Bilstein info

[JKeep2.5i]

Hey guys,
I'm new and was wondering about any info I could get about bilstein shocks, I own a 2.5i My04 wagon and was looking at possibly upgrading to some billies, I've seen a set on eBay, do I have to buy anything else for the install or do they just bolt straight on?? How much do you think somewhere would charge to intall these?
Thanks Jerred.

[cruisn]

Make sure you get wagon ones as the rears have a different spring rate than the sedans, but other than that, its a direct swap over. Approx cost from mechanic to install would be around the $200 region plus the cost of a wheel alignment approx $60 from Bob Jane.

[JKeep2.5i]

Sounds good, so I don't need any new bushes or anything??

[smythie]

in the shock absorbers? The required bushes should be in them

[teK--]

Maybe he's thinking of bump stops?? The Bilsteins have internal bump stops so you don't need to buy new ones.

[t.renshaw34]

im looking at doing the exact same mod to my sedan 04 gt,
whats the ride like on them compared to the stock gt's ride?
slightly hasher i would expect?

[cruisn]

They are a little firmer than stock, with JDM billies being firmer again.

[JKeep2.5i]

Just another question, if I wanted to lower my ride what is the best way to go about it, I know everyone says coilovers but being a first year apprentice I can't afford them yet, Im looking into get some billies and chucking either some Sti springs or phat's s-techs on them, is there anything else I would need to add, searching around I've seen a little on 'lower control arm bushes', what are these and why/do I need them?? thanks
Jerred

[Kekotic]

Jerred, you can get decent coilovers for like $1300.

Billies are $500~ brand new, and if you wanted STi springs you can either wait around and pay $300~ second hand, or brand new around $550. You are looking at around close to 1k for billies and springs, so why not just get coilovers?

[seanmau5]

searching around I've seen a little on 'lower control arm bushes', what are these and why/do I need them?? thanks
Jerred

The bushes are in the rear of the control arms. The stock ones wear due to a build up of grease & grit. The bushes that PHAT can supply are aftermarket silicon (correct me if I'm wrong) ones and last longer due to the fact that they require no lubrication. Have a look at your current bushes (turn your wheel to full lock) & they sit just behind the wheel in the arm where it meets the body of the car. A wheel/tyre or suspension place can tell you if they're worn or not if you're unsure

[JKeep2.5i]

Jerred, you can get decent coilovers for like $1300.

Any types or brands you would recommend, really I just wanna lower my car the right way but not spend a bucket load.. I was thinking around $1k - 25-30mm drop, what's the difference with coilovers do they give a better ride? I really new to this
Jerred

[seanmau5]

Coilovers will allow you to adjust the ride height to suit the driving conditions

[Kekotic]

Jerred, you can get decent coilovers for like $1300.

Any types or brands you would recommend, really I just wanna lower my car the right way but not spend a bucket load.. I was thinking around $1k - 25-30mm drop, what's the difference with coilovers do they give a better ride? I really new to this
Jerred

I don't know much of decent brands, plenty of people on here do though.
Something about KW coilovers for $1400 from a group buy not too long ago. You won't be paying any less than $1300ish for coilovers though.

[drndrn]

If you're on a budget, BC Racing is the way to go.

[JKeep2.5i]

If you're on a budget, BC Racing is the way to go.

Springs or coilovers?