edited December 6, 2009 by nato_wp

[shyr33]

My friend had a R34 GTR and the standard handling was unbelievable (well comparing to my R33 lol). As mentioned I think the TEIN's would of been more than ok, but I have heard the HKS suspension can be quite stiff so maybe that is what you are after.

The swaybars, strut braces etc should be fine, so if you do want to do track work maybe adjustable castor rods, adjustable control arms etc are a good idea. But if I had a R34 GTR I would give it a good test drive and then decide if you want more or not.

[full_stick]

I've replaced the Teins with the HKS suspension on the R34 and its so hard its just absolutely ridiculous!!! The teins were quite firm but the HKS's are way too hard, I'm quite disappointed. Everytime I hit a small bump its like I've gone straight up a gutter, makes a huge noise and really jolts the car. Is this bad for the car, it just seems like there's a lot of stress with each of these impacts, I just don't want to damage anything.

Also I've only managed to change the front coil overs as I can't get a bolt off the bottom of one of the back existing coilovers, its only so tight, I used a breaker type bar and just broke the socket I was using, any ideas???

[choyda]

Agreed. My Hipermax 2's are like sitting on concrete going over bumps, even with it set to the softest setting.

[Bunta]

Really? I had some in my R32 and thought they were quite good, perhaps the GTR version has a heavier spring rate or somthing?