SUSPENSION COMPONENTS GUIDE

	DAMPENING SYSTEM A complete dampening system is an all-in-one replacement for factory springs and shocks or struts. Whether engineered for luxury or performance, dampening system components are tuned to work together well and thus offer the purest handling characteristics available. Most dampening systems feature adjustable dampeners allowing control over suspension rigidity and coilovers that provide height adjustability. Most Tein systems work with their Electronic Damping Force Controller (EDFC) to adjust dampening force at the touch of a button from inside the vehicle.
	COILOVER KIT Coilovers are threaded sleeves with replacement springs that are designed to be installed over the shocks/struts. They allow adjustment from stock height down to as much as four inches of drop. The big draw of coilovers is the ability to adjust ride height at any time without changing springs. Adjustment is done manually with a coilover wrench. Coilovers are recommended if you will be making extensive modifications to your ride, such as adding an aftermarket exhaust, a body kit, wheels, or other modifications that are likely to have an effect on optimal ride height.
	LOWERING SPRINGS Lowering springs are replacement springs that are fabricated shorter than factory springs, with a more aggressive spring rate. Aftermarket springs usually drop your car from one to two inches, depending on the application. Lowering ride height has the effect of lowering the car's center of gravity, which, combined with the typically stiffer spring rates of aftermarket springs, provides improved handling characteristics. Lowering springs may be installed over stock struts and shocks, but most customers replace their shocks/struts at the same time as the springs to save on installation costs and get the most out of their new springs.
	SHOCKS AND STRUTS Shocks, or shock absorbers, don't actually absorb the shock of bumps-that job is reserved for the springs. Rather, shocks dampen the springs' tendency to bounce. Good shocks are critical to handling and control because they help make sure that your car's tires stay firmly planted on the road. We recommend aftermarket shocks with all aftermarket spring packages because they are better able to withstand the forces of stiffer springs.
	CAMBER KIT Camber refers to the degree to which a car's wheels tip inward or outward. Camber is rarely a problem with stock suspensions, but can become one if a car is equipped with an aftermarket suspension. Incorrect camber is destructive to tires because the inner tread surface wears much faster than the outer surface. Camber kits correct this imbalance and help ensure even treadwear and maximum contact with the road. A full contact patch is crucial to responsive, high-performance handling.
	STRUT TOWER BARS Strut tower bars are stiff bars that connect the left and right strut towers to one another, forming a high-strength bridge linking the left and right corners of your car's suspension. Strut tower bars reduce body flex and provide a much firmer, more surefooted ride through tight curves. Strut tower bars are among our biggest sellers because they are simple to install and provide great bang for the buck.
	SWAY BARS Like strut tower bars, sway bars link left and right suspension in order to reduce body roll through tight turns. Sway bars help transfer force from the outer tires during a turn to the inner tires, thus maximizing traction. While more difficult to install than strut tower bars, they have a drastic impact on handling performance. Well worth the purchase!
	URETHANE BUSHINGS The moving joints of stock suspensions contain rubber bushings to help dampen excessive vibration and provide a smoother ride. These bushings link all of the points of the suspension together; wherever a bolt passes through two joined parts, you'll find a bushing. Unfortunately, the rubber bushings degrade over time, resulting in a mushy, uncertain steering response. Replacement urethane bushings provide superior dampening characteristics and much greater durability. Urethane bushings drastically improve handling and overall ride control. You will find few single suspension mods that provide a better performance upgrade than a set of urethane bushings. Pick up a master bushing set and you'll swear you're driving a different car!
	CONTROL ARMS Control arms link the hub of the wheel and the bottom end of the shocks/struts to the car's frame. Aftermarket control arms provide greater torsional rigidity than stock arms, improving handling and control. Plus, some control arms provide a small height drop without requiring modified springs.

If you have questions about any of the above components, or if you're looking for the best custom suspension package for your vehicle, give the SCO Tuner Pros™ a call at 888-766-0022. They'll help you choose from the thousands of options available to you at Sport Compact Only.