Thread: Shocktek suspension question

Hey guys, the B13 I picked up has a Shocktek suspension setup, but the rear shocks don't have the bracket for the sway bar end links, so the car doesn't have a rear sway bar installed at the moment.

Does anyone know anything about these, and why Shocktek never put those brackets on? Do people with this suspension setup just run without the rear sway bar?

Maybe they used a Progress rear bar that does not utilize the factory pick-up point? (I don't understand why the Shocktek company did not place a same point that is on OEM setup)

Running without a rear bar would be counter-productive, however, as it will make the understeer worse in the car.

The last owner sent me a stock sway bar with the car, but did mention something about Suspension Techniques sway bars. Looks like it might just be the front. Guess I'll explore both options; Progress rear bar vs. fabricating the bracket on the shock body.

Thanks for the quick reply.

No problem. I will keep you in mind if you wish to pursue a Progress rear bar. I have a BNIB progress rear bar for a B13 in my basement gathering dust.

Serb - skip the ST, and get the Progress


The big question is, is it grey or blue/green?

C

Kyle, thanks for the offer. Not sure what I'll do yet, but certainly don't wait up for me if you need to sell it.




I think the car already has an ST up front, looks pretty beefy.

Grey, not very old. What is the difference besides color if any?

No difference that I'm aware of.

C

This Shocktek kit is very noisy. Lots of play in the front, which makes me wonder if there's missing bushings/spacers in it. The strut nut bottoms out before it tightens up on the camber plate, leaves about an 1/8" gap, which becomes very noticeable over bumps. I took it apart and there's a gap between the strut shaft and top hat, it's not a snug fit at all.





However, while I had this out, I busted out my old S13 Tein coilovers to compare.


They look usable. Spindle bolt holes line up, only difference is they are further out from the shock body compared to the Shocktek. I wish I had a stock strut to measure.

Either way, I tried one side, and it fits great, just had to bend the brake line tab or it hits frame. It tightens up nice, without any play. I'm guessing because of the distance the spindle sits now, it toes out the wheel. Tomorrow I'll put on the other side, adjust the toe, and see how it drives. I still need to figure out the back though. If I could just get a threaded sleeve made for the back shock to thread into, and weld some spindle mounts, I'd be all set!








And just out of curiosity, has anyone successfully used S13 coilovers on a B13? I know its silly with all the available options, but since I've got these laying around, no point in letting them go to waste.

I hate those top hat designs