S14 Suspension build thread.....

[doyle4281]

Originally Posted by miky360

how did you press in the new ball joints in you front LCAs? you've inspired me to do this to mine lol but the front subframe will be dropped when i swap the motor.

Glad I could help, you will have a blast with it. The ball joint were installed with a hydraulic press and a ball joint removal/installation kit. The job is much easier with the proper tooling, however can be done without it.

[doyle4281]

Started wrapping up everything on the car, as there are a few details that need to be sorted out, one of which being the rear brake hoses. Previously, I had installed factory rear hoses, which appear to fit properly, however may cause issues during suspension travel. Instead of going with another set of custom lines from Agency Power, I simply installed a set of Z32 conversion lines. It is not the OEM fit that I was trying to accomplish, but it will work fine. As you can see from the out of focus photo, that with enough suspension travel the hose will be pulled taut and could cause damage. This photo is with the suspension at rest with the suspension still going to be lowered 1.5".

[mantas]

Originally Posted by doyle4281

Started wrapping up everything on the car, as there are a few details that need to be sorted out, one of which being the rear brake hoses. Previously, I had installed factory rear hoses, which appear to fit properly, however may cause issues during suspension travel. Instead of going with another set of custom lines from Agency Power, I simply installed a set of Z32 conversion lines. It is not the OEM fit that I was trying to accomplish, but it will work fine. As you can see from the out of focus photo, that with enough suspension travel the hose will be pulled taut and could cause damage. This photo is with the suspension at rest with the suspension still going to be lowered 1.5".

That looks a bit short compared to my z32 conversion lines...but im not an expert in suspensions or cars in general haha.

Glad you did this build thread, this is probably my favority build of all time! I learned a thing or two and what a good choice in color for everything - looks like candy!!! haha.

[alexander240]

WOW great job ! wondering is there other ways on how to remove bushings?

[doyle4281]

Originally Posted by mantas

That looks a bit short compared to my z32 conversion lines...but im not an expert in suspensions or cars in general haha.

Glad you did this build thread, this is probably my favority build of all time! I learned a thing or two and what a good choice in color for everything - looks like candy!!! haha.

Thanks man, I wish I had more time to devote to it, but I am concentrating on the RB26 350Z at this time. The hoses in the picture are the S14 hoses that were too short, the Z32 conversion hoses are now installed.

[doyle4281]

Originally Posted by alexander240

WOW great job ! wondering is there other ways on how to remove bushings?

The only other way I know of doing the bushings is to use a press, which can get tricky. Being that the arms are sheet metal they bend very easily which a press makes light work off. Burning, cutting, and pounding seem to be the preferred method, however some have other clever methods. For the subframe, I have even seen a very well known shop cut the subframe completely at each bushing letting the bushing fall out, then welding it back. Seems very intrusive, but fast and effective.

[mantas]

Originally Posted by doyle4281

Thanks man, I wish I had more time to devote to it, but I am concentrating on the RB26 350Z at this time. The hoses in the picture are the S14 hoses that were too short, the Z32 conversion hoses are now installed.

i just realized it was you that started the 350/26 build. Must go look at whats happened to it, there was some serious fabrication work in that build and once again another good thread. Good work man, good work.

[Scorpion34]

More pics!!!

[EJ8 944]

This thread needs more updates.

[Paint209]

^what the duece?? ads on a build thread lol

[SaVAgES14]

where did you get that multi point hub nut? oh nm its just the little cap that goes on top of the nut?

[Scorpion34]

Are we ever gonna see the finished product on this??

[doyle4281]

Originally Posted by Scorpion34

Are we ever gonna see the finished product on this??

Sorry this thread fell off, as I became preoccupied with another project. The suspension on this car is essentially finished, so there is not much else to post. Every single component, down to the last nut and bolt has been addressed and it is truly a pleasure to see a 240sx in this condition. The car is awaiting paint and body, which is not my area of expertise, so it is being held off. This build will come to an end in the near future, and I will be sure to post updates. Thanks

[Scorpion34]

That's good. But can we at least see pics of it on the ground?

[Sauce98]

this thread is amazing. I wanted to do more to my subframe when I took it out but just didn't have the time. Keep it up, this is looking great

[beems240sx]

i want to eat off your subframe! very nice top notch work. i just fixed my sand blaster and powdercoating setup too so i cant wait to get to work on mine. only thing different is i will be boxing in the corners of the subframe and boxing/gussets on the bottom of the control arms.

[S14Serge]

Sick work bro keep it up this thread and work is amazing!

[doyle4281]

Thanks all, work on this car slowed for awhile, but I have recently been putting some time into it, as I am preparing to move to a new house. The chassis is complete and I am now sorting out the powertrain odds and ends. I have not posted much information on the engine, but may put some pictures up along the way. The engine is an RB25DET, which was in extraordinary condition when I received it, and ran beautifully in the OEM configuration. The engine has since been upgraded with a number of components and aftermarket engine management.

[SilviaxDr3aMz]

Man am i envious.
baller thread right here.

[mystacarlo]

I didnt see you mention or i just maybe skimmed over it, but what did you do about differential bushings, i have a jdm s14 and mine are worn, so i bought Stance solid aluminum bushings, will i have any trouble swapping these in, like do i have to burn anything out like i did for the subframe bushings?

[jt1583]

Lookin great man, very nice attention to detail. Is anyone boxing the rear (maybe front for that matter too) LCAs? Rubber Megan bushings Moog ball joints for the rear are $200 together, plus boxing for strength vs. $500+ for a set of quality RLCAs looks enticing

[Boss s14]

Originally Posted by S14Serge

Sick work bro keep it up this thread and work is amazing!

lol i love your sig pic i see it everywhere...

anyways great build im looking into restoring my whole suspension since i have 150k on my completely stock s14 people like make me want to get my lazy ass up and do it.... thanks man and good luck cant wait for more!

[bigboost3]

nice build

[titangts]

wow this was an awesome build thread. Loved every bit of it, great job! is there really anything else you can do suspension wise? I see you are running ST sway bars, adjustable ends? Thinking of a front tension brace? I can't think of anything more besides chassis stiffeners (braces).

[doyle4281]

You are right, chassis stiffeners are about the only thing that has not been done, however I will likely make some nice Chromoly pieces, tension braces, fender braces, possibly something to strengthen the unibody. This car has been on the back burner for a long time, but is the first project on my list to complete. I am quite guilty of "biting off more than I can chew", and the cars always seem to get put off. My RB26 350Z project was tough to put off as it was turning out so good, but things get in the way. The S14 will likely be completed and sold soon after, as it is essentially a new car. Every nut and bolt has been replaced, every surface has been treated, powder coated, or painted. Wheels, brakes, suspension, wiring, aero kit, all new. At the time I was building it, I must have been thinking it would be stored at the bottom of a lake, because everything is corrosion resistant. Thanks again for keeping this thread alive, and I hope to show it completed in the "nearish" future.

[SlowLadyZ]

thank you for the fantastic thread

[rawgarage]

so much win...

[lake_release]

wow. beautiful work!

[Po_31]

hello i saw your thread on your suspension really great btw,
im in the process of my as well, i picked up a j30 diff

i want to know which diff bushings to put into your subframe?

thank you

[doyle4281]

It looks like imageshake recovered my account, it looks like all the pictures are back on this thread