Swaybars, Shocks, & Axles

[vivalawham]

I've done hours of reading on this stuff, but I'm still a newb, having no practical experience. Here's what I'm thinking about getting, please let the opinions fly. This car is a daily driver with occasional track use. I've found varying reports on the axles - I just really don't want to drop $500 at the dealer for an axle with a 12 month warranty, when I can get one from O'Reilly's with a limited lifetime warranty.

Whiteline 27mm FSB

JBR RSB

Koni Yellow Shocks

Masterpro Axle

MasterPro® CV 60-8189 - CV Drive Axle | O'Reilly Auto Parts

[2k4_8]

Need to know a little more details on exactly what type of tracking etc, also what are your goals with these part....it will help evaluate if they are right for what you need. Also, are these to compliment some other mods???

[supertubesocks]

Why so worried about axels?

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2

[2k4_8]

Originally Posted by supertubesocks Why so worried about axels? Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2

That's exactly what I was getting at. Based on what he typed in, I have no clue why he picked those particular parts and not others that may be of more help....but it's all dependant on what he responds with.

[tddvrrn]

Originally Posted by 2k4_8 That's exactly what I was getting at. Based on what he typed in, I have no clue why he picked those particular parts and not others that may be of more help....but it's all dependant on what he responds with.

dude, you are making no sense to us right now. why do you want new axles? i have never heard of people replacing axles unless they break..

the rsb is great, i've heard loads of good things about the koni yellows and FSDs..

as for FSB, some auto-x'ers say no FSB because it disrupts the function of the front suspension.. plus, it seems like a mother to install...

[2k4_8]

Originally Posted by tddvrrn dude, you are making no sense to us right now. why do you want new axles? i have never heard of people replacing axles unless they break.. the rsb is great, i've heard loads of good things about the koni yellows and FSDs.. as for FSB, some auto-x'ers say no FSB because it disrupts the function of the front suspension.. plus, it seems like a mother to install...

Not to mention I think some good springs would help a lot more than a fsb...unless he's got em already.

[vivalawham]

Should have elaborated a little more - first, everything is stock. My RF axle is shot, as are all the swaybar bushings and the right rear shock. My thinking was if I'm going to replace the bushings, why not put a new bar in there while I'm at it. At the same time if an FSB isn't going to give me much I'd just as soon not worry about it, especially if the install is difficult. I've read a few horror stories. Would springs help that much? The next track event I'll be doing is The Mitty at Road Atlanta.

[2k4_8]

Yes, springs would make a difference. I would just replace bushings on the fsb with some greasable urethanes and call it a day. If you get the konis look up that bump stop thread that was involving them on a gen1 so you can use the suspension and not the bump stops.

Something like konis and swifts would be a lot better than konis and a fsb. From my understanding tri point is the best rear bar for track use....and I have no clue on the axle situation.

[Spec]

I've got the jbr Rsb, it's great. Has three different settings which would help for different set ups you'd like to run being just a track day or autox. You'll want the stiffer setting for high speed turns and probably the middle or the softer setting for autox. I'd also look into end links for the rears. Jbr comes with PU bushings for the Rsb.
The stiffer you make that front sway bar the more understeer you'll have making an autox a lil more tricky. From what I've personally found, I'd do bushings at the most.

I'd also suggest solid shifter mount bushings as well.

Your axels being shot, think of it this way … the lifetime warranty are remanufactured typically.
How long have your oems lasted?
Unless you have a lot of torn motor mounts and a tweaked frame, I'd go back with Oem. I've always had to replace those oreily types every year or two, with hard driving if coarse.

[tddvrrn]

replacing the FSB bushings is easy-ish. replacing the whole RSB requires dropping the subframe, which looks to be a motherfucking chore. i'd just do the greaseable pu bushings.. that is what i did and it stiffened things up a touch and stopped the clunk/squeak.

sounds like upgraded suspension is what you're after. there is a whole suspension thread somewhere, i'd read that, plus search. suspension options and their pros and cons have been discussed on here ad nauseum.

[Nliiitend1]

Originally Posted by vivalawham I've done hours of reading on this stuff, but I'm still a newb, having no practical experience. Here's what I'm thinking about getting, please let the opinions fly. This car is a daily driver with occasional track use. I've found varying reports on the axles - I just really don't want to drop $500 at the dealer for an axle with a 12 month warranty, when I can get one from O'Reilly's with a limited lifetime warranty. Whiteline 27mm FSB JBR RSB Koni Yellow Shocks Masterpro Axle MasterPro® CV 60-8189 - CV Drive Axle | O'Reilly Auto Parts

The following links might be helpful.

Bilstein shocks for the ms3

http://www.mazdaspeedforum.org/forum/foru...mp-stop-45695/

OEM toe issue.

http://www.mazdaspeedforum.org/forum/foru...-setups-39059/

Front sway bar bushings

The Official MS3 Suspension Thread

http://www.mazdaspeedforum.org/forum/foru...essions-64356/

kw coilovers + swaybars = new end links?

Time has come for some Coilovers

http://www.mazdaspeedforum.org/forum/foru...r-arms-108418/

MS3 Owner Alignment Databse

Coilover help

[vivalawham]

Thanks for the links, Nliiitend, looks like I've got another few hours of reading haha.

tddvrrn - I don't really care that much about upgrading my suspension, basically I just want to fix what's currently wrong with it using parts that are slightly better than OEM (and hopefully cheaper). As much as I'd love to go KW V3 (I can afford it), I just can't justify the cost.