I just scored a pair of Bilstein S36-0201 front struts from the local pick-your-part yard for $45. Not sure what performance they are but being Bilstein they’ve got to be better than the sensa-trac softies I got now. No telling how many miles are on them but they don’t look damaged at all just a little dirty from normal use. Pushing up the dust cover they’re both clean except for a thin oil film on bottom of the shaft. When I pulled them I couldn’t get the top nut off so I just unbolted the camber plate and pulled them up and out. Once off the car I gave them a lean-on push test to check initial condition. They’re not as firm as I thought they should be. For lack of a better explanation it takes the like a count of four pushing down and again to come back up, and they both feel the same.
Does that seem about right? Does anyone know a better way check their condition or what specifically to look for? I’d just like to be a bit more confident about them before spending a day installing them.
I had some adjustable Koni’s years ago on another car and they were stiffer than these, so I’m trying to get a feel if these are ok.