THE ULTIMATE S13 SUSPENSION THREAD!!!!! Vote Sticky

Basic tech questions such as future setups, different turbo kits, car diagnosis, etc
Post Reply
User avatar
KA24ETZTM
Knows Some Stuff About 240's!
Posts: 446
Joined: Sun May 11, 2008 3:48 pm
Location: Kannapolis, NC

THE ULTIMATE S13 SUSPENSION THREAD!!!!! Vote Sticky

Post by KA24ETZTM »

I hope you guys find this useful....this is a compilation of all the suspension info I can find which i will update as new things come in.

Energy Suspension Master Kit
Part number: 7.18106

****Rear Lower Control Arm Ball Joint****

I dont have any pics as of yet but i wanted everyone to know that an 89 Sentra flca ball joint will fit your s13 rears. I know this is common knowledege to some but I wanted to clear up any confusion. The sentra ball joint is 38.1mm where as the s13 is 38mm. I simply froze the ball joint for an hour and it slid right in. With this install you can simply use a press or possibly a vice and some large sockets.

MOOG part number: K9633

Heres a link for all you "do it yourselfers" with limited tools on installing the ball joints.
http://www.nicoclub.com/archives/s13-re ... ement.html

Installing zerk fittings with poly bushings
This is for you guys that want to go extreme.
http://www.nissanroadracing.com/showthr ... light=zerk

So with some help from sdaigle240 I finished my rear spindles and control arms. Front installs are easy to find online but I had no luck finding anything about how to install the rears. A shop press is nearly impossible with the wierd angles the rear spindels are in....this is the best alternative. After some research and help I found the best method for the polyurethane bushings as well. Simple enough it requires 1 bolt, 1 nut, 2 large washers, and your freezer. I also decided to show u guys the best way to remove the old control arm and spindle bushings. Lets begin there.

Removing stock bushings.
Step 1: First start by burning all the rubber out of the bushing.
Image
Step 2: After that, use a hack saw to cut the bushings sleeve in half...this will remove the preload and allow u to remove the bushing. Trust me unless you have the worlds craziest press those rear spindle bushings are only coming out this way.
Image
Step 3: Next heat the outer part of the spindle, control arm, etc. to expand the metal. I suggest a acetalene (think i spelled that right) torch. Butane is gonna take forever. Once heated hammer out the sleeve with a hammer and chisel or use an air hammer.
Image
Image


Installing New Bushings

Step 1: Put the bushings in the freezer for about 5 hours at least. This keeps the bushing from mushrooming so much when they begin to press in.

Step 2: Find some thick rags to lay over the jaws of your vice to keep from scratching those newly painted arms or spindles. Continue buy using the supplied lube :bukkake: and spread it inside the surface of the arm or spindle.

Step 3: Next take your bushing out of the freezer and grease the outside of the bushing. Then look for side with the largest tapered edge. Mine were the ones with the serial number. Go ahead and slide your washers, bolt, and nut in place with the bushing.

Step 4: Use your wrenches to begin the pressing motion. Try to center the bushing as much as possible. As the bushing begins to slide in some edges may linger. Dont worry I found that if you keep tightining it would eventually give way and slide in 99% of the time. If not have a friend coax the lip in with a large flat balde screw driver the lip is circled in the picture below....your not going to mess up the bushing I promise. Bottom your bolt all the way out.
Image
Step 5: Once you bottom out the bolt remove it. Now use the supplied pins and grease them and the inside of the bushing. Continue as before using the bolt as your press.
Image
Step 6: Clean the excess grease off and admire your work 8)
Image

