Think I got it please advise

[Dave Stubbs]

Hi All,
First I'd like to thank everyone on this site for all the great info You saved lots of time and money.

So lets review, I've got a 2002 Trans am WS6. Before I do any more engine work I want to improve handling and braking. I don't drag or auto X but I do drive my car pretty hard when it's safe to do so. 120 on the freeway is buy no means unheard of. And I don't slow down on a curvey street. I don't feel the need to drop my car to the ground (even though it might handel better ) but would like to close the fender to wheel gap just a little.

OK thats my desire this is what I think will get me there.

1. SFC (already done man what a diff)
2. rear LCA with urathane bushings
3. Adj Panhard rod
4. Koni SA all around using lower perch on front and the hose mod on rear springs.
5. Stranos 35mm front sway bar and I think its 22mm for the rear
6. LCA relocating brackets

I'm still not sure about a couple of things

1. I see the need for adj PHR to center up the rear after lowering her even if its just 3/4" but do I need adj LCA. I'm sure if you know how to properly adjust them that would be + but are they something I need on my daily driver. I don't consider myself an idiot and I'm sure I could learn how to adjust but for my conditions is it necessary.

2. Any links to rear spring hose mod would be great to look over or any tips would be great. It seems pretty stright forward but someone always has a trick or two to make it simpler.

3. Front LCA are these more for weight savings or will a noticable differance be felt. I guess what I mean is do you think it will help for my conditions?

4. Recommended settings for the Konis front and rear

Again thanks for all the info all opinions are welcome

[Fastcar]

Front A-arms are a little bit stronger than the stock A-arms, but yes they are lighter than stock. You can get A-arms with urethane bushings which will be better for stock use or with rod ends that allow for more adjustment. The urethane bushings are stiffer and give you better steering feel and response than the stock bushings; ditto with the rod ends. I spoke with a GM suspension engineer at the GM @ Carlisle summer show who had worked specifically on the 4th Gen suspension. She told me that for street use I'd be better off with poly bushings - rod ends aren't sealed and tend to wear out more quickly due to abrasive road contaminants. Poly are lower maintenance, can be greased too which helps keeps road dust and dirt out. The A-arms will improve handling because they're lighter and reduce unsprung weight, improving your suspension response - but will you feel it on the road in daily driving? Probably not. I found that installing a strut tower brace in my car helped the handling and stiffened up the front end a bit. Also, check for worn ball joints and if your tie rod ends need replacing get Baer Tracker tie rod ends or their equivalent. I support your philosophy; it's nice to go fast in a straight line but it's also nice to be able to handle the curve at the end of the straight line. Adjustable rear LCAs aren't a must unless you're planning to lower the car; there is a vendor out there who makes rear LCA bolt-on relocation brackets which will help improve your rear suspension geometry for improved power transfer to the rear wheels. PS: poly torque arm bushings and sway bar mounts & endlinks.

[Eugenio_SS]

if you want handling, going fwd w/ step 2 will hinder you. poly will create more binding and hinder cornering traction... you better off either keeping stock or get improvement w/ good rod-end ones.
Apart from that... looks great.

[Dave Stubbs]

I've read that the rod ends aren't that good for street because of dirt causing ware. At the same time I've read that it is a must on the PHR. Are some rod ends better sealed than others? I've also see LCA with 1 rod end and 1 bushing to help with noise any thoughts on those?

[Eugenio_SS]

if you get just any rod-end... it'll be noisy and hell.... good quality ones aren't the case
My rod-ends make less noise than my poly (when i had them) those go squish-squish.
My 1st set of rod-ends weren't great, though... now that i changed it for good ones, no issues.... and great on the street too.

[vikingramair]

Front A-arms with rod-end, i love them!!