tbearx8

iTrader: (1)

Just bought my '04 rx8 back in August. It is going to hit 125k in the next week or so and I was wondering what (if anything) should I look to refresh based on the age or mileage?

I replaced the original shocks with Bilsteins (now it sits higher - sux) and am in the process of replacing the endlinks/sway bar bushings. I replaced the front endlinks last weekend and they were so bad I just ordered the rears.

Any other ideas would be appreciated.

G_ man

iTrader: (2)

Come on dude use the search function so much info on this:

tbearx8

iTrader: (1)

Oh really. When I read through the threads I see lots of stuff about springs/shocks installs and broken parts/noises. Nothing about the longevity of things like the ball joints, etc.

JCrane82

iTrader: (3)

I wouldn't think Bilsteins would cause it to sit higher. What would explain the higher ride height is if the suspension was not preloaded correctly during installation. Did you preload the suspension after installing the Bilsteins?

monchie

It's a good idea to replace and prevent old or original parts from damaging when the vehicle has this high mileage. Preventive maintenance is a must for older and high mileage vehicles.

tbearx8

iTrader: (1)

After the endlinks/bushings, I was thinking of changing out the outer tie rod ends and maybe some Tein springs to try and help that raised front end of the car. I'll have to read some more on here about the control arm longevity and ball joints. I had to replace them on my ex-e46 'vert at 100k miles.

tbearx8

iTrader: (1)

I read on here that since the Bilsteins were gas charged that it would make the car sit up higher. The alignment is still perfect after they were installed.

JCrane82

iTrader: (3)

What Bilsteins did you install? The Bilstein HD? The stock shocks are also gas charged, which is why they eventually fail under the load of a lowering spring.

tbearx8

iTrader: (1)

Car currently has OEM stock springs. The Bilsteins are the HD's. I thought it was okay to go with the Tein H's were okay with the Bilsteins since they only lower front 1 inch and rear less than that?