Solid Subframe Bushings


Step 1: Get a good air hammer...if you dont have access to one you can use the steps used to remove the spindle bushings. I used my Matco from work. Also picked up a good beveled tip and used a hammer tip.
Image
Image
Step 2: Begin by driving the bottom side edges of the bushing up and inward to relieve bushing pre load.
Image
Image
Image
Step 3: Drive your beveled tip carefully on the edge of the bushing to drive the bushing out. Your looking to hit the top side lip of the bushing. If it jams use a hammer tip to finish it off. You can easily see where to drive the tip.After removal clean the inside of the sleeve and remove any burrs of imperfections to make installation easier.
Image
Step 4: A large bolt and washers will work fine but I had acces to a bearing race installer which worked perfectly. Use a good impact to drive your bushings in. Simple as that. With the right tools this took me about 30min. Good luck and dont give up. :D
Image
Image
Image
Last edited by KA24ETZTM on Wed Apr 20, 2011 4:43 pm, edited 7 times in total.
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/ka24etztm/videos
My Original Build Thread
: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=35224
Current Build Status: viewtopic.php?f=40&t=61790
Image
User avatar
tom550
Belongs To The TOP CONTRIBUTING MEMBERS!
Posts: 2100
Joined: Mon Dec 29, 2008 10:02 pm
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Contact:

Post by tom550 »

haha a post asking for help on how to do it then now your teaching us.
Image
User avatar
KA24ETZTM
Knows Some Stuff About 240's!
Posts: 446
Joined: Sun May 11, 2008 3:48 pm
Location: Kannapolis, NC

Post by KA24ETZTM »

lol, yea.....Im actually gonna add the rest with pics on removing the bushings and inner sleeves. I have those in my build post. Just gonna transfer them over. There is literally no write ups on this. Just figured I could save some people the trouble.
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/ka24etztm/videos
My Original Build Thread
: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=35224
Current Build Status: viewtopic.php?f=40&t=61790
Image
User avatar
tom550
Belongs To The TOP CONTRIBUTING MEMBERS!
Posts: 2100
Joined: Mon Dec 29, 2008 10:02 pm
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Contact:

Post by tom550 »

yea its cool. nice to have info on the web when needed.
Image
TryingToTurbo
Belongs To The TOP CONTRIBUTING MEMBERS!
Posts: 2369
Joined: Sun Aug 12, 2007 8:24 pm
Location: Raleigh, NC

Post by TryingToTurbo »

tom550 wrote:haha a post asking for help on how to do it then now your teaching us.
so how does it work for you? usually people have to learn a technique before they can teach it to others....
Built KA24DE: Wiseco 9.0:1 | Eagle H Beams | ARP Head & Main Studs | BC 272s & Springs | Supertech Valves
Boost Source: Under Construction

Image

Thinking about E-Mance? Think twice and read this:
viewtopic.php?t=45057&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0
User avatar
KA24ETZTM
Knows Some Stuff About 240's!
Posts: 446
Joined: Sun May 11, 2008 3:48 pm
Location: Kannapolis, NC

Post by KA24ETZTM »

So I just added the rest vote to sticky I think it will help out :D
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/ka24etztm/videos
My Original Build Thread
: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=35224
Current Build Status: viewtopic.php?f=40&t=61790
Image
User avatar
proconcept23
Knows Some Stuff About 240's!
Posts: 302
Joined: Sat Feb 28, 2009 12:31 pm
Location: AZ

Post by proconcept23 »

i wish i had a shop that nice when i was doing my subframe bushings :(
Med Shretal
KoukiKAT
Knows Some Stuff About 240's!
Posts: 287
Joined: Wed Feb 15, 2006 10:43 pm

Post by KoukiKAT »

Thanks for the tips and the write up. How's articulation with the stiffer bushings?
The 240SX is dead. Long live the 240SX!
User avatar
sdaigle240
Belongs To The TOP CONTRIBUTING MEMBERS!
Posts: 4670
Joined: Wed Oct 17, 2007 9:53 am
Location: CONN.

