I have a set of KYB AGX and Eibach Prokit. I ordered everything brand new so i can make the install "plug and play". The only thing i didnt get were the rubber stops that go on the shock shaft. Are those needed? Will they have to be cut since i am lowering the car or will the reg factory ones work fine?

 

As I posted in your thread last month, yes you would need those parts to make a "plug and play" swap. Yes you need them, and if you don't buy them brand new you'll have to disassemble your old suspension.

Always trim bump stops when lowering a car. Cut them approximately in half, and of course use the top (larger) portion.

 

ok cool thanks Patrick! I ordered everything at the Acura dealer i used to work at so my friend hooked me up with his prices for the parts. The only thing he couldn't order for some reason were the bump stops. I will just go to Honda and get those

 

odd, I have ordered new bump stops from Carland Acura before www.acuraauotmotiveparts.com

 

http://www.ground-control-store.com/...tion.php/II=10

Not sure if those will be cheaper or more expensive than OEM, but at least you can select the stiffness.

 

I bought Ground Control bump stops. I didn't cut them because compared to the OEM ones they were shorter so I figured it wouldnt be needed.

 

Yes, do NOT cut the GC bumpstops.

The soft / progressive ones need to be used at full length. The hard / linear ones can be cut, but still shouldn't unless you know exactly how much you length need for the car.

 

Yeah I bought the soft/progressive ones. I was told the hard/linear are specifically for race cars where you know the exact amount of travel to be trimmed and what not.

 

I have KYB AGX should i just go with the Soft/progressive ones? What length is are those shocks?

 

The soft ones are called multi cellular jounce dampeners. In many applications they in constant contact with the top of the damper making those designs 'bumpstop active'.

Their shape dictate a rising spring rate and as such impart a progressive nature to a design even if it has linear rate springs.

When you cut those the rise in rate can become quite abrupt. As Patrick wrote, cut them, but you have to be very careful to consider the spring and damping rates as well; if you have a spring rate that is soft, and you cut this type of bump stop short to compensate for a ride hieght that is perhaps too low, you will find that the tires load up and unload in very quick cycles over bumpy pavement and as you enter steady state cornering. The scariest part can be in steady state when such a set up hits a bump and a particular tire loses traction quickly becuase the rise in rate was dramatic.

On the flip side, you can use a relatively softer spring rate if you incorporate these into your setup...relative to after market streetable spring rates. Pure racing set ups attack this problem from many other perspectives, aero being one.

The multi cellular bumpstops are highly engineered components, meaning, designed to work with a determined amount of total deflection - tire included. They save weight, while adding spring rate during important poprtions of the suspension stroke without adding to normal ride discomfort - lighter spring rates = better ride.

I purchased many types from different manufactures and modified my own...this was a seat of the pants evaluation. I never dynoed any of those...too many options requiring way too much time. I had more fun behind the wheel!

EDIT My reply is a little confusing with regard to 'soft' spring rates. Whenever a car is lowered the spring rate should increase. If it not increased enough the rising rate bumpstops are active for a much larger portion of the suspension stroke. I also wrote that you can use relatively soft spring rates along with this type of bump stop to achieve good ride and handling compromise. I cannot say whe either of those rates will be...depends upon individual goals.

 

So what i get the soft progressive for the 10-14mm shock or the 19-24mm strut?

 

You have shocks, not struts. Smaller one.

 

Thanks patrick. I ordered 4 of soft short ones. I am assuming that i dont have to cut these? Also does anything go on the bottom of the springs where they rest on the shocks? Like rubbing tubing to help with them rubbing or anything?

 

Any have any input on my last question?

 

There isnt any rubber for where the spring makes contact with the shock. I actually made some out of bicycle tire tubing when i installed my suspension because i thought it might squeak. They are still holding up just fine after a year.

 

Ok thanks Wyatt