Springs and Struts Impute needed

[Challenger]

Hello,




I'm new to your forum and really enjoy reading the SHO posts, very helpful!

We own a 98 SHO and a 95 MTX SHO. I'm currently looking into struts and springs and have a few questions some of you may be able to answer, what brand of springs do you prefer Eibachs or Intrax the car there going on is my 95 its my daily driver and I don't rage on the car, just need springs and struts and would like to buy something that's not outrageously priced and pick up a little handling in the process. Next question what brand of struts are you guys using/reccomend? I don't mind the car being a little stiffer but this is a daily driver with Michigan roads being driven.

Last question I have done struts and springs on two other SHO's in the past and have soaked the rear pinch bolts for days and still ended up breaking the bolts, does anybody have a recommend method for this?????

Thanks Paul M Petcou

<small>[ July 25, 2002, 01:25 AM: Message edited by: Challenger ]</small>

 

[nc89sho]

Springs
-----------
eibach= better quality + More cost + Better Ride ( i hear)
Intrax= Lower ride + cheaper

Struts
---------
Konis = Adjustable + Great Quality + expensive as ****
Tokico = good quality + cheaper than koni's but not adjustable
KYB = CHEAP = will work pretty good for a while and won't cost much ($189 from Shox.com)

 

[Challenger]

Thanks,

Anyone else have any suggestions on spring /strut combo?????? Has anybody ever use the intrax spring and lower cost strut Kyb's or maybe Monroe sensatrack?

 

[warmachine]

I just finished (an hour ago) installing KYB rear struts on my 95 MTX (a 7 day job!).

It was an Ohio car so there was plenty of rust. The first side I broke the pinch bolt and ended up having to totally remove the spindle and drill out the bolt. I replaced the bolt with a longer M12x1.75x75 (property class 10.9) and a ****** nut.

The second side I got smarter (or luckier) and liberally soaked the bolt with B'laster PB Penetrating Catalyst spray. This stuff works great - don't waste your time with WD-40 or Liquid Wrench. Hit the bolt a few times with a steel hammer and respray it. If possible, use an impact wrench (set to a moderate setting) to repeatedly loosen and retighten the bolt while spraying it with PB. Don't put a breaker bar on the bolt if the impact wrench won't move it. Just keep spraying, tapping with a hammer and eventually it may come out.

On the other hand, if you do break the bolt, don't mess around. I tried retapping it, installing a Helicoil ($50), all to no avail. Just drill it out once (I think I used a 31/64ths) and put a bolt/nut combo in. Be sure to use a prevailing torque nut to prevent any potential loosening (try Ford N800937-S193 about $1.84 each).

As far as the KYBs go, the ride is considerably stiffer than the worn out (95,000 miles) stock struts. However, the ride is still pretty good for typical Michigan roads (I live in Oakland County). I have used KYBs before on other vehicles and they are unbeatable from a value/performance standpoint.

If you can afford Konis, go for it.

In my experince, don't buy Monroes. I have replaced 100,000 mile Delco/Bilsteins with Monroes and had much worse jounce/rebound control than the worn out stock Delco shocks.

Let me know if you have any more questions about the service procedure - I'll be more than happy to share any lessons learned!

-Greg
95 MTX

 

[RStalveyARFF]

here's a word of advice: heat unsticks anything MAPP gas is my favorite.

 

[Hubes]

i have the kyb gr2 eibach set up. just got it doen last week. i don't have any complaints

 

[hooterville]

Monroe Sensatrac Struts are perfect for just driving. They take a couple hours to install and come with a lifetime warranty. They cost about $65/piece from Advance Auto Parts.

 

[Challenger]

Thanks for all the replys, I could use all the help I can get!! Getting ready to order the springs and struts soon and want to make it a one time shot!

SHO91MTX are you saying you use heat on the pinch bolts/knuckles? I have been told to use heat ( torch) from a few diffrent repair people but I just dont feel good heating gas filled stuts.

Thanks for all the impute!!!!! Paul