Whats your Suspension set up?

[BLACKOUT]

So i'm look at getting lowering springs and camber kit but having a hard time deciding on what set up to do. So I'm hoping you guys can help, what do you have and do you like it or hate it after getting it. The main thing that I need to look at is I have the family in the car most of the time and haul stuff too and don't want it to rub and hope to fix the tire ware problem also. thanks for any info

 

[tillyspeed81]

If you have a family I would suggest going H&R, I think it's the only one available that is made for the 5, the Progress are the same springs as the 3's same part number and all...not sure about the others, megan springs will slam your ride pretty low. I'm running stock MS3 springs and an SPC camber kit, the springs sag too much in the back for my taste, I purchased a set of Tein H-techs, because they lower the rear less ( I have family too and haul stuff sometimes) haven't installed them yet. The H-techs are for the 3, but I also didn't realize the front spring rates on the H-techs are only 146lbs, the MS3 springs are at 188lbs or something. My reason for going H-techs was because the rear spring rate was 224lbs. So....wondering now if it's possible to run MS3 springs on the front and H-techs on the rear....

 

[tillyspeed81]

about the SPC cambers, I guess they're ok, but according to my buddy who did the alignment, they're a pain to adjust. I know there are a few other companies now that make the camber kits, I think Wicked is cheapest and does the same job. My buddy said he's done a few 3s and a couple of 5 and thinks the Mazdaspeed cambers are enough for a modest drop.

 

[VenomDesign]

Stock shocks
Tein S-tech coils

 

[rodslinger]

If you want to keep the comfy family ride and still handle decent you can go a hybrid route like I did. I kept the stock springs and struts. I then mounted some 18" Mazdaspeed3 wheels with good 225-45R18 tires and bought the Tri-Point engineering adjustable rear sway-bar.

It handles very well and still relatively comfortable on long hauls. No rubbing or issues when loaded with family and junk.

Comparing it back to back against my Sentra Spec-V, I honestly think it has more steady rate cornering grip and is definately more responsive. There are two or three 270 degree highway exit ramps I take both vehicles on regularly. The 5 definately holds them better and at about 2mph faster. I just wish it had the power to go with it.

 

[BLACKOUT]

okay one more question would you think I would be able to do it myself or should I pay to have it done. I can do most stuff like I've done a head gasket before and other things but I never really messed with suspension.

 

[tillyspeed81]

http://krystmsgarage.com/?p=148

check out this site and decide if you can do it.... the 3s suspension is basically the same...Depends on the situation, as I get older sometimes I want to let someone else do it, and sometimes I feel I can't trust anyone else working on my ride. So depends on you... Good luck and let us know what you decide to go with, it'd be nice to see.(2thumbs)

BTW...anyone know where I can get a set of Road Magnet springs?

 

[BLACKOUT]

thanks everybody and you to tilly for that link

 

[wmzda5]

So....wondering now if it's possible to run MS3 springs on the front and H-techs on the rear....

I'm currently running on ms3 springs on back and progress upfront. Good for hauling people and things around.

 

[wmzda5]

okay one more question would you think I would be able to do it myself or should I pay to have it done. I can do most stuff like I've done a head gasket before and other things but I never really messed with suspension.

I think you can do it if you can do head gasket, its more simpler.Just make sure you have all the right tools before you open it upand make sure you dont messup the bearings on the shock mount. You will need the following:

Breaker bar, 3/8 or 1/2 drive
Socket set (14,17,19)
Ratchet
Open/box wrench (10,14)
Mazda5 oem jack
Floor jack
Jack stand
WD40
Lithium grease
a piece of long pipe or pry bar

Also make sure you go for an alignment 2 weeks after the install to let the spring settle.
It tool me almost 1/2 day the first time I did it, 2 1/2 hrs the second time. You might need to buy some rubber spacers depends on what springs you decide to get to get the right levelling of front to back.