Shocks and Stuts

[Lightningracer]

Time for new ones, original ones are showing age (58k miles).

What is out there for replacements, or has everyone gone back with factory?

 

[mphowington]

This is probably more complicated question then you think. The ultimate answer depends on your objective. Track ready? Daily driver? Occasional driver?

OEM replacements tend to work well. In my old sho from ****- a 91, it had a suspension gremlin- I ended up putting in midgrade Monroe and it worked fairly well- for a comfortable ride and a decent setup. I drove it primarily and was pleased- and of the car was a DD- long commute, it would have been fine. For occasional track setup- ehh probably wouldnt have been happy.

What year is yours?

 

[Lightningracer]

It is a 2013, PP, car.

It is my daily driver... 175 mile per day commute.

It has never been to the track, and probably never will.

Seems like my best bet is to go back factory.

 

[SHOdded]

Megan coilovers are in the works, delayed I think due to the racing season having started. Factory is still the best option ATM, or you could go a fancier route and have an air suspension installed (lose some trunk space).

 

[esfoad]

You sure you need shocks after only 58K miles? Seems too early for shocks.

 

[mphowington]

If you are sure you need shocks- Id recommend OEM then- that young of a car, with that low of miles- seems odd the shocks would fail so quickly- but if thats the case- look for OEM and you should be content with the performance.

 

[allSHO2010]

You sure you need shocks after only 58K miles? Seems too early for shocks.

I picked up my 2010 about (47k on her) seven weeks ago and have already dumped nearly $3,000 into repairs. Front struts included.

 

[esfoad]

I picked up my 2010 about (47k on her) seven weeks ago and have already dumped nearly $3,000 into repairs. Front struts included.

Sorry for you. I hope it wasn't abused before you got it. Hey, I live in NJ where the *** holes this year were massive so I know sh** happens. In my case, I had a bent rim 2 years ago that needed repair. I'm not saying the shocks/struts will definitely last but typically they last longer than 50K miles or so. I guess I was lucky. That said, use a quality replacement and you should be good for a long time.

 

[Torsen]

So, nobody (Koni, Bilstein, etc.) makes a performance strut for this car?

 

[2011TAURUSSEL]

My recommendation would be Bilstein HD if they make them for the Taurus. My note is I replaced them on SUV but based on their results I feel comfortable making the recommendation. Might I also recommend that you strongly consider a SHOCK/STRUT Combination unit...It might be more expensive up front but overall could be cheaper for install as it is a fairly simple plug and play replacement. Check with your local mechanic or parts guru.

 

[Torsen]

My recommendation would be Bilstein HD if they make them for the Taurus. My note is I replaced them on SUV but based on their results I feel comfortable making the recommendation. Might I also recommend that you strongly consider a SHOCK/STRUT Combination unit...It might be more expensive up front but overall could be cheaper for install as it is a fairly simple plug and play replacement. Check with your local mechanic or parts guru.

I wish they made them. I can't find anything better than the Motorcraft struts.

 

[2011TAURUSSEL]

These may not be performance shocks/strut but I would give the benefit of the doubt as better than OEM.

http://www.shockwarehouse.com/site/product.cfm/id/1391539/name/349165-KYB-Excel-G-Ford-Taurus

 

[2011TAURUSSEL]

Here is another source shows Monroe SensaTrac Again my plug is for BilStein but Sensatrac should still be had and shoulders above OEM.

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/search/?Ntt=monroe+Shock+Absorber+and+Strut+Assembly

 

[SHO_Fast]

I put Monroe SensaTrack all the way around on my 2011 SHO non-PP daily driver at 85K and am pleased with both ride and handling. I also put new Pirelli Cinturato P7's on at the same time so I can't speak to the before and after difference, but altogether it is a better, smoother handling ride than before.

 

[Torsen]

I have the Pirelli Cinturato P7's and love them. Quietest tire I have ever had.

 

[jontyrees]

Personally, I'd go with Motorcraft OEM. Was there anything about the shocks that you didn't like previously? I'd use that as a yardstick for whether you need to change them, and what you might change to.