Howdy, guys. So, I'm getting to the point where it's time to start refreshing the entirety of my '91 XR2's suspension. I need help tracking down some parts. I'd also like some first hand accounts of how different setups feel.
So I'll probably be sticking with the stock wheels. I MIGHT go up to a 15" someday, simply for more tire options. However, there is the Toyo R888R's out there in the OEM size, so I'm not really in any rush. Keeping in mind that, my goals are twofold. Everything is factory, so old and tired. Old, squishy rubber. Old, leaky shocks. You get the idea. I'd also like to stiffen the thing up, if at all possible. Chassis bracing seems hard to come by, so obviously options are limited there. Here's what I'm looking to replace:
-ALL of the control arm bushings
-Ball joints
-Swaybar endlinks & bushings (front and rear)
-Inner & outer tie-rods
-Either coilovers, or stiffer shocks and either lowering springs OR I'll just cut the OEM ones shorter
-Shock mounts
-Engine mounts
-All the bushings for the rear (I haven't looked back there, but I'm assuming there are trailing arms and/or control arms
-The alignment eccentric bolts or jam-nuts or whatever is in the back (mine are totally seized on)
If I'm missing anything, let me know. I'm also debating running some wheel spacers to widen out the track width slightly, both front and rear. I don't want to lower it a crazy amount, but it definitely sits too high as it is. Maybe around an inch or so. Another idea I've been playing with is staggering tire sizes. Something slightly wider out front to increase the contact patch.
What I want to hear is, what modifications have you guys done to your suspensions? What has worked for you, and what was a mistake? Where will I see the most improvement? I'd love to find a nice set of coilovers, just for the freedom of adjusting height and damping depending on track conditions.