Ok, assume for a minute that I'm purchasing KYB shocks and whiteline springs. This means I'll be lowering the car 1.5-1.8 inches. My car has 106k on it ('95 SE).

What parts are recommended to change as long as I'm getting new shocks/springs?

I have no idea what else goes into the suspension system as a whole, but I want to do it all at once. Arms, bushings, etc. is all Greek to me. I also understand I'll have camber issues if I lower the car. Is this front or rear or both? What do I need to correct it (as in 0 degrees or slightly negative)?

I basically want to bulletproof it and I plan to get the shocks, springs and anti-roll bars redone. So what else is crucial or at least recommended?

 

For a complete overhaul of your sus, I'd suggest the following, although it will get pricey:

FRONT:

Whiteline TC rod bushings (available as whole TC rod with pre-press from Don @ PDM-Racing.com) -- these will help braking handling and turn in response -- the OEM bushes are filled with goo and get cracked and leak and cause all sorts of nonsense

Whiteline poly LCA bushings (lower control arm) -- good mod, your old LCA bush is probably worn out

New ball joint and tie rod end -- not necessary, can't hurt

Upgraded poly swaybar bushings from Energy -- I tried the whiteline ones but they fit funny, maybe the Energy ones are OK.

REAR:

I dunno exactly what bushes to change out back... I'd say just get the whiteline "pineapple" rear subframe bushings. If whiteline makes other bushes for the rear control arms, you could go ahead and get those, I'm planning on getting pillowball stuff out there.

CAMBER:

With a mild drop like that, you don't have to worry too much about camber issues. My front camber was around -1.5 when I installed my kg/mm springs, and those springs SLAMMED the car. My rear camber was closer to -2 on one side, but my car is just odd. I'd think that with the factory adjustment in the rear, you will be fine. I wouldn't worry if I was in your position and knowing what I know

 

Thanks Thoraxe. Part of my problem is that I don't know enough about suspension in general to make wise purchases. Could you fill me in on some of the vocab and what these pieces (bushings, control arms, etc.) do? If it's a lot to explain, do you know of a good place to look online for definitions and explanations for these terms? Thanks.