New to the forum - new to modding

[Belly]

I've had my Liberty for about 3 years now, and love it. I've taken decent care of her, but have not really had the money to spend over the past few years, until now. I should preface, that i'm not a huge car guy, and it's completely stock.

I got my Dad to check over it the other day (who is a car guy) - everything fine, with the report that i'll need some new shocks as they're weeping. Now, am I better off getting the Bilsteins that come stock? Or is there something else that's worth me shelling out for to get a better ride?

Given i'm now in the position to spend some money on the car, is there anything else worth getting done while it's in? Sway bars appear to be the obvious choice here.

Thanks for the help, and please excuse my ignorance.

[bigBADbenny]

Sways are the last thing to do when fine tuning your handling. LAST. If and only for fine tuning.

Shockworks or MCA coilovers, upgrade LCA bushes, corgi works short shifter and cdiff refurb.
ThrottleHappy (kido) tune...
This stuff improves on worn out stock gear...
But what is your exact budget and scope for the project?
Important as things get way outta hand quickly.

Sunroof and front window tint (Rob Tait), 3D floor mats, damd d steering wheel etc.
Check my profile to see how far you can improve yet stay stockish.

[Belly]

Cheers for the reply mate.

Not a budget/project as such, i'm just now in a position where I can spend some money on the car. Thought i'd see if I can make it a lil more fun to drive.

I was under the impression that upgrading the sways was one of the quickest, cheapest ways to immediately improve the handling?

[BillyCorgi]

I was under the impression that upgrading the sways was one of the quickest, cheapest ways to immediately improve the handling?

On a Spec-B and a budget - rear sway bar first for an immediate improvement.

Listen also to BBB's good advice regarding Short Shifter Adaptor and Gear Shift Bushing Rejuvenation Kit. (Thanks Ben)

[bigBADbenny]

Depends. I didn't enjoy the high speed fishtails that originated from a roo avoidance manoeuvre with rsb.
It's a pointless mod if your stock struts & LCA's are flogged.
And not necessary if you have the finest coilovers available, that suit touring, gravel and track in one package.

So yep you can save heaps by getting a proven solution installed and aligned.
Or chase your tail with bandaid fixes and compromises, which will lead you to wanting the proven solution anyway.

So the brief is pretty vague, but I'd concentrate on the important stuff like maintenance items, handling, braking, the tune for customisation of the cars response, and interior ergonomics. That would leave aero, cosmetics, and bling like bigger brakes and wheels.

The main reason to run wider rims is to access less expensive higher performance tyres, the latter being the single best way to "improve" performance.

Did you want to highlight any particular area of interest?
Because mods are best done in concert so the result retains overall balance to the cars performance, handling etc.

[jslayz]

Shockworks coilovers (just do a search on here) would be an ideal upgrade for as you need to replace your factory dampers.

I would then recommend making sure you a set of great tyres on a liberty as the first mod after replacing any other parts that are not 100%.

Tyres around the 200 wear rating are soft but very grippy and improve corner speed and braking traction
I use AD08r's myself but even up to a 280 wear rating will also be a sporty performing tyre.

Then Kido tune and review how you find that combo, much sportier performance and feel than stock I'll bet!

[Belly]

Thanks guys,

LIke I said, it's not going to be a huge project and i'm not likely to do too much work in the next year or so to the suspension/handling. This actually came about after I got some new S001 Potenza's fitted and noticed how much nicer to drive the car is, so i kinda got the bug to keep going with that.

I've done some looking around, and the other name that pops up for coilovers is Tein. I've asked a couple of suspension joints around my city (perth) for some quotes/recommendations.

[Belly]

Just received a quote for $2,100 Tein Flex Z system including install and alignment. $430 for a whiteline rear swaybar.

Anyone able to clue me in on the legal issues here? By the sounds of it, I've got to submit a request to the state Dept of Transport for approval on these things if i'm to go ahead.

[Jordan.k]

Get MCA blues about $1600 odd delivered, or the next tier up if you want to spend more

Install is actually quite easy, takes about 2-3 (basic tools) hours for your first time, and can use the money you saved on other stuff.

But yea you would want an alignment after, and adjust dampening/height if necessary

EDIT: also $430 for a sway Bar, that is a fkn rip off, the rrp is cheaper than that on the website and install can be done yourself very easily (30-40mins) w/basic tools

[bigBADbenny]

I just installed and aligned mine, let insurance co know, I'm in vic, where r u?