Great news! Cooling system is finally fixed and now I no longer have any cooling or power steering leaks.

I'm ready to begin suspension work. Today I bought a stabiliser bar (antiroll bar) bushing for about $10. I'll begin with that today. I'll be putting together the money to buy the shock mounts, shock absorbers, bump stop and springs in the coming weeks. I understand I can do all of this work myself.

I was checking SNG Baratt's site and found that they have two prices for the shock mounts. At $135 and the other at $247. Is there a difference between these parts? Is it safe to get the cheaper part?

Where should I get the bump stops and dampers at the best price? I've heard I can get Bilsteins or KYBs at about $120 a pop.

Finally, I want to lower the rear of the car but keep the front at the stock height. Does anyone know where I can get affordable rear lowering springs and front stock springs?

This might take me a month or so before I can obtain all the parts and have them shipped. I want to keep my eyes peeled for the best prices. I already feel a little guilty for having had to ask dad to pony up the money for the radiator.

 

I used to cut my springs - and grind them flat ( slowly, so they don't overheat ), and these days there are lots of plastic or alu spring perch washers that kinda do the same thing. I would buy a crap rear spring, and see if this is work is in your comfort level - just cut less than you think you need, as its going to settle. At least this way, you could see how much a 10mm - to - 1.5 inch aftermarket lowering kit would look like.

 

The $135 shock mounts are aftermarket items. The $247 gets you the OEM mounts. I used their aftermarket mounts and they are just fine. One word of caution if you go that route, make sure you take the paint off the 3 stud threads before you start. They are heavily painted and it will mess up both the threads and the nuts if you don't.

I got my Bilsteins from PartsGeek at $108 each.

p.s. don't forget to ask SNG Barratt for the forum discount