suspension overhaul. couple questions.

[silverbullet]

I have a few things due for replacement. struts, Tie rod end, and a bad strut mount. I don't want to cut any corners so I'm going to replace just about everything that could need it and then get an alignment. I'll be changing out the springs as well. here's what I'm thinking so far. anything else i should replace or check on? I know I've had to replace broken sway bar links on some other cars, I can't really think of anything else.

all new monroe strut mounts, New tokico blue struts, eibach pro kit springs, and outer tie rod ends.


I came across this and never heard of it. looks like it goes between the spring and the front upper mount so should I use two of these? are they not used in the rear they only seem to be for the front. know anything about this?

MONROE 906936 Coil Spring Insulator/Seat

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem ... 3832069046" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I want to make sure I get new strut boots as well. my old ones are just about disintegrated so I can't tell do they just clamp on the top and bottom? are they universal size and the same front and rear?

these have an insert that says it keeps the strut from bottoming out. is there really a need or benefit to this assuming they fit?
KYB SB102 Shock Boot Strut Rubber Black Each
http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem ... 1573817530" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[lannvouivre]

I got MOOG outer tie rod ends, and when I switched them with the OEM ones, the old ones were 15-16 rotations coming off, but the MOOGs were like 20 going back on up to the jam nut (which had only been broken loose). That was pretty upsetting. Glad to hear you've already planned to get an alignment. When I got mine after new struts and tie rod ends, they had to put aftermarket shims--$30 for ONE side!--on to adjust the camber. Since you're lowering, you may want to prepare yourself for that.

I came across this and never heard of it. looks like it goes between the spring and the front upper mount so should I use two of these? are they not used in the rear they only seem to be for the front. know anything about this?

MONROE 906936 Coil Spring Insulator/Seat

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem ... 3832069046" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

That's the part that the coil spring sits on top of when mounted on the strut. Mine was really worn out. It's mostly there to keep it from making noise and prevent metal-on-metal contact. I don't think the rear struts need them, but will look tomorrow to make sure.

I want to make sure I get new strut boots as well. my old ones are just about disintegrated so I can't tell do they just clamp on the top and bottom? are they universal size and the same front and rear?

I had to cut the old dust boot off of the top insulator. I don't know if they're universal or not, I didn't put any on the rears since there was no evidence that my car had ever had the rear boots to begin with...nor could I see the strut rods from the outside.

these have an insert that says it keeps the strut from bottoming out. is there really a need or benefit to this assuming they fit?
KYB SB102 Shock Boot Strut Rubber Black Each
http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem ... 1573817530" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I think you'll have to cut them to make them fit (search forums, I'm too lazy to do it myself), but they're there so that if the strut is fully compressed, it doesn't slam up into the top. I put them on mine with no issues since I'm using OEM springs. The only problem I had was convincing my classmates and instructor to just copy the picture.


PS: The strut boots from MONROE are just one + the bump stop per box.

PPS: The handling and responsiveness feels great after new tie rod ends and alignment.

[SeattleJeremy]

When I swapped the factory struts for Tokico blue's at 125k miles the Rubber Coil Spring Insulators had to be replaced.
Not wanting to do the struts twice my car sat at the mechanics for two days waiting for them to be delivered. Definitely buy them before hand.

[silverbullet]

thanks guys, that helps with a couple things.
interesting about the rod ends not sure what to think about that. theaters brand I was considering too.
I'll have to do some more looking and make sure the boots will fit. you didn't mention specifically are they clamped on?
I'm sure I'm over complicating this but I don't want to start and realize I don't have something I need.

[lannvouivre]

thanks guys, that helps with a couple things.
interesting about the rod ends not sure what to think about that. theaters brand I was considering too.
I'll have to do some more looking and make sure the boots will fit. you didn't mention specifically are they clamped on?
I'm sure I'm over complicating this but I don't want to start and realize I don't have something I need.

Mine weren't clamped on. I cut the boot part of the old front ones off of the top insulators, put the new boots on the strut rods, then put the bump-stops on above them. They're just to protect the strut rods from dust and such. I think once you reassemble the struts with the coils, they'll compress down enough that the rods will be completely obscured/protected by the boots, if memory serves...

Fun thing to do after you replace your old struts is to check their condition. Check for dents, corrosion, and for more than a thin film of oil on the rods. Then you can compress the strut rods into the housing, let go, and see if the rods re-extend as quickly as the new Tokicos. My old ones are still in pretty good condition and are sitting in boxes on our porch "just in case."

[silverbullet]

So it seems there are boots available separately for the front and rear. Information about the insulators is conflicting tho. Most agrees with you that they are only for the front. ( on the top of the spring right?). But there couple that list fitment for the rear as well. I'm just going to assume front only like you said. Thanks for some help. I should be getting this project rolling with my tax refund this year.

[SeattleJeremy]

So it seems there are boots available separately for the front and rear. Information about the insulators is conflicting tho. Most agrees with you that they are only for the front. ( on the top of the spring right?). But there couple that list fitment for the rear as well. I'm just going to assume front only like you said. Thanks for some help. I should be getting this project rolling with my tax refund this year.

The insulators go on the bottom of the spring, where the spring it held by the strut. On my car only the struts needed to be replaced on the rear.