KA9 96-04 Acura RL suspension guide

Old 07-20-2011, 03:56 PM
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Originally Posted by 9000revs
I would like some more info on this. Can you provide a link to someone who has done this? Thanks.
I have done this mod and it requires no modifications whatsoever. You just swap the Eibach (#4014.140) springs for the stock springs and that's it. Lowers the car by about 2" front and rear. But it may be hard to find now since it has been discontinued. Most places still list it on their website but if you call to check, they'll tell you they can't get it anymore.
Old 07-21-2011, 07:07 PM
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However from what I read, lowering the RL by any means results in vibrations from 5-20 mph, right? Maybe, that should be stickied too. That is enough to dissuade me to lower the RL especially since it is my daily driver. Kids and wife would complain in no time ....

Originally Posted by silver3.5
I have done this mod and it requires no modifications whatsoever. You just swap the Eibach (#4014.140) springs for the stock springs and that's it. Lowers the car by about 2" front and rear. But it may be hard to find now since it has been discontinued. Most places still list it on their website but if you call to check, they'll tell you they can't get it anymore.
Old 07-21-2011, 09:24 PM
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Yes there is a slight vibration, but that is only under very hard acceleration. Ohterwise the ride is smooth provided I have only installed the front set. Two set backs are the tremendous heat we have been having and slight modification I had to make to the factory upper mounts. The diameter of the Megan coilover rod is a little thicker than what the factory used, so I drilled out the hole to make it a little larger. I will say this, this definitely a task I wont be partaking in anytime soon. (the heat just left me with a bad taste in my mouth!)
Old 07-21-2011, 11:58 PM
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Originally Posted by thaillest30
Yes there is a slight vibration, but that is only under very hard acceleration. Ohterwise the ride is smooth provided I have only installed the front set. Two set backs are the tremendous heat we have been having and slight modification I had to make to the factory upper mounts. The diameter of the Megan coilover rod is a little thicker than what the factory used, so I drilled out the hole to make it a little larger. I will say this, this definitely a task I wont be partaking in anytime soon. (the heat just left me with a bad taste in my mouth!)
OUCH! But i'm still waiting for the pics.
I'm going to get the TEIN SS coilover next year or so lol
Old 07-22-2011, 03:29 PM
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I put a few pics up. Im no good at photography!!!
Old 07-25-2011, 01:15 AM
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Originally Posted by 9000revs
However from what I read, lowering the RL by any means results in vibrations from 5-20 mph, right? Maybe, that should be stickied too. That is enough to dissuade me to lower the RL especially since it is my daily driver. Kids and wife would complain in no time ....
Yep, the vibration is there. I get it under normal driving and it's a bit annoying. I don't have my strut tower bolted on anymore, so I was thinking it might be the chassis flexing. People have changed axles and it's all good for a few weeks, then it comes back. Maybe this car just doesn't like being lowered.

It isn't like a vibration, but more of a shudder, or a wobble... I can see my light shaking as the car is shuddering. It is mainly felt on the left side, and when I sat in the passenger side I barely felt it. Doubt your wife and children will complain about it... the ride, maybe though.
Old 07-25-2011, 02:19 AM
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Originally Posted by thaillest30
I put a few pics up. Im no good at photography!!!
wheres the photos at :P , that problem you had , will i have that too or is that only for megans? i have form and function coilovers. hmm
Old 07-26-2011, 05:58 PM
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Here are a few. Its about an inch and half drop all around.
Old 07-28-2011, 01:27 PM
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run into any problems? or anything specific i need to look out for?
Old 07-28-2011, 02:59 PM
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Mine are pretty stiff even on the mid setting. Im probably going to set them all the way soft. The vibration is there but I guess since I didnt go super low its not so much a bother or really noticeable to me since I really dont look for it. Handling is awesome. On-ramps to the interstate are fun, that titanic body-roll is not present.
But in own opinion I should have went with the K-sports, and thats because I have heard good results from them, but in other application.
But I can say I am satisfied with the overall results, now I just need to do some minor stuff and get a paintjob.
Old 07-28-2011, 03:02 PM
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Oh yea, Im also going to get my tires rotated and aligned!!!!
Old 07-28-2011, 03:41 PM
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How come the pics aren't working for me. Can you repost the pics again? I love to see it man. Thx.
BTW, do you need a camber kit once you're lowered?
Old 07-28-2011, 03:47 PM
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Try clicking on my name, then go to my albums they are uploaded there also. Im sure if I were to go alot lower then I would be looking at camber kit. Its between a 1.5 to 1.75 inch drop form the stock riding height I was at previously.
Old 07-30-2011, 11:04 PM
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I just saw your album, looking good! So how is the coilover, bumpy? BTW, it looks like a tight one finger gap all around. Any way,I'm still diciding should i get the Megan or save up and get the Tein SS. Now all you need is to get the West Wing lip kit to complete the package ^-^ lol

Last edited by 3.5RLv-tec?; 07-30-2011 at 11:08 PM.
Old 07-31-2011, 08:33 AM
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Thanks man. I set the dampening to the softest setting so its all good. I might go another half inch, but shoot, Im catching alot of rub on crappy parts of the highway. Yea I do have the link for a front rear and side skirt kit, so its a looming possibilty. But Im looking at picking up a 07 TL or a 08 Magnum, So any more mods might have to wait.
Old 07-31-2011, 08:35 AM
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Someone else on here has the Blackworks setup and seems to enjoy those.
Old 07-31-2011, 03:30 PM
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Hey Thaillest, did you get the Megan EZ coil over with the 15 levels or the 32 ways. Thx.
Old 07-31-2011, 07:22 PM
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Mines are 15 levels.
Old 07-31-2011, 11:17 PM
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Originally Posted by thaillest30
Mines are 15 levels.
Good to know, i think i'm going with the one like your and where did you get the coilover from. The Tein SS is out of my budget. A hill of student loan and the damn EGR problem BTW, you should post some more pics in HD of course hehe...
Old 08-01-2011, 07:55 AM
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Oh of course, my camera just crapped out on me !!! So Ill be shopping for a new one!
Old 08-22-2011, 11:45 PM
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so 1st gen TSX springs would work on my 99 RL shocks?
Old 08-23-2011, 10:38 AM
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No.

