Siper2
08-09-2004, 11:43 AM
I recently picked up a pair of Kartboy droplink inserts from EvasionOfTruth, who was converting several things back to stock. I'd been looking for these discontinued parts for quite some time.
Here is a picture from Scoobymods:
http://www.scoobymods.com/mods/impreza/images/1bushingcomparo.jpg
Peaty and Kastle's install page: http://www.scoobymods.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35
These don't come up very often, as the Kartboy brothers Deadrick discontinued them a couple years ago. To my knowledge, the install difficulty didn't warrant their continued production, in comparison to how much difference they made in the car's behavior.
That, or maybe they just didn't sell well. :)
If you look to the bottom of that page, you'll see that Evasion (Buster) told Peaty about an easier method for pressing out the OE inserts. I used that method, and it was in fact very simple. Takes a little elbow grease, but then again, what doesn't?
Tools Needed: Ramps, 12mm socket, 14mm socket, 12mm wrench, 14mm wrench, white lithium grease, large channel-locks or shop vise, and some WD-40 if the bolts are rusted. Never stay home without it. :D
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Scoobymods page covers the installation directions well enough, so I won't duplicate. The lithium grease was a recommendation from Tom Deadrick; use it on the metal sleeve, before sliding it into the new bushings. Do not grease the actual insert bushings (plastic part) on the outside.
Driving Impression: I took the car for a 2-mile spin around my neighborhood. Results are expectedly pleasant. :) The bushings add a bit of "dartiness" and a crisp feeling to turn-in. They obviously don't reduce sway, but there's a noticeable change in how quickly the car responds.
I searched the forums for a previous review of these, and couldn't find one. If one comes up, Moderators may of course merge the threads.
Long story short, if you can find a used set of these, I highly recommend it. Many people say that front droplink replacements--at least on non-raced cars with stock front sways--aren't worth the money. Which is likely why Kartboy tried the bushing route, instead.
So for those folks, like me, it's worth looking around for a used pair.
=Christopher=
Total Mechanical Moron -- If I can do it, you can. Trust me.
Here is a picture from Scoobymods:
http://www.scoobymods.com/mods/impreza/images/1bushingcomparo.jpg
Peaty and Kastle's install page: http://www.scoobymods.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35
These don't come up very often, as the Kartboy brothers Deadrick discontinued them a couple years ago. To my knowledge, the install difficulty didn't warrant their continued production, in comparison to how much difference they made in the car's behavior.
That, or maybe they just didn't sell well. :)
If you look to the bottom of that page, you'll see that Evasion (Buster) told Peaty about an easier method for pressing out the OE inserts. I used that method, and it was in fact very simple. Takes a little elbow grease, but then again, what doesn't?
Tools Needed: Ramps, 12mm socket, 14mm socket, 12mm wrench, 14mm wrench, white lithium grease, large channel-locks or shop vise, and some WD-40 if the bolts are rusted. Never stay home without it. :D
---
Scoobymods page covers the installation directions well enough, so I won't duplicate. The lithium grease was a recommendation from Tom Deadrick; use it on the metal sleeve, before sliding it into the new bushings. Do not grease the actual insert bushings (plastic part) on the outside.
Driving Impression: I took the car for a 2-mile spin around my neighborhood. Results are expectedly pleasant. :) The bushings add a bit of "dartiness" and a crisp feeling to turn-in. They obviously don't reduce sway, but there's a noticeable change in how quickly the car responds.
I searched the forums for a previous review of these, and couldn't find one. If one comes up, Moderators may of course merge the threads.
Long story short, if you can find a used set of these, I highly recommend it. Many people say that front droplink replacements--at least on non-raced cars with stock front sways--aren't worth the money. Which is likely why Kartboy tried the bushing route, instead.
So for those folks, like me, it's worth looking around for a used pair.
=Christopher=
Total Mechanical Moron -- If I can do it, you can. Trust me.