Well i guess after 100k miles my drivers strut is damaged. The spring perch is rubbing on the tire, hard to tell exactly why, but the setup is pretty old and has rusted a bit so i think part of the perch collapsed.

I loved my setup so much that i think i want to replace it in kind (MR Bilsteins w/ Swift springs). In trying to price out my options (coilovers vs. bilsteins), it looks like a wash if i compare to BC racing coilovers.

First question, is there any downside to re-using the swift springs? I've run this setup for probably 60k miles. The strut is what has the issue, but the springs look fine.

Second question is what other components do i need to perform the refresh? OEM strut top mounts? I can find the front top mounts anywhere, but the rear tops were confusing after seeing pictures of the options on RockAuto.

Any help is appreciated!

 

FYI,

Youtube has a german evo with Bilsteins where rust caused spring seat to fail on front strut. They were able to put their fingers through the seat. This caused the spring perch to press on tire. Sounds like what you are experiencing. My Bilstein HD had not failed but were very rusty. I replaced my Bilstein HD with Bilstein B14 PSS. They have new springs / bump stops / dust boots and a threaded body that can not fail in the way that OEM or HD Bilstein can. You would just transfer the hats off of your old struts and install and adjust. They say 40-50mm drop minimum. In my experience that is a 40-50mm drop maximum and about a 30mm adjustment range. They also were what the German guys put on their MR. Ride is firmer than B6 HD but tolerable. Flat in turns, and more direct. Search Bilstein B14 PSS or Bilstein B16 PSS9 (9 way adjustable).

I have a pair of the KYB rear rubber mounts. You just use two of the three rubber pieces they provide and the OEM steel hats. I would sell them if you are having a hard time finding them. They are also used with the B14/16.

One other issue with the install of the B14/16 on the rear hats. If you go with the Bilstein B14/16 the large rubber disk on the bottom of the hat is not used. Replace it with the aluminum spring seat that comes with the bilstein. Match the cut outs in the aluminum with the heads of the mounting studs. Doesn't seem to cause a lot of noise. Not well explained in their instructions.

 

I appreciate your response.

I'll look into the B14. I liked the stance/ride height of the Bilsteins with the Swift springs, that (along with avoiding additional cost), was why i was checking to see if i can re-use them.

 

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...ion,strut,7584

New set of Bilstein HD about $800

 

I am dealing with this same issue. Trying to figure out if I should replace the Bilstein or go with a coil over setup?

Just a daily driver that will probably never see a real track if I'm being honest with myself.

Mostly confusing because the prices are so close I don't know which I would be better off doing.

 

Same thing i keep questioning. I had a bad experience with my previous evo using HKS Hipermax II coilovers in that i had them rebuilt several times and just never liked them. The only thing having me lean towards coilovers at the moment is the front camber adjustment.

I did talk to the shop and they said that reusing the swift springs would be fine, so that would save me some $$$ if i kept a stock-ish setup.

 

If you aren't going to the track (and even if you are) I would recommend replacement Bilsteins. $800 for Bilsteins is expensive for a basic strut/shock. $800 for coilovers will get you whatever color trash suspension you want that's got some knobs to click. You can always flip the camber bolt to pick up some more without new top hats but you can also put camber plates on Bilsteins.
TEIN PILLOW BALL UPPER MOUNT FRONT FOR LANCER EVO 7 8 9 CT9A PAR52-31PFR | eBay
Tein EVO Front Camber Plate :: EVO 8/9 Bushings, Camber Kits :: EVO 8/9 Suspension :: Suspension :: LancerShop.com

 

I started with stock KYB, then I installed MR Bilsteins, then lowering springs, then another set of MR Bilsteins, then Ohlins Road and Track.


My advice is get the Ohlins. I don't track, 100% DD, so no idea how they perform on the track, but the road part is transformative. I would consider it among (If not) the best mods for driving experience I have done to the car in my 17 years of daily driving it. Honestly just made it into a whole new car.

I did do a refresh on the bushings with Ralliart upgrades at the same time, so that plays a part too. After 170k miles the stock control arm bushings were pretty shot.

 

I put new Bilstein B6 struts and swift spec-r springs. Rides like a dream. OEM Bilstein struts are trash once they go bad. Bilstein US in socal only rebuilds aftermarket shocks/struts.

I've ridden in a friends E46 with Ohlins and was blown away with the ride quality. Felt like I was on a cloud. I would go this route if they're even available/within your budget.

 

Even with non-oem Bilsteins they cost more to rebuild than to buy new.

Cheap coil overs are not worth buying. Anyone can thread a shock body but getting valving right and consistent takes serious quality control. Bilstein, Olins, koni, kyb, or nothing.

 

I'd also agree on the Ohlins, but Ohlins suggests servicing them every 20k miles or so, which isn't great for someone who uses their car daily. Those miles rack up fast. Bilsteins otherwise.

 

Sounds like some generic CYA the lawyers made them put in. I wouldn't be spooked by it, they have maintained a very positive reputation around these parts for a long time now.

I'm sure there are use cases that would justify that kind of upkeep though. A car that sees more track than road for example might need them worked on even more frequently than that.

 

Thanks guys, I don't think ohlins are in my budget right now.
I'll suck it up and order the bilsteins and swift springs.

I've never had a problem with them it just seemed expensive for a replacement. Maybe the springs will make it feel like an upgrade.

 

I'm sure you'll enjoy new springs over ones with 60k on the clock

 

I just had the KYB suspension swapped out with Bilstein B6 and Swift springs. I replaced all the mounts, bumpstops etc too.

Slightly lower looks good and it feels great. Rattle is gone so I'm happy all around. Thanks for the help guys. Hopefully OP has success too.