Post by sdaigle240 »

good **** man. i wish i took pics of the subframe and diff work to add, but i was so damn greasy the whole weekend i didnt wanna touch my phone. those LCAs are such a whore!!! the uprights were cake but i was so skerd of over cutting the sleeve on the LCAs b/c the metal is so thin. my pops spent alot of time at his work pressing those out.
airman wrote:I'm all about spreadsheets. Bitches love spreadsheets.
schmauster920 wrote:I shall cast my own pistons in the sands of time, then forge them in the depths of hell.. as funds allow
Image
hy35 18psi Build Thread: viewtopic.php?t=38784
RIP MJL best friend of 20 years and the man who showed me 240s
User avatar
KA24ETZTM
Knows Some Stuff About 240's!
Posts: 446
Joined: Sun May 11, 2008 3:48 pm
Location: Kannapolis, NC

Post by KA24ETZTM »

lmao, dude same here, i was holding my phone with a rag. Damn install was the messiest stickiest thing I think I have ever done.
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/ka24etztm/videos
My Original Build Thread
: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=35224
Current Build Status: viewtopic.php?f=40&t=61790
Image
Turbo24sxt
Forum Moderator
Posts: 1538
Joined: Sun Apr 10, 2005 4:35 pm
Location: Colorado

Post by Turbo24sxt »

KA24ETZTM wrote: Damn install was the messiest stickiest thing I think I have ever done.

hahaha too easy to respond ...

good work though wish someone would have posted something like this years ago :)
Anthony
***Nate Moore 480sx R.I.P ***
***Will NEVER be Forgotten***
Build Thread
viewtopic.php?t=15023&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0
ATLspeed
Knows Some Stuff About 240's!
Posts: 230
Joined: Fri Oct 12, 2007 10:44 am
Location: Eden, MD (Eastern Shore)

Post by ATLspeed »

high five good sir on the install
- KA24DE = 14.8
- KA24DE-T25 (7psi) = 13.1
- KA24DE-T28 (12psi) = 12.9 (traction issues)
- KA24DE-T HE351 (20psi) = ??.??
- 2JZ HX40 (18psi) = LOL

~Set Up~
2jzgte, built head, blah blah blah
User avatar
KA24ETZTM
Knows Some Stuff About 240's!
Posts: 446
Joined: Sun May 11, 2008 3:48 pm
Location: Kannapolis, NC

Post by KA24ETZTM »

So Ive decided to make this a entire S13 suspension install. Im going to have pics up on the solid subframe bushings next.
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/ka24etztm/videos
My Original Build Thread
: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=35224
Current Build Status: viewtopic.php?f=40&t=61790
Image
User avatar
tom550
Belongs To The TOP CONTRIBUTING MEMBERS!
Posts: 2100
Joined: Mon Dec 29, 2008 10:02 pm
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Contact:

Post by tom550 »

you should just make a new post with all of it organized.
Image
katrecipe
**BANNED**
Posts: 288
Joined: Sun Nov 23, 2008 6:50 pm
Location: B A N N E D

Post by katrecipe »

I have recently done this and this **** is a pain in the ass..
I was a moron and I got banned!
I was a moron and I got banned!
I was a moron and I got banned!
I was a moron and I got banned!
I was a moron and I got banned!
I was a moron and I got banned!
godrifttoday
Knows Some Stuff About 240's!
Posts: 212
Joined: Wed Aug 19, 2009 5:17 pm
Location: los angeles

Post by godrifttoday »

Ok first u could remove it with a press far easier, u just did not try the right angle . What I did was put a big socket underneath The arm. And let the arm sit on the Hydraulic press plates. Installing the bushing was a PITA ... I coudnt Install the bushing at all!!!!even after freezing them. They keep binding .... So what I did. And this I's how stock bushing are.... I took off the lip from one side of the energy bushing!!!! OMG so easy!!! After that it was a piece of cake !!!! And by the way if u wanted to be a sticky u should have installed zirk fittings!!! With groves Cut inside the bushing!!!! Maybe I should post a write up lol ... But Nissan road racing has one allready
godrifttoday
User avatar
KA24ETZTM
Knows Some Stuff About 240's!
Posts: 446
Joined: Sun May 11, 2008 3:48 pm
Location: Kannapolis, NC

