well, just as the title says, what do u guys think the best strut/shock combo is for a v6 at a reasonable price? actually, i replaced my shocks about 2 years ago but i desperately need struts so even just a good pair of struts will do. thanks!

 

I bought the KYB GR-2 struts for my 2.8 ... they were cheap from summitracing.com ; $49.95 each, so far, so good. Definately better then what I had! KYB Gas-A-Just went on the rear at $30/each. I think they have a cheaper GR-2 rear shock for $20.

You could use any shock/strut meant for a v8, there's no difference in part #'s or anything. All the shock/strut does is dampen the spring. If you want a harder ride get a performance strut, softer, stick to a stock strut (like the GR2 or Monroe Sensatrac or similar).

I went with the stock type because of 3 reasons: 1, mine were shot to hell. 2, I also rebuilt the whole front suspension and dropped a lot of money on other parts- didn't want to spend even more for struts. 3, The roads in NJ completely suck so I know I'll be buying struts again in a year or so; that's when I'll upgrade.

In fact you'll notice a lot of the v8 guys use the same combination I did... GR-2's up front and Gas-A-Just in the rear. It rides nice... firm, but not too hard. My import-driving-buddy was shocked.. told me that my car handled better then his old Integra- and that thing was mean around corners!

 

but like he siad, shock only dampen, typicaly the really harsh ride is cuased by the spring rate. i am not going to say that KYB makes a bad product, but with shocks/struts, like everything else, you get what you pay for. if you want the 'best' look at higher end products, koni is outstanding. probably the best you can get without going to a double adjustable. i have tokico illumina's on my car, and am very happy so far. i run them them on setting #2 fron, #3 rear on the street, and when i auto-x i run them on #4 or #5 front, and anywhere between 3 and 5 rear, depending on the course, and how the car is behaving. you would really be supprised how big of a diffrence there is between stock replacement types, and a hi-po shock/strut. BTW, the ride is much smoother with good shocks then it is with worn ones, you don't 'bounch' over bumps anymore, instead the suspension works like it supposed too, the spring compresses, then rebounds, and that is it, because the shock/strut does it job and controls the spring.

that is just my $0.02.