What to replace with new struts?

[My5ABaby]

I think I'm going to get some Tokico HP's or KYB GR-2's for all 4 corners and throw them on there (see my other thread to understand why).

So... what else should I buy with them as far as rubber parts, etc. that are located around there?

Keep in mind I'm on a tight budget (hence the HP's/GR-2's) and can't afford to replace everything under there. This is just a stop gap until I get out of college and actually start making decent money.

[RETed]

I hear ya...

The Tokico HP's are a great bang-for-the-buck upgrade.
The GR-2's are stock replacements.
The Tokico's definitely have an edge in terms of performance.
Keep that in mind...

Another option is to check the For Sale sections for deals on good, used parts.
Having the shocks and springs assemble will save you some time and labor.
I know shocks can sometimes be a gamble, but if you stick with sellers with good reputations (and good background on the shocks - i.e. low mileage), then you should be fine.

You might want to see if someone local can work out a deal?
Maybe swap some parts or labor?


-Ted

[My5ABaby]

I'm looking for local parts, but that's hit or miss. For some reason there aren't a lot of parts cars around Knoxville and the ones that were stripped seem to not have been gutted for suspension parts (although I don't blame them).

What's good mileage for struts if I'm looking to buy used?

[MrVito]

I have a set of brand new HP's for the rear only that I'm selling for $100 + shipping from 30904 if you're interested, let me know.

[My5ABaby]

Why does everyone only have rears? I've found 3 people with just rears.

Anywho, I'll keep it in mind MrVito.

[MrVito]

I personally have rears because they came with the car, new in the box, and it was almost cheaper for me to buy a set of 4 shipped than to buy the 2 fronts by themselves. I know I'm shooting myself in the foot by saying it, but you may want to look into that.

[My5ABaby]

Originally Posted by MrVito

I personally have rears because they came with the car, new in the box, and it was almost cheaper for me to buy a set of 4 shipped than to buy the 2 fronts by themselves. I know I'm shooting myself in the foot by saying it, but you may want to look into that.

For some reason all I can find is people selling the rears or all 4 but combined with springs.

[djmtsu]

Originally Posted by My5ABaby

So... what else should I buy with them as far as rubber parts, etc. that are located around there?

To answer this question, you should ideally buy some new supper strut mounts. They aren't too bad through Mazdatrix. But if you remove the old ones, and they are still in tact, I would reuse them.

Have you also looked into KYB AGX's? Sometimes you can get a good deal on a set on eBay.

I am in a similar situation. I need to buy all four, and I need springs too, but usually the combination for sale is not what I am looking for. I also will need to buy new strut mounts (I think) because my car currently has AAS.

[classicauto]

If you found so with springs, I'd defientely consider it even if they're more money.

Since you don't have a spring compressor, you're going to either be into paying a shop for R&I of the springs, borrowing/renting the tool anyways so you'll be into a few more bucks regardless.

But obviously it depends, if they're another $300 then you can easily get the springs swapped cheaper. But if you buy them assembled already, it'll take longer to jack the car up then it will to swap all 4. Just food for thought....

[My5ABaby]

Originally Posted by djmtsu

To answer this question, you should ideally buy some new supper strut mounts. They aren't too bad through Mazdatrix. But if you remove the old ones, and they are still in tact, I would reuse them.

Have you also looked into KYB AGX's? Sometimes you can get a good deal on a set on eBay.

I am in a similar situation. I need to buy all four, and I need springs too, but usually the combination for sale is not what I am looking for. I also will need to buy new strut mounts (I think) because my car currently has AAS.

I'd love to get springs and AGX's, but my budget just isn't there. If I can find a good enough deal on them I'll get AGX's, but I really don't drive the car a lot and I don't AutoX or anything.

I figure when I go for something like AGX's/springs I'll do it right and redo all the bushings/mounts/whatever else is under there. That's a few years down the road though. Right now I just want to be able to drive to DGRR.

Originally Posted by classicauto

If you found so with springs, I'd defientely consider it even if they're more money.

Since you don't have a spring compressor, you're going to either be into paying a shop for R&I of the springs, borrowing/renting the tool anyways so you'll be into a few more bucks regardless.

But obviously it depends, if they're another $300 then you can easily get the springs swapped cheaper. But if you buy them assembled already, it'll take longer to jack the car up then it will to swap all 4. Just food for thought....

Getting a whole set would be great because I'm sure my springs can't be that great after 22 years, but $$$ is an issue. It's definitely something I'll keep in mind though.

[My5ABaby]

So to clarify, these are the parts I should replace (ideally)?

Ugh, I don't understand suspensions at all.

[djmtsu]

Not all of it. Just the 34-390, if needed. It is called an 'upper strut mount' at any autoparts store. Mazdatrix also has them.

[My5ABaby]

Ok, just 34-390. *sigh* Someone come do this for me...

[My5ABaby]

My local Mazda wanted 25.87/each for the rear strut mounts and 106.33/each for the front.

RIGHTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT............

It's pretty bad when Mazdatrix has something for a better price.

[My5ABaby]

Anyone dealt with Monroe products?

O'Reilly and Advance have Monroe mounts available for about ~$100 for all 4 corners compared to Mazdatrix's ~$220+shipping.