1989 Galant GSR Suspension

[89GSR]

I have a 1989 Galant GSR that has had the electronic suspension removed and replaced with I don't know what. I was wanting to check that I could put the front end of a VR4 springs, shocks and other components into the car. A mate has purchased a VR4 front cut for the turbo motor, and doesn't want the suspension, so I thought it would at least allow me to know what is under the front of my car should I need to replace shocks in the future.

The front end of the car is a bit "clunky" at the moment, and tramlines pretty badly, and feels a bit loose, so hopefully replacing some components with others that haven't done so many kms should help me out.

Can you provide any help in this area?

Thanks
Richard
1989 Galant GSR (Sydney)

[Wojtek]

Hi Richard,

Not sure why your questions are still unanswered, sorry.

As for the front springs and shocks, they should be interchangeable, but you should have it checked to make sure.
I can't answer if this will fix or even help with the problems you described, as there could be many other causes, especially if you are thinking of replacing worn parts with other used parts. Again, I suggest that you have your car inspected by a suspension specialist.

Regards,
Wojtek.

[Case]

Hi there Richard,

Thankyou for your interest in Whiteline products.

My apologies for taking a little longer than scheduled to reply.

At Whiteline, we are not generally involved in the retro-fitting of parts to cars, and we don?t know how interchangeable the suspension from the AWD VR4 is likely to be with your FWD GSR. As such, we cannot give advice or recommend the purchase or attempt at installation of, but we would like to hear how it goes if you decide to give it a try.
If you would simply like to upgrade the standard suspension, so your components are new, and not an un known quantity, please drop me an email at the address below and I can give you a quote on the parts.
We also have uprated suspension parts available for the VR4 variant, should you successfully install the front cut parts.

Regards

Case Sinclair

(BSc. Hons)
case@whiteline.com.au
Go flat out with Whiteline Automotive
See us at www.whiteline.com.au
Buy online at www.whiteline.com.au/store

[89GSR]

I got the front struts from the guy, but not the rest of the subframe which looks identical, just due to the weather on the day I arranged to pick it up. I plan to return to get the whole subframe.

The struts went in a treat, did both sides in just over an hour, but the only issue I had was that the front of the car raised by 40mm, not what most people interested in some sort of performance are after for their car!!;) From what I can gather, the struts are essentially similar, so my next port of call is to pull one of the springs and compare it to one of the ones off the old struts and see if there is a height difference, and whether the old will fit properly into the new without being slack. I was happy with the standard looking ride height before, I'm not into lowered cars that can't be driven anywhere.

The best gain was that the strut tops of the VR4 units are very smooth in their operation, whereas the old ones were a little loose, like a worn wheel bearing. The shock absorbing response is also improved quite dramatically, making me now acutely aware of a need to change the rear shocks too.

[Wojtek]

Hi Richard,

That's good news about the positive progress with your car. Although it will be difficult for you to compare the effective ride height of the GSR versus VR4 springs, and their rates, without a spring tester, but you should at least be able to confirm cross fitting. If you can give me ACCURATE spring measurements for both springs, we can see what we can work out from that remotely.
As for the struts, you shoud measure the effective height of the spring platform, measured from one of the clevis holes.
Let me know.

Cheers,
Wojtek.

[89GSR]

In having a look at the guy whose front cut I got the bits from, I found the following:

His car that he is putting the VR4 motor in is a CA lancer AWD, and it is the same as a CB lancer GSR. The front struts in his were a two bolt pattern, just like the ones I took out of my car, so I suspect I may have had CB GSR front struts in my HG Galant GSR. This would quite reasonably account for the height difference. I will have a measure of the spring platform to mounting bolts, that is a good idea. I am now thinking I have a standard height Galant now at the front, but it still looks silly.

I have also now got the whole front suspension sub frame to fit, hopefully giving me better rubbers and the like to help with any clunks that are there now.

[Wojtek]

right, I see....
... as the Lancer is smaller and lighter then Galant, it's probably not the best solution. Firstly, you never know what you're getting with second hand parts, especially with shocks which do have a limited life. Secondly, even if new, the Lancer springs and shocks may not be suitable for the heavier Galant.
We'd really need to see your car to comment further, as there could be more hidden problems involved.

Regards,
Wojtek.

[89GSR]

Thanks Wojtek,

What I was trying to say was that on seeing some Lancer struts, that is more than likely what I took out of my car. The VR4 ones I have now put in are heaps better than my old ones, so I am happy for the time being.

When I have put in the sub frame, I will see if there is any improvement, then I will seek further professional help.

As the car is just my transport to and from work and a bit of fun, I can't justify spending too much money on it. If something is really not right, I will get it fixed with new parts, but if I can save money for reasonable parts, that is where I will go at this stage.

[Wojtek]

ok, np.

let me know if u need more help

cheers,
wojtek.