Miata Mailing List: May 1995, Message #39
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   From: "Steve Ling" 
Subject: Re: Shimmy & Shocks
   Date: Tue, 2 May 1995 00:46:58 -0400

> I posted this question last week, but had no response.[...]

Maybe you should have listed your favorite songs first :o)

> My car, '92, has the miata shimmy at 65 mph. I have tried 
> [...everything...] I thought that these frame braces may help[...]

The only input I can give you is that my '93, the first year with the 
factory equivalent of the Track Bar, has never, ever vibrated or 
shimmied at any speed. Sliding over cones at the local autox 
excluded, of course :[

> [...] I am planning on the Koni's, but would like to hear some comments
> about them. [...]

They're stiff. Make sure you like them first. See if you can take a 
ride in a car so equipped. Don't believe the opinions of others on 
this one. One man's dream is another man's nightmare when it comes to 
shocks. I chose the Tokico's (Illumina 5-way adjust) because they go 
softer than stock on the lightest setting. It's a blessing on a long trip. 
They still get plenty stiff for spirited driving. I think GABs are 
the favorite for autox. I don't know how soft they go.

> [...] does the doit yourselfer require any special tools to replace them ?

Yes. First, you need a tool to separate the upper ball joint. That's 
a special Mazda tool that your dealer probably does not stock. I 
found a similar tool at an auto parts store that worked great. There 
are alternatives such as a hammer and fork (not easy and not 
recommended) or removing the lower a-arm bolts instead (a lot of 
work). Second, you need a spring compressor for a coil-over-shock. 
It's not an easy task, but I managed to get through it. 

Steve Ling          
San Jose, CA