changed t/c rod bushings...

[panicbutton]

when i drive over uneven pavement (like bridges) at speeds over 60mph my car feels like i'm in a boat. i know what worn shocks/ struts feel like, and the car does more of a up-down and side to side circular thing and i feel it in my steering wheel too... i've changed my t/c rod bushings hoping that would make a difference, and it did, but it's still does it. i have noted that it's not as extreme when someone else is in the car, but i can't think of anything that would be weight dependent. i have checked my shocks to the best of my knowedge and i have checked my inner and outer tie rods for any visible damage/ wear, but i can not figure out what to do next. any help or suggestions would be great. please don't say search, i've been searching these boards for a couple of months now and i've exausted all of my other resources. i'd rather not just replace stuff for replacement's sake and i know that if i take it to a local mechanic they're gonna tell me i need to spend $3000.

[karay240]

I think you should do a search. . . lol. Just kidding. IF it's not your shocks, I'm pretty sure that it's your sub frame bushings. This might not be the case if you own a S14, but judging from what you said about it not doing it as much when there are occupants in the car, I think it's the sub frame bushings. Energy suspension carries those if you are interested. But like I said, that's IF it's not the shocks. BTW, t/c bushings affect front/back movement (accelarating & braking). The rear of the car sits on the sub frame w/ the bushings in b/w them. That's why I'm thinking that's what it is. I still think that it may be the shocks, though. . .

of course, it could be the shock mounts. . . they are made out of rubber. . . nah, have the shocks checked out. . .

[panicbutton]

thanks for the reply. how should i check my shocks? i have visually inspected them, none are leaking, and i did one of those "push on the corner of the car and see if it keeps bouncing" tests. any better methods i can try before i bite the bullet and buy new shocks?

[DGA]

Shocks will do this when they are blown. There is no dampening, so only thing that happens is that your springs cushion everything. Bouncing test is the only way that I know to test these things. Spend about $100 and get yourself some cheap new shocks. Do the job yourself and your problem will more than likely be fixed.