My 5,000 mile evaluation of KW's

[NAS T MAG]

I had the Mopar KW's (Var.1) installed about 5000 miles ago. I wanted to lower the car and decided to go that route. Had to raise it a little higher than the initial setup due to some front tire rubbing.

I like the look of the stance and I can take expressway on and off ramps 15 mph faster than I could before, BUT, the everyday ride is not that impressive. The roads in Ohio are not that great and sometimes the ride is annoyingly bumpy. I drove my wife's '97 STS (86,000 miles) the other day and I forgot what a smooth ride should feel like.

This is not a KW bash. Just my personal evaluation. I know a lot of you have KW's on your wish list. but if I had to do it over again, I would go with air suspension. I drive about 25,000 miles a year, so down the road, the air suspension will still be an available option.

At $1800 for parts, installation and alignment, I don't think I got the biggest bang for the buck that I could have.

[wbornio]

Thanks for the opinion - considering suspension upgrades for my RT - right now SRT take off seems to be the best bang for the buck.

[lafrad]

From what I have gleaned from the SRT suspension... it is more harsh than the KW over bad roads...

I think thats just the price to pay for a sleek looking, road hugging vehicle...

[nick_danger]

Thanks for the review, I think you just solidified my choice for the v2 over the v1. Dampening adjustments sound necessary... While I don't mind a harsh ride for better performance, the ladies do. Gotta keep them happy. :D

[Rev.Hammer]

Pretty good eval... are you considering changing things out?

[MAGNUM8R]

My KW V2's are set pretty firm all the time, it's worth a little harsh feeling on bumps for the cornering.
I think I will appreciate the cornering even more with the Hotchkiss bars installed.
The ride on the KW V2's much improved by backing them off even 3/4 turns. I can adjust both the front and rears on my Magnum.
I have a bit of rake, probably going to lower the rear another 1/4" when Made Motorsports(Fatchance) installs the Hotchkiss Bars.

[CoolVanilla]

My KW V2's are set pretty firm all the time, it's worth a little harsh feeling on bumps for the cornering.
I think I will appreciate the cornering even more with the Hotchkiss bars installed.
The ride on the KW V2's much improved by backing them off even 3/4 turns. I can adjust both the front and rears on my Magnum.
I have a bit of rake, probably going to lower the rear another 1/4" when Made Motorsports(Fatchance) installs the Hotchkiss Bars.

'8R, when you say back them off, do you mean tighten them down (clockwise), then relax off (counter-clockwise) 3/4 turn? I know stupid question, just want to be clear.

[MAGNUM8R]

Jason, back 'em off:
righty tighty, left loosey!!!



Counter clockwise opens the valves to soften the ride.
I always start by gently closing the valve all the way, do not get agressive at the end, you can damage the seat.

[CoolVanilla]

Jason, back 'em off:
righty tighty, left loosey!!!



Counter clockwise opens the valves to soften the ride.
I always start by gently closing the valve all the way, do not get agressive at the end, you can damage the seat.

Yepyep! Me thought so. Thanks '8R!

[NAS T MAG]

Pretty good eval... are you considering changing things out?

Probably going to wait until 75,000 miles or so and then consider the air bags.

Although, last night, leaving a restaurant with my wife and friends a guy about 35 holds the exit door open and says "Let me get that for you, Oldtimer!" Jeez, I guess I'm just growing old and not growing up.

[MAGNUM8R]

Oldtimer?? Aint' them fightin' words??

[NAS T MAG]

I thought a term like that was reserved for someone like Gabby Hayes.

[COLORADOMAGNUM]

V-2's are adjustable to "soften" the harsh ride. I set mine at the recommended setting and love them. Adjusted them in and out a bit, but went right back to the recommended setting. Car handles much better. I didn't get the V-1's because they were not adjustable. I paid about the same for my V-2's as HC paid for his V-1's. Now if Hotchkis would make a sway bar kit for the AWD's, I'd be set. My 2 cents worth.

[Rev.Hammer]

"Ya know, you'd hate to go home and tell yer girl friend that the bootlaces hanging out yer arse belong to an OLDTIMER"

[kalos C]

Thanks for the review, I think you just solidified my choice for the v2 over the v1. Dampening adjustments sound necessary... While I don't mind a harsh ride for better performance, the ladies do. Gotta keep them happy. :D

OK I have air bags on my 300C and ists my wifes I talked her in to the bags saying that the ride is going to be great, uh I was wrong its to bouncy and she dosent like it so now I have to find a way to get a better ride so that she'll drive it again she doesnt like to drive it and just bears riding in it. I have heard that the KW Struts and Shocks has a great ride I know its costly but I'll pay anything to make her happy with her car again. Thanks for your help on this Aloha Seth&Carol