Need some suspension attention.

[craig thorn]

I just picked up a 1987 honda civic dx, and I'm in the beginning stages of fixing it up(not a tuner, but better than stock would be ideal). I've replaced the stock carb(no fuel injection) with a Weber k726 Redline carburetor kit, added a flowmaster muffler, and put in a Pioneer stereo/speaker/woofer. It's quicker, sounds better, and is a blast to drive up until I hit a bump. At that point there are rattles, a bottoming out, and now two worn tires(probably caused by front end parts being damaged by the hundreds of surprise speed bumps in my city. I replaced the struts with some Gabriels, but that has not stopped any of the things listed above. I'm looking for some suggestions of things to look at. I'd rather learn first rather than just pay someone else to fix it(not nearly as fun or rewarding). Help!

 

[baytownhatch]

I've noticed on my 89 speedbumps and pot holes kill my tire life. On mine I ended up changing the coilovers and put some performance cv axles on it. It seemed to help a lot. While your under there might as well change the ball joints and check your tie rods. If it rattles too bad for too long it will eat the threads at the end of the tie rod. This is the problem I've had and had to resolve the issue.

 

[civexspeedy]

Check your ball joints and ALL of your bushings. With a car that old, the bushings are likely shot and same with the ball joints. Unless previously replaced..

Also, did you get an alignment done after you installed you new shocks?

 

[baytownhatch]

^agreed^.