Complete Suspension Refresh

Darkangelv2

Darkangelv2

Senior member
 Southampton
Hi All

I'm planning to purchase the Bilstein B12 kit next month and fit it myself. However, I'd also like to refresh all the perishable/wear-able suspension parts at the same time. That way a full wheel alignment afterwards will be carried out on the suspension as it should remain for the foreseeable.

Can someone let me know if the contents of a kit like this will be everything I'd need or are there some other bits worth doing at the same time (ARB bushes)?

Also, should I be looking at a specific brand (never heard of Nordstrand!)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nordstran...del:Z4&hash=item2c8c157134:g:qT0AAOSw~uhUqWuz
csk-e461_1.jpg

Thanks
 
Lemforder is probably nearest to OEM they do in terms of 'aftermarket' if you will, i've used their bottom arms & lolipops in the past & they are great.

The other contender is Meyle HD- also never heard of Nordstrand!
 
im interested in this aswell, since owning the car ive replaced the stuff that NEEDED doing, like the front lower rear lollipops and the rear shocks /top mounts after hitting a pot hole. now ive done most of the mods i wanted to, i want to give the car a full "refresh" if you will.

why would u need to replace the arms in that kit, do they have in built bushes or something?
 
never really looked before, looks like i need to add a whole new suspension kit to my wish list then!
 
I think my bushes need doing, I was tempted to just replace the lot with one of those kits as it looks easier than trying to remove old lolipops that are stuck on etc.
 
Darkangelv2 said:
Hi All

I'm planning to purchase the Bilstein B12 kit next month and fit it myself. However, I'd also like to refresh all the perishable/wear-able suspension parts at the same time. That way a full wheel alignment afterwards will be carried out on the suspension as it should remain for the foreseeable.

Can someone let me know if the contents of a kit like this will be everything I'd need or are there some other bits worth doing at the same time (ARB bushes)?

Also, should I be looking at a specific brand (never heard of Nordstrand!)

Thanks
Click to expand...

I went for Meyle Front control arms and bushes (HD), front drop links, ARB bushes, top mounts and rear top mounts (HD). Poly RTAB, BMW rear ARB bushes and lemforder rear drop links.
If you're getting the full B12 kit then you might as well get all the spring and shock parts too - came to about £120 from soper for everything front and back - new spring pads, guides, bolts etc.
That way you can assemble the shocks off the car which makes fitting a lot easier and less pressured.
I got the diagrams off RealOEM, waited for the B12 kit to arrive and crossed off the bits I didn't need because they were included. Have a look on eBay as you can get the kit for about £600 delivered from Germany rather than £800+ in the UK.

You'll find the front arms need A LOT of persuasion to get them off :headbang:
 
Scooba_Steve said:
Darkangelv2 said:
Hi All

I'm planning to purchase the Bilstein B12 kit next month and fit it myself. However, I'd also like to refresh all the perishable/wear-able suspension parts at the same time. That way a full wheel alignment afterwards will be carried out on the suspension as it should remain for the foreseeable.

Can someone let me know if the contents of a kit like this will be everything I'd need or are there some other bits worth doing at the same time (ARB bushes)?

Also, should I be looking at a specific brand (never heard of Nordstrand!)

Thanks
Click to expand...

I went for Meyle Front control arms and bushes (HD), front drop links, ARB bushes, top mounts and rear top mounts (HD). Poly RTAB, BMW rear ARB bushes and lemforder rear drop links.
If you're getting the full B12 kit then you might as well get all the spring and shock parts too - came to about £120 from soper for everything front and back - new spring pads, guides, bolts etc.
That way you can assemble the shocks off the car which makes fitting a lot easier and less pressured.
I got the diagrams off RealOEM, waited for the B12 kit to arrive and crossed off the bits I didn't need because they were included. Have a look on eBay as you can get the kit for about £600 delivered from Germany rather than £800+ in the UK.

You'll find the front arms need A LOT of persuasion to get them off :headbang:
Click to expand...

Thanks Steve, I'll use that as a check off list. Already replaced the spring pads and bolts from my trial lowering on just springs.

Out of interest - I've a fairly comprehensive tool kit (all sockets, spring compressers etc) but wondered if there are any fancy job specific tools you needed to complete your work?
 
The only thing I can think of is a RTAB tool of you're doing those. Wishbones may need a large spanner, 22mm. On the OS there isn't much access so you can't get a socket in there.
You'll need a splitter to get the wishbones off, I ended up using a fork and sledgehammer they were that tight!

If I were you I'd spend a bit more and go for Meyle.
 
Oh and for the springs you will need a hydraulic compressor, can't find any ratchet types that squeeze enough for the B12...
 
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