Need some advice on a suspension refresh for my 2004 MCS as my cars in the past I've just gone with the stock. Right now it has 125k miles on the factory suspension with no upgrades. The car is a daily driver here in Southern California so the roads are a mixed bunch in regards to their condition. I'd prefer to not have to add wheel spacers or camber plates, but still have the option down the line. Current wheels and tires are 215/45/R17 on the R85 rim. Brakes and cailpers are the stock size, but I will be upgrading them in the next year or less if that will make a difference. I'd like to keep the cost around $1000 or less.

 

You doing the work yourself? With that cost, you could with some KONI yellows and some lowering springs. Depending on the drop could need both longer front end links and as the 04 rear control arm has not adjustment, two of those as well. Lots of threads in the Mod Suspension area.

 

Well the most important thing would be some powerflex control arm bushings
https://www.waymotorworks.com/powerf...shing-kit.html

Also a set of shocks. The Koni FSDs are awesome as they perform great, but still ride great everyday so no harsh ride.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/koni-fsd-shocks.html

Making more recommendations is just trying to sell you without knowing what you actually need as those are the only things we can say for sure you will need. So check the shock mounts and ball joints and do as needed.

 

Pretty much its going to be a complete refresh on the suspension. Any major wear items will be replaced as preventive maintenance. Anything that I need to add will be done at the same time. I rather fix an issue now before it strands me when it breaks.

 

I'm doing the exact same thing on my 03 MCS. So far, the parts that I have in my pile yet to go on the car are:

1. Powerflex poly replacements for every front end bushing (FCABs, Front sway bar, Power steering rack, Upper Engine mount and trans mount inserts. Already have the BSH LEM)

2. New inner/outer tie rods

3. New inner and outer ball joints

4. New front end links

This paired with a new set of BC coils, and the car will feel better than factory fresh. Really looking forward to getting this all done. Good luck!

 

I have a set of factory s coils for $60 shipped. Let me know if you are interested.

 

Bilstein B4 struts, stock springs, SPC upper camber plates and rear adjustable control arms, powerflex control arm bushings, Moog problem solver ball joints is the combination I run here in North Orange county. The roads here are crap and this setup still rides great and handles better than stock.

The ball joints and tie rod ends aren't necessary unless they are worn out or damaged.

If you're going to do coil overs stay away from the cheap Taiwan stuff as they do not have the R&D into spring rates and valving like KW, Ohlins, AST, and the other big names do. That's why you see so many used sets for sale all the time. (aka you buy cheap, you buy twice).

If you want to see how my setup rides send me a PM and I'll meet up for a test ride.

 

I keep see most people add camber plates when they are doing the suspension and outside of the obvious adjustments that gives, is there a reason besides allowing the camber to be fine tuned?

 

All those poly mounts may give you tons of vibration in the cabin...