hey guys, again, some more suspension questions, really stupid ones, but like I said before, am not great with cars, had a motorcycle before this, then graduated to a bird . Was thinking about changing the front struts and rear shocks, just wanted to make sure exactly what was in the suspension. In the rear, is it just a set of shocks? and in the front, is it the struts as well as springs? just so I know what to replace. Also, what sort of springs, if in the front? I was looking at some sites, and they have springs that lower the car, I want springs that retain the original height, do not want to lower the car, so any suggestions on what springs to get? not too expensive (poor student). thanks!!

 

in the rear you have shocks and springs, there are LCAs(lower control arms) and sway bars, but to replace all those gets expensive, as many will recommend just get some polyeurathane bushings, new springs and shocks will bring a world or change, in the front if you want springs that won't break you just go to the local parts store and buy a stock set,

 

the rear shocks are easy to replace....the fronts are a lil bit harder, cuz you have to remove the wheels, calipers to get to the lower mounts.....I just replaced the rear shocks a few days ago with KYB GR-2's they work very nicely....now i need the fronts

 

I would suggest buying some V8 sport springs with a 1" drop. Don't buy stock lb v8 springs-make sure they are larger coils or lbs. spring rate than stock V8 springs. The 1" lower part on a V8 spring in a V6 car will sit you at just about stock ride height and at most a 1/2" lower. Might even still be slightly higher. You'll have to put them in like with any spring and then take them back out and trim slightly to you taylored ride height.

As for springs or strut replacement, you'd better know what you are doing and how to jack and support the car AND a-arm properly in the procedure. If not comfortable with this I would highly suggest having an expert do it. Something like 10 people a year in the U.S. die from changing car springs. And garage door springs for that matter. :0

 

In the back on mine I put new shocks and also got a set of bolt on coil over springs like 20 bucks and a set of lift studs.

This leveled my car and gave me a fair ammout of pre load and nice ride, even with a car full.

 

oh and if you spend any time underthe car [I just change my starter last week] Ther is room in the stock arms to put shock or springs inside.