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I have fitted the SuperPro poly bushes. They can be compared with the uprated items, except that in principle these bushes have a long-life
duration. They are also self-lubricating.
The "SuperPro" poly bushes for the front sway bar are moulded with a logitudal split between the base and one side of the loop so the bush can be slipped over
the bar at the correct position. I find the noise transmission acceptable and IMHO quieter than with my earlier setup (std bushes/springs).
Why use poly bushes?
Rubber is susceptible to the elements
found in normal, everyday use, such as oil, fluid spills, salt, dry rot, etc. It's virtually impossible to avoid some of these damaging elements. The dynamic torque forces rubber has to deal with during suspension's
operation is often too demanding. Polyurethane is a synthetic material and can resist dynamic torque-like twisting and turning forces of suspension components.
Of course everything is based on personal opinion.
Some of you may like the standard setup but according to the threads most wedge owners do not!!!
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Shocks
A bad shock could lead to an accident. So shocks are very important. Shocks are an
important part to the steering and suspension system. THEY WEAR GRADUALLY! Most drivers won't notice the difference in ride and handling of the car when driving with worn shocks. They will only notice when a emercency
arises.
A shock is a hydraulic mechanism in a car's suspension system. It works in conjunction with a coil spring to support the weight of a car. No doubt it's a vital part of the car handling. Shocks improve
handling by reducing front end dive when braking. They control body
sway and roll on turns. Also wheel hop is prevented if good shocks are used. Otherwise a wheel hop can lead to loss of control. It also prevents
your car from shaking itself to pieces.
Gas charged shocks last longer than other types, but they still have fluid inside. Most shocks are filled with nitrogen which prevents aeration of the fluid. Aeration of
fluid will cause foaming and foaming brings down the shock absorber performance. The operating principle of hydraulic shocks is in forcing fluids through restricting openings in the valves. This restricted flow serves
to slow down and control rapid movement in the car springs as they react to road irregularities. Fluid flow thru pistons is mostly controlled by spring-loaded valves. Gas shocks are preferable because they also improve
the internal valving of the shock, improving both stability and ride.
Shock absorber strut
A strut is designed to resist pressure in the direction of its length. Typical for our wedges is the
'MacPherson' strut. The shock is built into the strut. Some 'MacPherson' systems are equipped with low-pressure gas-filled shock struts (original wedge setup). They are non-adjustable and nonrefillable. A faulty unit
must be replaced as an assembly. Replace shocks always in pairs. After replacing wheel align is probably needed. As earlier mentioned shocks are an integral part of the suspension system.
When to replace a shock?
o Clunking noise during normal driving conditions
o steering stiffness or a 'quickspot' while turning the automobile
o poor steering returns
o roll or sway in turns
o vehicle bounces or sways sideways on a winding rough road
o increased braking distance
o abnormal front diving while braking
Springs
No doubt, if your uprating your shocks than you MUST uprate
your springs. And if you uprate your springs use the progressive springs. The coil pitch of 'normal' springs stays the same all the way up the spring. With progressive springs the coil pitch gets tighter the closer you
get to the top. The effect of this is that the spring increases resistance, the more it's compressed. E.g. when cornering the car the springs are more compressed so is the resistance.
++++Moderator 0.2
Info is compelled from different sources.
With permission I've been using stuff from the website of Energy Suspension. Their website contains more useful information about suspension, bushes, etc. They don't
fabricate bushes for the TR7/8 but who knows in the future....
http://www.energysuspension.com
Shocks
http://www.kyb.com
http://www.webgarage.com/ci/susp.htm (suspension, 4wheel alignment, shocks)
Also with permission I've been using some very good material from Chris Longhurst. He wrote a couple of technical bibles about tires
and suspension. Take a look at his page, long download but interesting information.
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/2195/tyre_bible.html
htpp://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/2195/suspension_bible.html
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