Only a complete coilover will work
Old 08-23-2011, 01:28 PM
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Originally Posted by silver3.5
I have done this mod and it requires no modifications whatsoever. You just swap the Eibach (#4014.140) springs for the stock springs and that's it. Lowers the car by about 2" front and rear. But it may be hard to find now since it has been discontinued. Most places still list it on their website but if you call to check, they'll tell you they can't get it anymore.
Curious on the ride feel from these lowering springs? Do you have any pics for proof? Found these springs easily on amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Eibach-4014-14.../dp/B000CN7ROW
Old 08-23-2011, 02:39 PM
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Originally Posted by classicKA9
Curious on the ride feel from these lowering springs? Do you have any pics for proof? Found these springs easily on amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Eibach-4014-14.../dp/B000CN7ROW
Here is the thread that I started:

https://acurazine.com/forums/1g-rl-1996-2004-77/whats-wrong-these-pics-813861/

You'll be lucky if you can still find them. I'm sure a few might still be floating around. I called Amazon and the Factory Depot and both do not have it in stock and can't get it anymore since it has been discontinued a while back.
Old 08-25-2011, 03:09 AM
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Originally Posted by OLD_HATCH
No.

Only a complete coilover will work

damn thanks,. i have some tsx springs laying around too. ill go with the legend springs
Old 09-08-2011, 09:53 PM
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Hey thaillest30, I finally got the fund for the coilover man! You said you drilled out the holes , but do you remember what drill bit # did you use? Do you notice any uneven on the tires wear? I'm planning to low 2'' or no gap all around on 02 stock wheels, so I don't know if i need a camber kit or not. BTW, post some more pictures lol ^_^
Old 09-09-2011, 09:44 AM
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Originally Posted by 3.5RLv-tec?
Hey thaillest30, I finally got the fund for the coilover man! You said you drilled out the holes , but do you remember what drill bit # did you use? Do you notice any uneven on the tires wear? I'm planning to low 2'' or no gap all around on 02 stock wheels, so I don't know if i need a camber kit or not. BTW, post some more pictures lol ^_^
Good to hear man. I will have to dig that bit out when I get home but I'll find out. I dropped it a lil lower so its between 5 and 6 inches off the ground (no gaps!!). Also I just had a state inspection done and I didnt notice any uneven tire wear but I did rotate them anyways.

It should look nice on stock wheels in my opinion. Check out blackhatch's Rl his is on stock TL wheels, I believe.

Oh yeah my camera crapped out on me so im shopping around for a new one, shame I bought it when I deployed to Iraq that was 5 years ago.
Old 10-31-2011, 10:16 PM
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Whats your best bet if you want something reasonably price and don't care about lowering your car? I got a 97RL, would love to replace the aging suspension but I would like to go something closer to stock, the New England weather does not help in the winter, and the roads are not the most welcoming so I have no care about lowering the car, I would also like to find a similar or better suspension at a reasonable price. I heard of a brand called KYB, is it any good?

Last edited by ellover009; 10-31-2011 at 10:20 PM.
Old 11-03-2011, 07:10 PM
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Hey KYB are pretty decent from what I have heard from others
Old 11-03-2011, 11:36 PM
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Get the struts and sway bars from a 2002+ RL.
Old 02-17-2012, 11:16 PM
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Great my coilover plan is on hold again because i just bought a lip kit and 04 taillights. I'm going to do the 04 rear conversion . Oh well, the coilover has to wait until next year.
Old 05-06-2012, 05:48 PM
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My rear suspension is sagging, I want to replace it but I wan't something that's as close to possible as stock as I don't want to spend a fortune and l have no need to lower the car.
My car is a 1997, but I hear the suspension on the 99 would fit a 97 and it's stiffer and would improve handling.
What components do I need to replace besides the shocks and maybe the springs? I hear kyb is good, does anyone recommend them? I don't even wan't to bother with monro shocks because they wouldn't last long enough, they would get you on the labor having to have the redone prematurely.
Old 05-24-2012, 06:53 PM
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Hey guys I was browsing recently through more-japan.com and found a new full coilover set-up made by Tanabe for our KA9's. I talked to them and they said it'll take 2-3 months for shipment direct from Japan. Soo tempting.... here are the specs. also please update the list.

http://www.more-japan.com/legend-ka9/

Tanabe CST Coilover Legend KA9
Application: Acura Legend KA9
Spring rate: 12kg Front / 6kg Rear
Height Adjustment: -1/8 in. ~ -3 1/2 in. Front / -1/4 in. ~ -3 3/8 in. Rear
Old 09-17-2012, 06:13 PM
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will ksport coils work with oem top hats?
Old 09-18-2012, 09:59 AM
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Yes, It is just a slight mod to the center hole where the new strut will fit through.
Old 09-18-2012, 03:28 PM
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so i just need to make the center hole bigger?
Old 09-19-2012, 07:47 AM
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Yes, thats all. It was about 15 minutes worth of drilling with a very good metal drill bit.
Old 09-19-2012, 03:36 PM
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sweet! thanks!!!
Old 09-19-2012, 04:30 PM
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what size drill bit do i need to use?
Old 09-19-2012, 05:08 PM
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I used a 1/2 inch metal bit. Dude I had to go searching for that bit, it was lost in my house!

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