3800 GM Handling kit question

[BLK00GTP]

Im starting to collect parts for my suspension and I am considering the Handling Upgrade Kit GM PART # pk12456148 from gmpartsdirect.com. My question is does anyone know if the sway bars in the kit are solid? Im also pretty sure this kit doesn't have polyurathane bushings either right? If not should I get the polyurathane bushings and end links from the grandprixstore.com... Just looking for some feedback on this kit. Im not planning on doing autox but I would like a nice responsive suspension for daily driving. Thanks in advance!

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[12secGTP]

no they are not solid
correct, they are not PU
and yes you should get the PU ones.

 

[BLK00GTP]

Thanks Chrys!
What do you think about the BMR suspension parts. I was just checking out all of there tubular Adjustable Rear Lateral Arms, Trailing Arms & Forward Lateral Arms.

 

[12secGTP]

a bit overpriced IMO. the trailing arms are not needed since you will get damn good ones in the GMPP kit. If you have an LSD, the FLA`s are not needed.
I have considered the adjustable RLA`s but really it is total overkill unless you are doing autox.

 

[BLK00GTP]

Thanks again. Were you able to notice a difference in the GM kit when you installed it? I think I'll just stick with that.

 

[imported_GraFFix]

The PU bushings at the grandprixstore fit the GMPP sway bars? sorry..i cant go check now, im blocked from there at work

 

[12secGTP]

you will see a difference over stock but if you put in the polys, you will DEFINATELY notice it. the rubber bushings really suck IMO.

Joe,
No the ones at PYFC do not fit the GMPP kit (unless something has changed).
I do have the proper part numbers for the polys for the GMPP kit tho

 

[imported_GraFFix]

mind sharing? I have the whole kit at home waiting for a warmer day...Id like to get these and have everything ready

 

[BLK00GTP]

Yeah i could use those numbers to. Thats for the front and rear correct?

 

[dole21]

Originally posted by GraFFix@Feb 4 2004, 12:17 PM
I have the whole kit at home waiting for a warmer day...

ditto.


I ordered the bushing from jegs and have them sitting here in the box waiting as well.


I think i hear a sway bar mod day coming up....

 

[mybluegtp]

You mean to tell me the Swaybars from GMPD are not solid? :huh:

 

[antpearl]

The rear trailing arms for gmpp are awesome, they are much stronger than the factory. Didn't notice a difference in the sway bars but I didn't do the poly bushings so maybe that's why. the front sway bar is a bitch and so is the rear b/c of that damn allen bolt...

 

[12secGTP]

yes.. that is right. they are NOT solid... just larger,

I will post the bushing p/n`s tomorrow.
the GMPP kit definately reduces body roll and flex but with polys, the handling response improves 200%.

 

[mybluegtp]

Originally posted by 12secGTP@Feb 4 2004, 09:40 PM
yes.. that is right. they are NOT solid... just larger,

I will post the bushing p/n`s tomorrow.
the GMPP kit definately reduces body roll and flex but with polys, the handling response improves 200%.

 

[HUNTERDOG]

Did you check that part no. with GMPartsdirect? I did some research and that number is for the strut tower brace. The number in the link I found is pk12456148
http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/results.cfm?s...mber=pk12456148
I am confused, did they put this package together? Anyway It is almost just as cheep to do it all individual and I already have the strut tower brace and I just ordered the rear trailing arms from my buddy at GM. Are they thinner than the factory ones? I know they are tubular and the factory are U shape.

 

[12secGTP]

here are the P/N`s for the poly bushing for the GMPP kit as promised:

Summit (ENS prefix on part numbers)
you have 2 choices for the front. first choice is the actual size:
ENS-3-5131 (34mm front sway bushing NON greasable!).... these tend to rattle.
second choice:
ENS-3-5130G (32mm front sway bushing) this is slighly undersized to prevent rattling but poses a problem since the bracket is 2mm too small so you have to purchase 4 ea 1/2" x 1-1/2" thin zink plated fender washers, and 4 ea 5/16" x 1-1/2" Neoprene Rubber fender washers to shim between the frame and the mounting brackets
ENS-9-5123G (19mm rear sway bushing) The rear bushings are wider than the bracket so you may have to modify the stock bracket to fit these. The bracket that comes with the kit will not work with our "hanging" bracket application.
ENS-9-8106G (End links)

Jeg's (355 prefix on part numbers)
355-9-8106G (End links)
The rest are special order

.

 

[antpearl]

the sway bars are not necessarily thinner hunterdog, however, the factory ones are thin horseshoe shaped...the gmpp ones are round and 'beefy'...they seem to be more rigid and less altered under strain.

 

[imported_GraFFix]

TTT with a question for Chrys...

Im about to order the bushings and IM going to go with the 32MM ones for the front.

The zinc plated and rubber fender washers can be bought at home depot or are they a special type of washer?

thanks
Joe