Rear suspension questions

[Deutsche_Blonde]

Hello, i wonder if someone can advise on a rear suspension refresh. I have now started acquiring parts for this, which will be carried out by a local indie. The parts I have so far are:

· Front & rear subframe bushes (Powerflex - Shore 70A)

· Replacement rear control arms

· Replacement rear droplinks

· Rear Trailing arm bushes (polybush)

· Replacement upper and lower bushes on the trailing arm (with upper ball joint)

I will also be fitting KW v1 coilovers at the same time.

I realise I will be creating additional stiffness, but do want to avoid adding too much NVH. My questions are:

1. Will I require new adjustable drop links for the front (if fitting KWs). The ones at the front were only replaced 6 moths ago.

2. Is there any merit in fitting adjustable control arms at the rear?

3. Is there any merit in replacing the diff bushes?

4. Would it be preferable to fit polybushes in the control arms, ARBs and drop links?

5. Lastly, the top mounts (F/R) were replaced 24 months ago. Is there any merit in replacing/upgrading these?

Many thanks

 

[Deutsche_Blonde]

I've decided to replace ARB bushes with new OEM. I think they're pretty much the only ones at the rear that weren't being replaced. I'll leave the diff bushes I think, there's no suggestion they're goosed, same goes for the top mounts. And I'll keep the standard replacement control arms.

Still not sure on the front droplinks though. I know KW v2 & v3 come with shortened links. Does anyone know if V1 do? If not, do they 100% need replacing? And if so, could anyone kindly point me in the right direction for new shorter/adjustable ones?

Cheers.

 

[Thrustyjust]

I just fitted new rear arb in purple poly on mine. I have some superpro rear droplink bushes to fit and may do it this weekend, but waiting on some new droplinks to fit them in, before I swop. ARB's dont transfer any NVH to the car. I had done the fronts last year. I also did the lollipops in purple poly a couple of years ago and very happy with the way the car is and no nvh issues. You will get more NVH through the wishbones ball joints into the chassis rails. I have done this so I dont have to worry about perishing rubber again.
When I swopped the springs on mine, I checked the top mounts. There was no cracks or splitting. The bearings were smooth and I filled with waterproof quality grease and they were good to go again. Being you fitted them 2 years ago, I suspect they should be more than fine to re-use.
As for drop link changes I cant answer or subframe mounts.

 

[Deutsche_Blonde]

I just fitted new rear arb in purple poly on mine. I have some superpro rear droplink bushes to fit and may do it this weekend, but waiting on some new droplinks to fit them in, before I swop. ARB's dont transfer any NVH to the car. I had done the fronts last year. I also did the lollipops in purple poly a couple of years ago and very happy with the way the car is and no nvh issues. You will get more NVH through the wishbones ball joints into the chassis rails. I have done this so I dont have to worry about perishing rubber again.
When I swopped the springs on mine, I checked the top mounts. There was no cracks or splitting. The bearings were smooth and I filled with waterproof quality grease and they were good to go again. Being you fitted them 2 years ago, I suspect they should be more than fine to re-use.
As for drop link changes I cant answer or subframe mounts.

Thanks mate, that's helpful. Im now edging back to poly on the ARB. Happy to leave the mounts too.

Grateful if anyone could advise on the shortened front droplinks. I've also read that KWs require spacers on the front to fit with 224s - if anyone could advise on that too please!

Cheers.