How to upgrade your suspension
This article is intended to explain the suspension upgrade options available as of Summer 2007 for the third generation Accord. Unfortunately 3geez were never well supported by the aftermarket, and time only increases the rarity of many suspension parts. Lets take a look at what is available by component type.
Contents
Shocks
Shocks are control the up and down movement of the car in conjunction with the springs. Ideally the shocks should be able to control the springs, otherwise excessive bounce is the result.
Tokico HP (blue)
- Claimed to be approximately 10% stiffer than stock.
- Widely used by members of the 3geez community.
- Most commonly paired with Neuspeed of H&R springs.
- Not recommended for drops lower than ~1.5" and/or significantly stiff spring rates.
- Can easily be found on eBay for a little over $200 for a complete set brand new.
KYB GR2
- Claimed to be approximately 10% stiffer than stock.
- User experience has suggested they may not be as stiff as Tokico and may be only a stock replacement.
- Not recommended for drops lower than ~1.5" and/or significantly stiff spring rates.
Bilstein
- Shocks come from the factory at stock stiffness.
- Can be revalved by Bilstein to any specification. Cost is about $350 a pair for the shocks, revalving and shipping.
- Once revalved can handle most drop heights and spring rates.
- Generally felt to be an acceptable solution for extreme drop heights and stiff spring rates.
- Not widely used due to cost of revalving and lack of adjustability.
Koni Special (red)
- Hiqh quality adjustable compression shocks.
- Out of production and generally very difficult to find for sale even in used condition.
- Can handle most drop heights and spring rates.
- Widely felt to be the best bolt-on shock available.
- Usage is limited mostly due to lack of availability.
Retrofitted Solutions
- Shocks from Civic years 1988-90 will fit with some modifications.
- Shocks from Accord years 1990-93 will fit with some modifications.
- Due to difficulty these options are not widely used.
D2 Shock with integrated coilovers
- Legend_master has installed a mixed set of D2 shocks and springs combination coilovers, using the fronts from a Civic and the rears from a 4th gen accord.
Springs
Due to limited availability of powerful shocks, most users chose to go with a 1.5" drop or less that is not significantly stiffer than stock. Neuspeed or H&R springs are the favorite among those using Tokico shocks.
| Brand | Drop height | Difference from stock stiffness (front/rear) |
|---|---|---|
Tokico |
1" | 66% / 63% |
Suspension Techiques |
1" | 62% / 54% |
Eibach Prokit |
1"+ | 44% / -17% |
Neuspeed / H&R |
1.5" | 26% / 41% |
Eibach Sportline |
1.5"+ | 62% / -32% |
B&G |
1.6" | 66% / 205% |
Progress |
2" | 70% / 205% |
Speed tech |
2" | 73% / 196% |
Sprint |
2.25" | 66% / 192% |
Ground Control |
adjustable | 61% / 214% |
Dropzone coilovers |
adjustable | 213% / 300% |
Camber Correction
There are various aftermarket camber kits available to correct camber, which may be an issue for those with lowered ride heights.
Prelude adjustable control arms
Upper control arms from a second generation Prelude can be easily retrofitted to be used with the third generation Accord.
Sway bars
Third generation Accords come stock with a sway bar in the front. Higher end models have a larger front sway bar and an additional rear sway bar.
| Stock sway bay sizes | |
|---|---|
| Front | |
| 86-87 | 20mm (approx 13/16”) |
| 88-89 | 22mm (approx 7/8") |
| Rear: | |
| 86-87 carb | none |
| 86-87 fuel injected | 12mm (approx 15/32") |
| 88-89 carb | none |
| 88-89 fuel injected | 13mm (approx 1/2") |
Suspension Techniques
- Front is 24mm, rear is 16mm.
- Includes polyurethane bushings.
Addco
- Believed to be out of production, though may be available.
- Front is 22mm, rear is 18mm.
- Rear bars do not work with disk brakes.
Vigor rear sway bar
The rear sway bar from an Acura Vigor 92-95 can be fitted to the rear with minimal difficulty.
Upper strut tower bars
Due to the placement of the air box, carburetted models may have difficulty installing a front upper strut bar.
DC
- DC is the only company which made any bolt on strut tower bars for the third generation Accord.
- No longer in production.
Custom solutions
Various other strut bars, especially the 4th generation bar has been rumored to fit with some modifications.
Justin's bars
- User Justin86 occasionally makes his custom sets of strut bars and tie bars.
Lower tie bars
- User Justin86 occasionally makes custom lower tie bars sets. These are the only known sets which have been produced for the third generation Accord.
