Suspension tune-up

Jim Sadler · #1 (**permalink**) 12-03-2014, 03:23 PM

Hi, long time reader, first time writer from Calgary Canada. I am the owner of Cobra SPO 1831 and keep it in AZ. Starting to spend 3 to 4 months in San Tan Valley AZ and last year started installing Cobra Valley rear suspension mounts, springs, shocks, ball joints, and front and rear sway bars. I completed the installation this week and need a wheel alignment but also what to get the suspension tuned properly with this new parts. Can anyone point me in the right direction for this type of work?

Thanks,

Jim Sadler
#1831

Sawdust · #2 (**permalink**) 12-03-2014, 04:24 PM

Jim
Not sure what you are asking for when you talk about suspension tuning? Other than adjusting the ride height and corner balancing all you need is an alignment.

cycleguy55 · #3 (**permalink**) 12-03-2014, 04:32 PM

Jim:

You might also try the Arizona Cobra's [sic] group for information on local shops.

Brian Fergusson

Jim Sadler · #4 (**permalink**) 12-03-2014, 04:33 PM

As this is the first time I have done anything like is, just want to bounce it off other owners that have made these changes and ensure "all is good" and thought this was the best place to ask the question. Thanks for your reply.

cycleguy55 · #5 (**permalink**) 12-03-2014, 04:39 PM

I hear you. I've had my West Coast since June (in my hands since mid-July), and there are lots of things where I need to 'bounce an idea' off other owners. I'm through some of it, but there is still a long way to go.

Sawdust · #6 (**permalink**) 12-04-2014, 04:02 AM

Jim
Fire away with any questions or concerns you have with your SPF. Enjoy the ride!

DWRAT · #7 (**permalink**) 12-06-2014, 08:49 AM

Jim,
I just did everything you did except for the ball joints but I have them sitting on the work bench ready to tackle that project.
As for tuning the suspension I suggest getting the ride height set where you want it and then play with the shock adjusters. I got the single adjusters so it's super easy.
I started at 4 clicks out in the rear and 6 clicks out in the front.
The front felt good but the rear was way to soft at 4 clicks so I went to 6 clicks and at 6 it was pretty stiff so as you can guess I went to 5 clicks out and that's where it is now and I'm pretty happy there.
As for alignment I know of 2 shops in phx.
Jacks alignment in central phx and network alignment in north phx.

Now how about some feedback from you.
Was installing the ball joints a big deal?
I got the special socket and the separator tool.
Thanks
Dan

Jim Sadler · #8 (**permalink**) 12-08-2014, 03:40 PM

Thanks for the info Dan, greatly appreciated. As for the ball joints, very easy with the tools supplied with them. Took me about 2 hours and I was taking it easy. I'm in San Tan Valley so if you want some help, would be will to help. Would like to meet some other Superformance owners!

Jim

Detroit Bill · #9 (**permalink**) 12-31-2014, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Sadler

Thanks for the info Dan, greatly appreciated. As for the ball joints, very easy with the tools supplied with them. Took me about 2 hours and I was taking it easy. I'm in San Tan Valley so if you want some help, would be will to help. Would like to meet some other Superformance owners!

Jim

Could you feel an improvement with the upgraded ball joints?

Jim Sadler · #10 (**permalink**) 01-01-2015, 03:10 PM

Yes I Could, the steering wheel was quite easier to turn. I did not have any high speed vibration from my original ball joints as mentioned by some other owners. Looking forward to getting the height and 4 corners balanced then the wheel alignment this month. Been a busy December but now, back to play time. Hope that helps!

Jim

DWRAT · #11 (**permalink**) 01-08-2015, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Sadler

Thanks for the info Dan, greatly appreciated. As for the ball joints, very easy with the tools supplied with them. Took me about 2 hours and I was taking it easy. I'm in San Tan Valley so if you want some help, would be will to help. Would like to meet some other Superformance owners!

Jim

Jim,
Thanks for the advise about how easy the ball joint install was.
I was going to have them installed by a shop but after your post I figured I would give it a try.
You are correct, with the proper tools the install was straight forward and very easy(other then the red lock tighted ball joint that took a 3' breaker bar to remove)

I have not road tested yet but the steering in the garage feels much easier so far.
Thanks again.
Dan

Jim Sadler · #12 (**permalink**) 01-08-2015, 07:48 AM

Wow Dan, 3' bar! Don't you just hate people that dip the treads in Lock Tite rather than putting a drop on the treads! I know you will feel the change right away, enjoy! Did you also put on the sway bar kit? I just really enjoy working on my Superformance!

DWRAT · #13 (**permalink**) 01-08-2015, 01:43 PM

Yes, I did everything cobra valley had to offer.
Now I just need to use it.

DWRAT · #14 (**permalink**) 01-10-2015, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Detroit Bill

Could you feel an improvement with the upgraded ball joints?

Wow these ball joints made a big difference.
No more 65 mph shimmy which I can't believe was caused by the ball joints but as others stated, it was caused by the ball joints.
The over all fell of the steering wheel is much smoother.
Very happy with the ball joint upgrade.