So, a little background, stock suspension, customer wants to make his Element handle. Doesn't want an aggressive drop, but wants to lower it. He wants to do this in stages- springs, then struts, then maybe sway bar and/or poly bushings. Any suggestions, thoughts?

 

Thoughts?
Your customer is an idiot.

Lower, stiffer, springs will require better shocks to handle them. Do it all at once, avoid needing multiple alignments, avoid needing to charge to remove and reinstall parts that will just be removed again later.

Doing things in stages is for video games, not when paying someone else to do the work.

And he's got the order wrong. Start with a nice swaybar, and see if that gives him the perception of handling he is looking for by cutting down body roll. This is really all most people actually need to think that their car can now handle like they wanted. It's also the cheapest of the suspension mods, the easiest to undo if desired later, and doesn't require an alignment afterward like everything else he could do.

If that isn't enough for him, then explain that from there ride will quality go down, and go for stiffer springs and good shocks, and lower the car slightly. Discuss how much lower he wants, and how much stiffer, and choose spring rates accordingly compared to stock.

Skip poly bushings entirely.

 

^^ actually...from a business standpoint...it makes the most sense to do it in stages. Hatchling37 works at a tire store, so the more alignments the merrier! the more install's the better! lol (just watchin out for my boys paychecks haha )

what are the popular, tried and true, brands/parts used in Element suspension tuning? springs? struts? swaybars?

 

Winking smile aside, that is not exactly good customer service.

That is what the issue will be. I know of no aftermarket parts available for the Element offhand, but some might exist, especially in the Japanese market. It will probably require a bit of research as to which Odyssey or Ridgeline parts could be made to work (I believe those vehicle share the same chassis).

 

lol i realize that...but i think its being dictated by the customer. probably doesnt have a bunch of $$$ to drop on it all at once. idk, it is what it is i suppose.

so a quick google search yields Eibach makes a set of springs
Eibach: # 4075.540 (1" front, 1.5" rear)

http://www.raceinspired.com/p-1969-e...iliateid=10065

H&R makes a set
http://www.streetbeatcustoms.com/H&R...ng-51811/6779/

and thats about it, really...

struts...all i could really find is KYB GR2's which we all know are basically OEM replacements...probably be suitable for a 1.5" drop, assuming the Eibach and H&R spring rates are reasonable close to OEM.

Sway bars....looks like Suspension Techniques makes a full sway bar kit....i personally LOVE ST stuff.
http://www.autoanything.com/suspensi...0A1799659.aspx

above that (and my 5 minute google search) im not sure if thats ALL thats out there, or even if these are the best, most commonly used parts in Element suspension tuning.

Mura, have you tried EOC? ( elementownersclub.com ) the 2 local Element guru's always talk about EOC (billboard and srlnclt on IMS) might pose this question to those guys as well....

 

Thanks mang, I have been doing a bunch of research on this, and EOC didn't really offer a ton of info on lowering, other than to just go the full meal deal KSports or Teins. I don't think this guy wants to drop that kind of coin just to lower the thing.

I agree with you that a sway bar should be the first thing to go with, I'm sure he would find that to be the greatest improvement for the dollar. I've seen some spherical bearing anti-sway bar endlinks that are semi-universal, what do you think about that? A bit too much?

As far as aftermarket Japanese stuff, I guess I'm pretty lost on how to go about finding that sort of stuff. I'm definitely not opposed to finding it if I can get somebody pointing me in the right direction, any assistance would be appreciated!

 

I thought 02-06 Crv suspension parts were compatible with Element suspension?
Or is it not?