Post by KA24ETZTM »

godrifttoday wrote:Ok first u could remove it with a press far easier, u just did not try the right angle . What I did was put a big socket underneath The arm. And let the arm sit on the Hydraulic press plates. Installing the bushing was a PITA ... I coudnt Install the bushing at all!!!!even after freezing them. They keep binding .... So what I did. And this I's how stock bushing are.... I took off the lip from one side of the energy bushing!!!! OMG so easy!!! After that it was a piece of cake !!!! And by the way if u wanted to be a sticky u should have installed zirk fittings!!! With groves Cut inside the bushing!!!! Maybe I should post a write up lol ... But Nissan road racing has one allready
Yeah zirk fittings are nice but not everyone needs that. Drifters deffinately but my car will barely be driven except to the drag strip and the ocasional weekend. If need be I can always do that later. My method for installation worked just fine and not everyone has access to a press. I did my spindles at the Honda dealership I worked at at the time and it was a very nice 60,000 ton press. There was no room for the spindles with the wierd angles. If you use a good air hammer and hack saw or possibly a good airsaw it shouldnt take long at all. Glad yours worked out :D For those that want it Ill add a link.
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/ka24etztm/videos
My Original Build Thread
: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=35224
Current Build Status: viewtopic.php?f=40&t=61790
Image
User avatar
Walperstyle
Belongs To The TOP CONTRIBUTING MEMBERS!
Posts: 2517
Joined: Sat Jun 21, 2008 2:32 pm
Location: Red Deer

Post by Walperstyle »

So just to be sure, The Rear Lower Control Arm needs to have the metal part cut out in order to Install Energy Suspension bushing :?:

does the Energy Suspension kit have another metal bushing or is it simply the 2 piece polyU and inner metal part :?:

Image
Image
User avatar
Walperstyle
Belongs To The TOP CONTRIBUTING MEMBERS!
Posts: 2517
Joined: Sat Jun 21, 2008 2:32 pm
Location: Red Deer

Post by Walperstyle »

ANSWER YES! Cut the sleeve out!
IIRC one side is tapered to make them go in easier.

Did you take the outer bushing sleeve out?
yes the inner sleeves are out, hmm i didnt notice the taper. any other tips? does freezing them really help?
LINKS FOR HELP

http://zilvia.net/f/tech-talk/79231-tip ... g-s13.html

http://zilvia.net/f/chat/103466-energy- ... -rear.html

http://www.nicoclub.com/archives/energy ... guide.html

------------------------------------------------ :wink:
Image
User avatar
KA24ETZTM
Knows Some Stuff About 240's!
Posts: 446
Joined: Sun May 11, 2008 3:48 pm
Location: Kannapolis, NC

Post by KA24ETZTM »

Answered your own question :D I believe the fourth pic down is the sleeve u cut and then drive out. If that was left in you would never get the poly bushing in.
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/ka24etztm/videos
My Original Build Thread
: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=35224
Current Build Status: viewtopic.php?f=40&t=61790
Image
User avatar
Walperstyle
Belongs To The TOP CONTRIBUTING MEMBERS!
Posts: 2517
Joined: Sat Jun 21, 2008 2:32 pm
Location: Red Deer

Post by Walperstyle »

I think I started with the hardest ones of all the bushings. I have one sleeve left. Everything is in the freezer at the moment.
Image
User avatar
KA24ETZTM
Knows Some Stuff About 240's!
Posts: 446
Joined: Sun May 11, 2008 3:48 pm
Location: Kannapolis, NC

Post by KA24ETZTM »

I can't believe only a few people found this helpful.
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/ka24etztm/videos
My Original Build Thread
: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=35224
Current Build Status: viewtopic.php?f=40&t=61790
Image
User avatar
DRFTPUNK
Knows Some Stuff About 240's!
Posts: 315
Joined: Sun Feb 07, 2010 10:03 pm
Location: Port St Lucie FL

Post by DRFTPUNK »

Imma +1 for sticky i need to get around to this ive only installed the front part of my Energy master bushing kit rears looked too annoying haha

it's too blasted hot out side i get motivated, walk outside, then ...**** this im going back in!
supakat wrote:I will tell you one thing, if I had to choose between stretched tires and stretched pu$$y, I would go with tires.

S14 Zenki, GT35, 80lb injectors, RS Enthalpy tune, Eagle/ Wiseco 8.8/1.
Formerly Known as ISpentAllMyMoneyOnTires

RIP 480sx
Post Reply