illuminas + FM springs + FCM bumpstops = really bumpy???
 

I have a 91 with a tokico illumina + FM springs + FCM bumpstops.

the ride has been extremely harsh since the first day i installed them. I think i am missing some rubber bushings in the shock assembly. Does anyone have a diagram on the order of which the assembly on the shock should be? Also, what is this i hear about using NB shock mounts on NA for better suspension travel? If i am missing some parts due to the harsh ride and i have to buy some, might as well buy NB parts for an even better result right?

THanks in advanced...

ALSO, I am willing to purchase anything to make the ride better, open to ALL SUGGESTIONS.

From what I have read, you are probably pretty hard on the bumpstops. The NB top hats will get you back about 1" of suspension travel when they are installed on a NA.

Generally, used NB top hats are around $70 for the set when you can find them.

Are these first or second gen FM springs?

Have you tried setting the shocks on full soft initially?

Something's wrong, your ride shouldn't be that bad with such soft springs and adjustable shocks.

fm springs sit you too low for NA top mounts. you need to get NB top mounts and set your shocks to 1 click from softest front and 2 clicks from softest rear. trust me - you wont regret it. thats what i was running on my previous car. also, if you use rb front bar and no rear bar, your car will become very very neutral in corners.

they are 2nd generation FM springs.

I notice a popping sound when i make full U-turns and im thinking its something with the sway bar or the tie rod clanking possibly?

i was thinking of buying NB top mounts but i havnt had the time to look around.
anyone know where i can buy the top mounts?

ok so heres an update:
I still here that popping/clanking sound on U-turns and when i'm going up my driveway. I looked under the car and noticed some things that didnt look normal. Could this be the problem? Here are some pics...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...n/IMG_1903.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...n/IMG_1904.jpg

^^ Thats the front right tire, mostly where i hear the weird sounds. ^^

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...n/IMG_1902.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...n/IMG_1840.jpg

^^ and thats the front left tire, that didnt look right either.

Suggestions anyone?

I'll +1 that sentiment. Actually, when I first installed my FM springs / Bilsteins / NB tophats / FCM 46mm stops combo, I found that the stops were very nearly touching even at rest. I lathed up a set of 3/8" spacers to raise up the spring perches just a tad, which gave me back some space.

Granted, your Illuminas are just an RCH shorter than my Bilsteins, but the NB upper mounts are still a great idea. If you don't want to fuss with locating and modifying junkyard parts, Shaikh has them (brand new) and ready to bolt-in to the NA with no mods required: Fat Cat Motorsports - Tokico products - Miata - 90-97 (and I see that he's now got upper spacers as well- same basic concept as what I did, only on the spring itself and at the top.)

RF is your upper ball joint boot. The ball joint should be replaced and may be the problem.

LF is the steering rack boot. The steering rack may be OK and you just need to replace the boot. Grab the tie rod where it goes into the rack and try to move it around to see how much play there is. Also, with the car on the ground, how much play is there in the steering wheel before the wheels start to turn?

Finally, with the car on the ground, push inwards and pull outwards on the top of the tire firmly, feeling and watching for any movement other than squishing on the tires. You are looking for bad wheel bearings. This won't be the cause of your noises, but something you should look at.

How many miles on the car? My old 90 had 225K and was a bit loose on steering.

can anyone else elaborate on the pics i provided?
well it looks like im gonna need an upper ball joint boot?
where can i buy one of those online?