[GlennAustin]

Anyone else considering suspension upgrades? I've got a 2000 ES, would the 2000 R/T suspension help with pitch and dive?

Thanks!

 

[bboucher]

Not sure just how much improvement you would get, but I know it would definately be better. Eibach used to make springs, but I guess they quit. Not sure if anyone else is making springs right now or not. I wouldn't upgrade the springs without better struts though, it would be an aweful ride!

 

[blkbute]

Intrax makes some springs, I would not upgrade to the R/T because it is nothing more, the only differance is in the sway bars.

 

[Don Hardy]

blkbute - I bet our semi-resident factory semi-rep, Otto hisself, will have something to say about that. As far as I know there is a great deal of difference between "regular" and R/T suspensions. If I could remember the changes, I would tell you, but I'm sure that it is more than sway bars. As for changing over to a suspension for an R/T, it would be mucho expensive to change everything that needs to be changed.

 

[celticmyst]

intrax makes a set of springs. they however drop the car 1.8" front and back for the second genners. i have yet to find a "performance" set of struts tho to match the springs. be a waste to use the hi-po springs on OE struts. looked at koni, eibach and KYB. as for the r/t, the ONLY difference is the spring rate on the springs themselves. a little stiffer is all. as well as the swaybars that blkbute mentioned. i looked to see what strut replaces them at work. its the same monroe sensatrac # for the 2nd gens all the way up to 01. cost of them i have no idea. but im pretty sure the dealer wont just hand them over to you if you look at that venue. and if thats the case you might as well go with the intrax ones for the money. MHO

 

[ddkracing]

I have the intrax springs on my 2000. Don't do it. I have to take mine out this week. We are getting axle vibrations with the lower springs. I'm working with Eric at Intrax and they are going to make a new spring that is only a 1" drop and a little softer ride. He won't have the springs to me until late Dec. They have had some problems with these cars when lowered. I am making a motor mount and tranny mount spacer that will raise the axles up to help keep the axles level. They may sell these with the springs at a latter date. Also we are waiting to see a new 300M Special to see what DC has done to solve the axle problem as this new car will be from the factory with 18" wheels and lowered springs.

 

[INTREPER]

One of my best friends is a certified MOPAR mechanic. He mentioned to me that the other diffrences in R/T and base suspension is the adjustable KYB shocks.

Also, Eibach did a recall on all the lowering springs for the 2nd generation TREPS because they too were getting an axle vibration and they didn't want to bother dealing with the problem. These people give up too easily.

Good luck to DDKRACING in fixing the problem.

 

[cj]

I too have been considering a suspension upgrade as the car dips heavily to the side way too much when I'm braking or powering through tight corners.

I'm by no means a mechanic. What would the recommendation be for decreasing the see-saw effect from left to right while maintaining a ride that is smooth enough to not feel every little pebble or crack on the road?

 

[ottowrkr]

blkbute, sway bars are one thing, the R/T basically gets the same suspension as the 300M with the PHP package. This includes spring rate and strut valving changes.The base and R/T have many differences

INTREPER - your best friends is a certified MOPAR mechanic?, well you tell him there are no adjustable KYB shocks on the Intrepid.Hell we don't even use shocks ,we use struts on the LH cars.

cj -what you need is a thicker sway bar. this will help eliminate the side to side sway.Unfortunately when gain one thing you usually loose another. So by gaining handling you usually give up comfort. You have to decide what you want more?

Don-" our semi-resident factory semi-rep" wow I am all that? Cool ,I need a raise

 

[cj]

Originally posted by ottowrkr:
cj -what you need is a thicker sway bar. this will help eliminate the side to side sway.Unfortunately when gain one thing you usually loose another. So by gaining handling you usually give up comfort. You have to decide what you want more?

I'm not too concerned about the comfort level as long as I'm not riding on a pogo stick without a spring. My main concern was for the rattle factor on my computer gear. The hard drive I'm using can handle .67G for 2ms and I'm not one to go out and buy a replacement every time I go over a bump. Looks like I'll be having to put some sort of shock-dampening technology in my carputer if I make the change.

Thanks for the info!

 

[Don Hardy]

cj - the stock R/T ride is ....uh ... firm. It is cool to be able to corner and brake without the car dipping and diving, but after a while on our Guam roads it kinda gets to you. I've heard that Yokohama tires are more soft riding, so I ordered a set. They also are supposed to quiet the ride, no more thump over small bumps. I'll let you all know how they are in reality. I'll save these Michelins until I get the car to the mainland and I can enjoy the "speed" rating they have.
otto - yep, you need a raise, as long as it doesn't raise car prices! And, you are indeed a semi, sorta, mostly, kinda expert factory rep to all of us here. Dang, haven't you noticed that I and others come to the forum and start whining for your advice?

 

[Sysman]

Otto,

I don't think I can help with a raise, but if I ever get up that way, I'ld be honored to take you out to a good meal, and get ya drunk (and/or stoned, your choice), and laid...

 

[JoeKD]

Otto, I don't think I can help with a raise, but if I ever get up that way, I'ld be honored to take you out to a good meal, and get ya drunk (and/or stoned, your choice), and laid...

I'm not Otto, but considering the "prizes" you are offering I am willing to impersonate!!!!

 

[ottowrkr]

Sysman & All, WOW sounds like fun.not sure what the wife would think of the last one!!. Anyway , glad to help all you guys.if any of you ever make it up to Canada, let me know .I can get a tour of the plant for you. Then we can go out and enjoy some good Canadian beverages

 

[Chris So]

Tour of the plant sounds great! If you ever organise it, count me in!! Big Time.

Since OTTO is too much of a gentleman, I'll be happy to claim the prize he declined.


(subject to visual appeal of course!)

 

[ottowrkr]

Hey I did not decline it ,the wife said have fun .

 

[bakerboy90660]

Hey DDKRACING,

What is the ride like with the springs, what size rims/tires do you have on your car?
Are they worth buying?


[ October 30, 2001: Message edited by: bakerboy90660 ]

 

[ddkracing]

The ride was to stiff (harsh) with the intrax springs, but it did handle great. The next set of springs we are going to try will be less drop and a softer ride. As for tires and wheels, Mich sport 255-45-18 with ALT 159 wheels. BTW the springs won't be in from Holland (intrax parent company) till end of this year.

 

[Warlord187]

Originally posted by ddkracing:
BTW the springs won't be in from Holland (intrax parent company) till end of this year.

Holland as in the country, or as in the city of Holland, Michigan?

 

[ddkracing]

as in country. Thats why the delay.