I have a 2004 Matrix (Vibe that is), and while it's a pretty nice work of engineering, there are two pieces of hardware that keep it feeling like a cheap econobox: the crappy-responding rear drum brakes and the crappy-riding torsion beam rear suspension.

But the upgrades are already out there. Rear disc brakes came with every Matrix XRS, and double-wishbone rear suspensions abound in all-wheel-drive models. My question: how much time and effort would it take to seek out these models at a junkyard and pluck the parts? Do they bolt right on? Are the conversions easy?

"CrunchyCookie" <LSC400@Yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:j-qdnSMW_tC9i_fVnZ2dnUVZ_sWdnZ2d@comcast.com...
I have a 2004 Matrix (Vibe that is), and while it's a pretty nice work of
engineering, there are two pieces of hardware that keep it feeling like a
cheap econobox: the crappy-responding rear drum brakes and the crappy-riding
torsion beam rear suspension.

But the upgrades are already out there. Rear disc brakes came with every
Matrix XRS, and double-wishbone rear suspensions abound in all-wheel-drive
models. My question: how much time and effort would it take to seek out
these models at a junkyard and pluck the parts? Do they bolt right on? Are
the conversions easy?

*************
It will probably take a lot less time, effort, and money to go out and trade
your FWD Matrix in for an AWD one that it would to convert your Matrix to a
double wishbone with rear disc brakes. The rear axle may be part of the
rear suspension geometry so you have to figure out a way to deal with its
absence.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)