KW V2 impressions and settings

[Brick Tamland]

Originally Posted by joey

The prevailing theory is Mopar coilovers are manufactured by KW.
The Mopar coilovers are essentially the same as the KW v1.s

The difference between KW v1's and v2's is the damper rebound can be adjusted on the V2's. If you like very little rebound/bounce you can tighten the V2's down with an adjuster knob.

Below is a pic of the adjuster knob. The knob is placed on top of each strut/shock. If you have an extra $300 or so, get the V2's. I have found after 20k miles the struts/shocks have become a little more bouncier/looser over time. With the V2's you can tighten up the ride to your liking.

http://www.kw-gmbh.de/kw_upload/Einbau/ea68577504.pdf

So Joey, just so I understand this correctly, the V1 and V2 are not able to adjust the right height, or they can both adjust the ride height?

[JusticePete]

It is not just the damper that wears. The coil over coils wear and so do the other springs in your suspension -- the black rubber springs that we refer to as bushes. The bushes are an active part of the suspension offering both bound and rebound spring and resistance. As the bushes wear the suspension becomes softer.

When you lower a car it is a best practice to loosen all the rotational bush bolts on the lift with the wheels at full droop. With everything loose, drive the car around the shop parking lot or you street very SLOWLY to settle the bush to the new ride height. On the alignment rack rail style lift tighten all the bolts with the weight of the car on the wheels. This times the bushes to the new ride height. It also allows preserves the life of the bushes.

[joey]

Originally Posted by Brick Tamland

So Joey, just so I understand this correctly, the V1 and V2 are not able to adjust the right height, or they can both adjust the ride height?

The ride height can be adjusted on both the V1 and V2's. Only the V2's allow you to adjust the damper rebound.

[joey]

Originally Posted by JusticePete

It is not just the damper that wears. The coil over coils wear and so do the other springs in your suspension -- the black rubber springs that we refer to as bushes. The bushes are an active part of the suspension offering both bound and rebound spring and resistance. As the bushes wear the suspension becomes softer.

When you lower a car it is a best practice to loosen all the rotational bush bolts on the lift with the wheels at full droop. With everything loose, drive the car around the shop parking lot or you street very SLOWLY to settle the bush to the new ride height. On the alignment rack rail style lift tighten all the bolts with the weight of the car on the wheels. This times the bushes to the new ride height. It also allows preserves the life of the bushes.

I know the shop that installed my KW's didn't follow your recommendation. These are pics of my KW bushings. They look good to me. Do you see a problem? Or is there another way to check the bushings?

[Brick Tamland]

Originally Posted by joey

The ride height can be adjusted on both the V1 and V2's. Only the V2's allow you to adjust the damper rebound.

So, with the damper rebound not an issue for me, should I go with Hotchki's sways and the mopar version of the V1;s?

[joey]

Originally Posted by Brick Tamland

So, with the damper rebound not an issue for me, should I go with Hotchki's sways and the mopar version of the V1;s?

Yes, the Mopar coilovers and KW v1's provide the same functionality.

[Meister]

But, last I checked Brick, IIRC the KW V1s are typically priced less than Mopar coilovers.

EDIT: 'Good news is you'll find that both flavors are available through supporting vendors here - you just won't find both flavors at the same store.

[Brick Tamland]

Thanks Meister,

I assumed the Mopars would have been cheaper. I will do some hunting. Anyone know of a good KW V1+ Hotchki's sway package? Maybe one of the supporting vendors...

[Meister]

Originally Posted by JusticePete

...When you lower a car it is a best practice to loosen all the rotational bush bolts on the lift with the wheels at full droop. With everything loose, drive the car around the shop parking lot or you street very SLOWLY to settle the bush to the new ride height. On the alignment rack rail style lift tighten all the bolts with the weight of the car on the wheels. This times the bushes to the new ride height. It also allows preserves the life of the bushes.

Man, that's interesting! And it's truly quite impressive that Pedders goes to such lengths to make sure the system is "shook out", loaded, while everything's loose, and then snugged with full weight still on the suspension.

I'd be surprised if even the factory does that. I've sure never seen, or even heard of, competing manufacturers performing the loaded "shake out" (my term).

Pete, most impressive, sir.

But I'll have to "bean" you elsewhere.

[JusticePete]

Originally Posted by Meister

Man, that's interesting! And it's truly quite impressive that Pedders goes to such lengths to make sure the system is "shook out", loaded, while everything's loose, and then snugged with full weight still on the suspension.

I'd be surprised if even the factory does that. I've sure never seen, or even heard of, competing manufacturers performing the loaded "shake out" (my term).

Pete, most impressive, sir.

But I'll have to "bean" you elsewhere.

I have one friend left in the LX world, actually two but I don't know that I can count Mike as I pay him.